Photographer
Modelphilia
Posts: 1002
Hilo, Hawaii, US
Though this topic has been discussed somewhat obliquely in other threads, I've seen nothing that asks the question directly.
What, to you, makes a shot a "glamour-shot"? What would its elements likely include?
This is obviously a topic for anyone who is interested to speak to, but I'm also ESPECIALLY WANTING TO HEAR FROM MODELS what you have in mind when you say that you want to shoot glamour work.
Model
J Jessica
Posts: 2431
Coconut Creek, Florida, US
Glamour leads me to imagine pretty make-up, fancy smancy hair and cutesy poses. 
Photographer
Marin Photo NYC
Posts: 7348
New York, New York, US
Glamour photography is a genre of photography in which the subjects, usually female, are portrayed in a sexually alluring manner.
The subject may be fully clothed or semi-nude, but glamour photography stops short of overtly sexually arousing the viewer and being pornographic. The term is also used as a euphemism for erotic photography.
Photographer
Giuseppe Luzio
Posts: 5834
New York, New York, US
When you can see in the photo the person not only looks Glamorous, but shows an indication the he or she FEELS glamorous. Glamour is the look of feeling like Marilyn Monroe for a woman.  hope that helps a little
Photographer
Giuseppe Luzio
Posts: 5834
New York, New York, US
Marin Photography NYC wrote:
Glamour photography is a genre of photography in which the subjects, usually female, are portrayed in a sexually alluring manner.
The subject may be fully clothed or semi-nude, but glamour photography stops short of overtly sexually arousing the viewer and being pornographic. The term is also used as a euphemism for erotic photography. not at all...
that's more of an assessment of Boudoir....
sorry to contradict =P
Model
Ashley Riot
Posts: 122
Chicago, Illinois, US
I guess I have an odd perception of glamour, because I always associated it with a very high fashion look. Absolutely perfect skin, hair, make-up, clothing, clean editing. Something you'd see on the cover of Vogue.
Model
Jen B
Posts: 4474
Phoenix, Arizona, US
Mystic Flow Studios wrote:
Though this topic has been discussed somewhat obliquely in other threads, I've seen nothing that asks the question directly.
What, to you, makes a shot a "glamour-shot"? What would its elements likely include?
This is obviously a topic for anyone who is interested to speak to, but I'm also especially wanting to hear from models what you have in mind when you say that you want to shoot glamour work. I think Glamour photography is where the subject looks like they want to get down. Right?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiBHAQP9WY8
Jen
Model
Jen B
Posts: 4474
Phoenix, Arizona, US
Ashley Riot wrote:
I guess I have an odd perception of glamour, because I always associated it with a very high fashion look. Absolutely perfect skin, hair, make-up, clothing, clean editing. Something you'd see on the cover of Vogue. Hi,
Glamorous is not what Glamour photography is about, (Glamour photography is about selling lust,) but what you describe is actually editorial. edit: okay, I just read that it is about sex appeal, not sex but, um, let me add some links of descriptions to see the consensus.) --Oh, dear...just do an image search on google for "glamour modeling."
Just found a quick link:
http://modelmentors.com/types-of-modeling/
Photographer
Modelphilia
Posts: 1002
Hilo, Hawaii, US
Marin Photography NYC wrote:
Glamour photography is a genre of photography in which the subjects, usually female, are portrayed in a sexually alluring manner.
The subject may be fully clothed or semi-nude, but glamour photography stops short of overtly sexually arousing the viewer and being pornographic. The term is also used as a euphemism for erotic photography. That was more or less my understanding too, but the term seems to also be getting applied in some places to photography that makes the subject look "glamourous", but may not be sensual or sexually alluring at all, and there seems to be a fair amount of confusion among models and the public.
Giuseppe Luzio wrote:
When you can see in the photo the person not only looks Glamorous, but shows an indication the he or she FEELS glamorous.
Glamour is the look of feeling like Marilyn Monroe for a woman. . . . I'd tend to agree more with Jen B's view below:
MB Jen B wrote:
Glamorous is not what Glamour photography is about . . .
Just found a quick link:
http://modelmentors.com/types-of-modeling/ That's a useful distinction, and here's the pertinent part of the info on that link, also useful:
"GLAMOUR MODEL: Glamour modeling focuses much more on the model’s appeal, beauty, and body than it does anything else. Models in this category are considered very pretty; able to book work simply by being attractive, a nice body, and having a sort of “sex appeal”. While there are no height or size requirements, glamour models DO have to be at least 18 years old. Glamour models can work as non-nude models, or as nude models."
"▪ Non-nude glamour models are typically hired to appear in swimsuit, bikini, lingerie, and form-fitting attire. Often times they will find work in magazines, music videos, calendars, etc. They can find work as a freelance model, and they can also find other work through modeling agencies as a print model, commercial model, or promo model."
