Digital Boudoir Photography : A Step-by-step Guide to ... - Ken Gilbert

48 Digital Boudoir Photography
Good Expressions
Famous portrait and wedding photographer, Donald Jack
coined an expression he called “E.S.P.,” which stands for
“Expressions Sell Photographs.” Even if you are just photographing
for fun, it applies to you. The greatest and
sexiest image in the world will be worthless without a
great expression on your model. How do you get great
expressions? First, of course, you have to build trust and
develop rapport. You have to give her permission to act a
bit crazy at times. You can do that by acting a bit crazy
yourself. Encourage her by telling her how great she looks
and making comments like “I love that expression” or
“Oh that is really cute.” Talk to her. Tell her jokes. Give
her scenes to play out. Avoid being crude, even if she is
your wife or girlfriend. Encourage her without trying to
sound sexy, which would come off poorly. Treat her with
respect. Talk to her like you would want any other man
talking to her. When she feels beautiful and sexy and special,
you will see it in her eyes. Her expressions will be
wonderful and will make your photographs even better.
Some women are comfortable in front of a camera from
the very beginning. With others, it takes time and
encouragement on your part to bring that out. Stephanie
demonstrates a large variety of expressions below and on
the following pages.