HOW TO: boudouir photography

One thing we all want is good solid advice on how to make better pictures. And one of the few perks of adjunct teaching is the occasional free desk copy of a textbook I have absolutely no use for. It's usually a pretty direct path from my mailbox to the sales desk at Powell's, but Digital Boudoir Photography is a book that stays around for it's practical "step-by-step guide to creating fabulous images of any woman." I figure I should share the wealth:

- On using your car in the shot:
"The next step is to clean out all of the clutter. the car doesn't have to be perfectly clean inside, but old fast food bags and CDs lying about will detract from the photograph you are creating. The outside of the car and the windows should be reasonably clean. Either do it yourself or take it to a car wash. Once the car is clean, decide on a costume or two. Mini dresses, lingerie, swimwear, or even a pair of overalls will work. Think in terms of what is sexy to you about a car. A bit of thigh showing as a woman gets out of the car in a short skirt is one thing. Showing cleavage while bending over to work on the car is another. Then there is bending over to retrieve something from the car. All of these ideas show a bit of the private side of a woman, and that is what makes them sexy."

Other tips from the top: placing a bathtub outdoors, using a feather boa, creating a "sexy secretary" scenario, and using a hand mixer to make large batches of bubbles. And remember, when draping your model in caution tape, "you should be careful when wrapping to keep it professional and not be 'grabby' or accidentally brush your hand against her. Your photographs may suffer if she does not appreciate the familiarity, because it will be difficult for her to conceal her feelings while posing. The expressions will definitely show her discomfort. the reputation you develop as a photographer is based on how you behave. Even if the model is your wife or girlfriend, keep it professional."