Photographer
Good Egg Productions
Posts: 16713
Orlando, Florida, US
Grit City Pinups wrote:
Eye contact I agree, for the most part, although the majority of my glamour is not eye contact.
How I define "glamour" is imagery to evoke a desire of the viewer for the person in the image. I stop short of calling it sexual desire because then that lumps in all of pornography, however there almost always is a sexual component to it. I'd argue that some glamour is pornographic, but not all pornography is glamour.
So, if the image promotes more about the model than the clothing or environment, then I say it's glamour.
Photographer
Marin Photo NYC
Posts: 7348
New York, New York, US
Mystic Flow Studios wrote:
"▪ Non-nude glamour models are typically hired to appear in swimsuit, bikini, lingerie, and form-fitting attire. Often times they will find work in magazines, music videos, calendars, etc. They can find work as a freelance model, and they can also find other work through modeling agencies as a print model, commercial model, or promo model." Non nude glamour models - work through agencies? Not if they are short, not for print either or commercial photography. Freelance if you are short is pretty much the only option unfortunately. Most agencies want fashion models that are 5'10. Typically glamour models are very short and curvy.
Photographer
Marin Photo NYC
Posts: 7348
New York, New York, US
Giuseppe Luzio wrote:
not at all...
that's more of an assessment of Boudoir....
sorry to contradict =P I would argue that there isn't a difference between the two. LOL
When I think of Glamour "today" I think of Maxim and Playboy because it is more erotic. Just a sign of the times. Lots of sex appeal, eye candy, and a little erotic.
Hollywood glamour of old isn't glamour today. It's evolved I think anyway and possibly not done in as tasteful a manor of the "old" glamour.
Photographer
Connor Photography
Posts: 8539
Newark, Delaware, US
Glamor has to have the look of "Fucck me now, I am waiting".
Photographer
Marin Photo NYC
Posts: 7348
New York, New York, US
Giuseppe Luzio wrote:
When you can see in the photo the person not only looks Glamorous, but shows an indication the he or she FEELS glamorous.
Glamour is the look of feeling like Marilyn Monroe for a woman.
hope that helps a little I would say that today that would fall under beauty.
Today's glamour is cheesy and sexy in tiny outfits - think eye candy. LOL
Model
Jen B
Posts: 4474
Phoenix, Arizona, US
Connor Photography wrote:
Glamor has to have the look of "Fucck me now, I am waiting". Exactly as I understand it.
I've read Udor's description of:
"Fashion look = F you."
"Glamour look = F me."
Right?
Jen
Photographer
Marin Photo NYC
Posts: 7348
New York, New York, US
MB Jen B wrote:
Exactly as I understand it.
I've read Udor's description of:
"Fashion look = F you."
"Glamour look = F me."
Right?
Jen That was Stefano.
Photographer
alessandro2009
Posts: 8091
Florence, Toscana, Italy
Marin Photography NYC wrote:
Glamour photography is a genre of photography in which the subjects, usually female, are portrayed in a sexually alluring manner.
The subject may be fully clothed or semi-nude. +1
The funny thing is that you do not need to think at peculiar poses for obtain a certain effect, since is the same female being that exudes sensuality, so maybe could be preferable to use the term sensuality instead of alluring.
Photographer
Vector One Photography
Posts: 3722
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US
Grit City Pinups wrote:
Eye contact I somewhat agree but even in portraits there is eye contact, you know... when they say the eyes follow you around the room, but they are not glamour shots.
Maybe eye contact with an alluring or sexual overall tone ? Maybe it's glamour if it makes the viewer envious ? Either envious to look like the model or be with the model ?
Edit: from Webster's online:
n. 1. A charm affecting the eye, making objects appear different from what they really are.
2. Witchcraft; magic; a spell.
3. A kind of haze in the air, causing things to appear different from what they really are.
The air filled with a strange, pale glamour that seemed to lie over the broad valley.
- W. Black.
4. Any artificial interest in, or association with, an object, through which it appears delusively magnified or glorified.
Model
Jen B
Posts: 4474
Phoenix, Arizona, US
Marin Photography NYC wrote:
That was Stefano. Oh!  Thank you for the correction.
Photographer
AJ_In_Atlanta
Posts: 13053
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Glamour is selling the model not the garments, products, lifestyle, or story.
Photographer
Philipe
Posts: 5302
Pomona, California, US
Marin Photography NYC wrote:
Glamour photography is a genre of photography in which the subjects, usually female, are portrayed in a sexually alluring manner.
The subject may be fully clothed or semi-nude, but glamour photography stops short of overtly sexually arousing the viewer and being pornographic. The term is also used as a euphemism for erotic photography. I disagree...
