A reader recently asked me what is Burlesque Photography after seeing a few other boudoir photographers offering this service.
Intrigued myself; I decided to do a little research especially as the other photographers did not appear to be offering any additional services.
The dictionary definition refers to burlesque in the theatrical sense with dramatic clothing worn by the performer in a comedy role with dancing usually leading to a striptease.
The on-line Wikipedia gives a complete description of burlesque starting from its origins and how variations have arisen in Europe and America.
Burlesque performers, usually female, created lavish music hall sets with lush colourful costumes, music to set the mood and dramatic lighting. In its simplest forms burlesque means to literally “in an upside down style” thus turning what is considered socially normal in its heels.
In the 20th Century America burlesque became associated with variety shows with the striptease being the main attraction. Although the striptease originated in the Moulin Rouge in Paris in the 1890′s it subsequently became a part of burlesque across Europe.
Chicago… had a fierce pioneer gaiety that enlivened the senses, yet underlying it throbbed masculine loneliness. Counteracting this somatic ailment was a national distraction known as the burlesque show, consisting of a coterie of rough-and-tumble comedians supported by twenty or more chorus girls. Some were pretty, others shop worn. Some of the comedians were funny, most of the shows were smutty harem comedies—coarse and cynical affairs.
—Charles Chaplin, My Autobiography: 125–6
My interpretation of burlesque photograph is that it’s another form of boudoir glamour photography – just subtly different. Rather than wearing modern lingerie, your lingerie would be more elaborate – perhaps a period piece of retro lingerie, such as vintage pin up glamour. A few props such as a fan complete the image to create beautiful seductive burlesque photos.
American Pin-up and burlesque Queen Dita Von Tesse is driving the resurgence and bringing burlesque photography into the mainstream.
Be a tease with burlesque photography
The studio mask with feathers makes a great prop to tease your viewer.
Fishnet stockings are great for burlesque photography and make a great subject with her legs in their own right.
You’ll look perfect!
Click here to find out more about the wonderful phenomenon of boudoir photography
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Pat Bloomfield is your boudoir glamour photographer / artist. Years of experience and craftsmanship goes into every portrait he creates for you.
Imke Bloomfield is your make-up artist. A keen make-up practitioner trained by professional artists; she has a great flare for creating beautiful make-up especially for you.
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Hi
My name is Ben and I’m a man whos very interested in this type of photography and would love to know more about how I can get involved. I am inspired and looking to buy some photography equipment in the very near future, I can remember being a boy and becoming very attracted to pictures of Bettie Page and developed a fettish for sexy women in fishnet, I am being honest and shooting from the hip, so please don’t assume I am a pervert, I truly believe that women are genuinely beautiful in boudoir photography and I sincerely want to be a photographer and promoter of this style of Art,
Sicerely
Benjamin Visher
bvshr1@yahoo.com
Thank you for your thoughts Benjamin.
Bettie Page captures an innocence of a time past resulting in tasteful S&M imagery that were fun. I think that’s why she has endured and her images are still inspiring to this day.
I’m sure you realize there is much more to photography than owning the equipment. If you’re serious about becoming a photographer, especially photographing women, you really need to start with the basics. Consider doing a diploma in photography. As your skills improve you’ll have the confidence to work with models to build your skills further and start building a portfolio. Only when you have a portfolio and proven track record will you gain the confidence of potential clients. Your photography will evolve as you develop a true understanding of light and it nuances as well as posing skills – both are crucial is you wish to become an extra-ordinary photographer.
Good luck.
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