THE TIMELESS APPEAL OF BLACK AND WHITE BOUDOIR PORTRAITS
Celebrating diverse beauty
Art is an incredibly subjective thing and when you first go about choosing a Photographer to photograph your Boudoir Experience it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the sheer number of options out there.
We always suggest that the most important thing to do is to find a photographer who’s style resonates with you.
Are the pictures you see online the kind of pictures you’d love to have of yourself?
Everyone has a different opinion on what they like from pictures. Some just don’t see the world in a very visual way and literally have no clue as to what makes a good or ‘bad’ picture. As a photographer, I find these kind of people quite frustrating since I view the world very visually. I watch films and see exquisite use of lighting setups and others just don’t care about piffling little details as ‘cinematography’.
I get some funny looks when I mention the 3 distinctly different lighting styles used in the three different ‘High School Musical’ movies.
We all see things differently and that’s the wonderful thing about being human.
Some people don’t care about colour toning or ‘styling’ and some people are more opinionated about that kind of stuff.
Do you prefer Black and White or colour, or doesn’t it matter?
Of course, there’s no right or wrong answer to this question, it’s ‘art’ after all and what’s important is what you like.
So, this article is about choosing between the vibrant palette of full-colour and the more nostalgic, classic style of black and white which you’ll see quite a lot of when you go searching for your Boudoir Photographer.
The popularity of Black and White photography is more so in Boudoir than any other genre of photography (with the exception of ‘Documentary wedding’ styles).
What are some of the advantages of Monochrome?
Simplicity - Black and white photography strips away the distractions of colour, leaving an image which allows you to focus more on other elements such as the lines and curves and texture which can be an advantage when it comes to looking at pictures of the human form. Every body is unique and ‘curves’ are something we as Boudoir Photographers are always trying to emphasise and enhance. So, taking something away, such as colour, allows us to focus more on the other things, such as ‘shape’.
A classic window lit nude which, arguably, works better in Black and white to focus more on the curves of the womans’ breasts, arch of her back and the texture of the bricks. A colour image may make her blend too much into her surroundings.
‘Timeless/Classic’ - Black and white imagery carries with it a ‘timeless’ quality that is very different to modern trends. It is reminiscent of the golden era of Glamorous Hollywood Legends and Boudoir photography, in particular, seems to benefit from this classic aesthetic. The absence of colour trends ensures that these images remain relevant and captivating across generations, resulting in an appeal which will never date.
Accentuating Form and Texture: Monochrome photography excels in accentuating the subtle interplay of light and shadow. In the boudoir setting, where sensuality is heightened through the subtle nuances of form and texture, black and white imagery serves to illustrate the more tactile qualities of the subject.
Every curve, every contour, and every bit of texture is shown in the interplay of shadows and lightness of the image
Emotional Impact: Removing the distraction of colour allows us to focus more on the emotional impact and story behind each image. It creates an intimate atmosphere where emotions take centre stage, allowing us to connect on a deeper, more visceral level. The absence of colour brings with it a heightened sense of vulnerability and authenticity.
Artistic Expression and Creativity: For photographers, black and white photography offers a kind of playground for artistic expression. It challenges us to explore composition, contrast, and lighting in a way that colour may not. In the boudoir genre, this artistic freedom allows us to craft images that are not just visually striking but emotionally resonant as well.
The choice between colour and black and white pictures for your Boudoir Photoshoot is undoubtedly subjective. However, the enduring charm of monochrome images lies in their ability to transcend the ephemeral nature of trends, capturing the essence of intimacy in a timeless and universal language.
We would certainly recommend that if you connect with black and white images such as the ones you see on this page, then you could consider taking the leap with your Boudoir Book and creating it entirely in Black and White, printed on our luxurious rich Matte archival paper, especially designed for black and white prints and really make your book stand out as an art piece. Most of our clients get all the digitals as well so you’ll still own all the colour versions in this format but your book will be uncompromising in quality.
There's something inherently seductive about the simplicity and elegance of black and white, especially when we are surrounded by an overdose of colour everywhere we look. It forces us to focus on the ‘moment’, highlighting the emotions and capturing the true spirit of the subject. Monochrome can work wonders, accentuating the curves and shadows that define a woman's unique beauty. The timeless charm of black and white transcends trends, creating photographs that are not just visually stunning but eternally glamorous.