That's more of a form of pin up modeling, like playboy, Maxim, bikini posters,
Anything a guy pins up on his wall..........Most guys don't care if the girl is wearing makeup or hair done, they just want to see boobs.. Thats not glamour.
Glamour is fashion with makeup and hair done..
Like Chanel, Versace, Thierry Mugler...
Glamour is fashion.
Photographer
Philipe
Posts: 5302
Pomona, California, US
AJScalzitti wrote:
Glamour is selling the model not the garments, products, lifestyle, or story. no
Coco Chanel made history using glamour to sell her clothes..
and her perfume....
Its just a bottle but Chanel No5 is very glamorous, perhaps the most glamorous perfume in history..
Not garments or life style or story???
What planet are you from?
Dior= glamour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXrWiJcmvBI
Photographer
Philipe
Posts: 5302
Pomona, California, US
Giuseppe Luzio wrote:
When you can see in the photo the person not only looks Glamorous, but shows an indication the he or she FEELS glamorous.
Glamour is the look of feeling like Marilyn Monroe for a woman.
hope that helps a little NAILED IT!
Photographer
Modelphilia
Posts: 1002
Hilo, Hawaii, US
Thanks to all who have posted so far! It's starting to get interesting to see where the photographers (at least) differ with one another, and the variety of concepts they attach to the genre. No wonder there's no common understanding of the term anymore!
MODELS? Where are you on this?
More models' responses as to how YOU tend to think of the genre and what it comprises would be helpful to round out this little survey.
Photographer
Modelphilia
Posts: 1002
Hilo, Hawaii, US
Ashley Riot wrote:
I guess I have an odd perception of glamour, because I always associated it with a very high fashion look. Absolutely perfect skin, hair, make-up, clothing, clean editing. Something you'd see on the cover of Vogue. Maybe not that odd, as others at least consider it to connote "glamorous".
So, for you, is there nothing sensual/erotic/alluring about the genre?
Photographer
Marin Photo NYC
Posts: 7348
New York, New York, US
Philipe wrote:
I disagree...
That's more of a form of pin up modeling, like playboy, Maxim, bikini posters,
Anything a guy pins up on his wall..........Most guys don't care if the girl is wearing makeup or hair done, they just want to see boobs.. Thats not glamour.
Glamour is fashion with makeup and hair done..
Like Chanel, Versace, Thierry Mugler...
Glamour is fashion. If it's wrong then maybe call Webster and Wikipedia and correct the dictionary because that's where it came from.... Those are not my words...
Photographer
TMA Photo and Training
Posts: 1009
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US
Some elements of the Glamour photos for me include:
1. The model used is usually very attractive by general standards.
2. The Makeup in the image is usually very, very well done.
3. The hair is usually perfectly styled and perfectly in place or appropriately just right messy.
4. The wardrobe may have a "designers look" in certain genres of Glamour (The kind of glamour you see in magazine, editorial or hollywood or classy glamour shots)
5. In the other genre of Glamour images...the wardrobe is usually a bikini or revealing lingerie (The kind of glamour that protrays the bikini, the babe, the pool or beach, elegant lingerie, and featuring "mostly skin" but hardly ever any kind of full reveal.)
6. The images "Skin Tones" are always perfect beautiful playboyish yellow/orange/or beautiful black.
7. For the magazine, hollywood kind of glamour... jewelery is often prominent and opulent. Shots often feature or include... designer addictions or hints of exclusive sexual connotations...but rarely protrayals.
8. For the beach, pool, babe, or lingerie kind of glamour....the pool/beach location is prominent....or the sheeted bed...or the uptown exclusive look at midnight.
9. Glamour shots often seem to be shot with studio quality flash or perfectly exposed and with perfect skin tones. Usually very good location or technical quality.
10. Most all Glamour shots have a soft... not overtly... sexy look, message or appeal.
11. Glamour images often feature models that are usually "way out of my league"...would be nice to have...but not likely... for the average joe or jane...like me the viewer. WOW!
12. The Glamour shot usually protrays the model in a swank, expensive, flashy, exclusive, sparkley, exotic, vacation-land, resort, uptown or shiny, glitzy world. Glamour lifestyles are usually protrayed as rich or exclusive upscale locations or activities.
13. Strong glamour images are usually cast, and propped, and locationed, and styled, and shot, and messaged to to say...this is what the rich, exclusive, beautiful people look like and do...dont you wish you could join me, and have me, and my good looks, for your own lifestyle someday?
Theres obviously more than this...but this is how it seems to me some.
Photographer
Modelphilia
Posts: 1002
Hilo, Hawaii, US
TMA Photo and Retouch wrote:
Some elements of the Glamour photos for me include:
1. . . .
13. . . .
Theres obviously more than this.... Wow! Thanks for all the considerations. The pool suddenly got deeper!
