By, Jessica Lark Amherst Media, $27.95, 120 pages For anyone who considers photography a potential career, Elegant Boudoir Photography is a nice addition to their libraries and reading lists. The art of boudoir photography is a branch of photography that may or may not appeal, yet it should be part of a professional’s basic knowledge. Author Jessica Lark considers herself an artist rather than a photographer, and she urges anyone in a similar business to do so as well. Her book deals with every aspect of boudoir photography except professional equipment. It’s filled with images, mostly sensual and provocative, entirely of young women.
“This book is for the photographer who has an intense passion for the female figure…”
She claims that her book is mostly for less experienced photographers and beginners. To define a photographer’s style, she presents a detailed exercise for you to start with. In the boudoir setting, she incorporates, among other things, touch, scent, taste, erotic spirit, and music to put her subjects in the right mood. Many photo examples illustrate such settings. She discusses the all-important hair, makeup, and wardrobe. Under posing, she illustrates fifty-two examples with explanation for each. Under lighting, she has five more examples to learn from. All subjects are highly posed, none appears natural, and the artistry of her photography is less than outstanding, though technically very good. Reviewed by, George Erdosh
