Using Shadows in Boudoir Photography

We have discussed lighting already here but one of my favourite techniques for creating tasteful, intriguing images is the absence of light - ie using shadows to conceal parts of the body or create abstract shapes out of the parts you can see.

Side Lighting

This technique really only works with low key (dark) scenes. If there is too much ambient light bouncing around you will struggle to get deep enough shadows for this to work. In fact the most time consuming activity for this kind of shot is blocking out all unwanted sources of light!

Lighting needs to be from the side and possibly a little behind the model. In a dark environment this means that the part of them the camera sees will be in shadow.

In the picture of Natalia above a softbox was placed 2-3' to her right. As you can see this has thrown her left hand side into darkness and sculpted her breasts, stomach and legs nicely. The use of a softbox has made the transition from light to dark relatively gradual and smooth.

The picture below was lit without a softbox and you will notice a harsher quality to the light. In this example the light was placed about 45 degrees behind the model; no light at all falls on the front, so the picture becomes a more abstract band of light as it passes over the back and hips.

 

 

There is more information on side lighting in the boudoir photography side lighting guide.

You can also find more examples in the gallery, eg Boudoir Photography Gallery 25, Boudoir Photography Gallery 23 or Boudoir Photography Gallery 22.

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