Photographer
Modelphilia
Posts: 1002
Hilo, Hawaii, US
Thanks for your input Alexis.
I've most often heard glamour used either in the "Playboy"-style context, or else somewhat synonymously with "boudoir", especially when offered to ordinary women looking for a flattering and somewhat sensual portrait. However, I recently saw a photographer's site offering the service, and showing sample images of men and women, completely clothed, and just looking a bit upscale and glorified with MU, etc.
Trying here to get an idea of how broadly the category is perceived, and what people think it includes, or what it brings to mind, especially for models.
Photographer
Click Hamilton
Posts: 36555
San Diego, California, US
MB Jen B wrote:
"Fashion look = F you."
"Glamour look = F me."
Right? Right.
This is the traditional definition.
Photographer
AJ_In_Atlanta
Posts: 13053
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Philipe wrote:
no
Coco Chanel made history using glamour to sell her clothes..
and her perfume....
Its just a bottle but Chanel No5 is very glamorous, perhaps the most glamorous perfume in history..
Not garments or life style or story???
What planet are you from?
Dior= glamour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXrWiJcmvBI I would not call that glamour at all, it was selling a product with a story and a lifestyle.
Photographer
Giuseppe Luzio
Posts: 5834
New York, New York, US
AJScalzitti wrote:
I would not call that glamour at all, it was selling a product with a story and a lifestyle. sorry to burst your bubble. Glamour is all about the story... If you aren't seeing a story in one glamour shot... you're overlooking MAJOR minor details...
you'll get it one day
Photographer
Giuseppe Luzio
Posts: 5834
New York, New York, US
Mystic Flow Studios wrote:
Marin Photography NYC wrote:
Glamour photography is a genre of photography in which the subjects, usually female, are portrayed in a sexually alluring manner.
The subject may be fully clothed or semi-nude, but glamour photography stops short of overtly sexually arousing the viewer and being pornographic. The term is also used as a euphemism for erotic photography. That was more or less my understanding too, but the term seems to also be getting applied in some places to photography that makes the subject look "glamourous", but may not be sensual or sexually alluring at all, and there seems to be a fair amount of confusion among models and the public.
Giuseppe Luzio wrote:
When you can see in the photo the person not only looks Glamorous, but shows an indication the he or she FEELS glamorous.
Glamour is the look of feeling like Marilyn Monroe for a woman. . . . I'd tend to agree more with Jen B's view below:
That's a useful distinction, and here's the pertinent part of the info on that link, also useful:
"GLAMOUR MODEL: Glamour modeling focuses much more on the model’s appeal, beauty, and body than it does anything else. Models in this category are considered very pretty; able to book work simply by being attractive, a nice body, and having a sort of “sex appeal”. While there are no height or size requirements, glamour models DO have to be at least 18 years old. Glamour models can work as non-nude models, or as nude models."
"▪ Non-nude glamour models are typically hired to appear in swimsuit, bikini, lingerie, and form-fitting attire. Often times they will find work in magazines, music videos, calendars, etc. They can find work as a freelance model, and they can also find other work through modeling agencies as a print model, commercial model, or promo model." sex appeal is possible without nudity...
Photographer
Modelphilia
Posts: 1002
Hilo, Hawaii, US
Giuseppe Luzio wrote:
sex appeal is possible without nudity... Of course, and no one has argued any differently.
Photographer
Philipe
Posts: 5302
Pomona, California, US
Marin Photography NYC wrote:
If it's wrong then maybe call Webster and Wikipedia and correct the dictionary because that's where it came from.... Those are not my words... If that's your authority in whats glamour...
That's pretty sad
Photographer
Philipe
Posts: 5302
Pomona, California, US
Photographer
Modelphilia
Posts: 1002
Hilo, Hawaii, US
Philipe wrote:
Are you serious?
You don't have a clue....
...
unbelievable.. Whoa!~ Easy on the personal attacks!
I think it's more the case that we've seen a variety of viewpoints expressed that all have something to do with glamour, and/or glamorousness. It's actually been getting pretty informative, in that not only are there various "blind men" describing the elephant by describing the parts they can feel [err..., so to speak], but we also have some people working on camels. There's room for all those views.
I think we've uncovered the fact that there are not only cross-generational and cross-cultural differences in the meaning of the term "glamour" itself, but there are a lot of alternate realities out there, parallel universes of glamour photography and also that which is more broadly seen as being glamourous, all coexisting alongside one another in what is our contemporary reality. We're just finding out what it contains. Pretty different realities, eh?
As this discussion continues, it would be useful to remember that its focus is meant to be on *GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAPHY and MODELING*, not the much broader social-definition of what comprises glamour in general.
Carry on . . . politely of course.
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Thank you for the correction.
