An Early History of Glamour Photography

In the 18th and 19th centuries the classical arts were very much admired; sculptures and paintings showing the naked body were the major part of art gallery and museum exhibitions. However the Victorians were strict on morality, and in the family home a portrait of the Queen, a framed religious tract or a landscape print would be the normal pictures to grace their sitting room. No nudes here!

Soon after the invention of the photographic process by Daguerre in the 1830's the first nude photographs were created. These early photographs were intended to provide reference material for painters and sculptors. Many of the early nude photographs were posed in the manner of classic oil paintings to make them more acceptable to critics of this art form.

The technical process in the early years required extremely long exposures, so the nude model often had to stay extremely still for up to ten while the shutter remained open. The pose of the model was often contrived. Theatrical settings were used - the chaise-longue covered in heavy brocade, floral drapes, large classical urns and other paraphernalia were used to set the scene.

The reality of the photographic image was considered quite ugly at this time, so the closer the photographer could make the photograph resemble a classical painting the less likely he was to be accused of creating something obscene. The model who was to pose unclothed was considered immoral, and 'respectable' women rarely posed in the nude during the early days of photography.

The pin-up nude image, designed for titillation, made its appearance in the mid 1800's in the form of the daguerreotype photograph. Erotic postcards, many created in France, were extremely popular and were the beginning of the pornographic industry we know today.

The emergence of the glamorous pin-up photograph came about because not only was the female form revealed in all its splendour, but it also allowed the model a chance to put her own personality into the picture.

In this way the nude photograph caused a sexual response from the viewer as well as an appreciation of the artistry of the picture. Erotic postcards enjoyed considerable popularity at turn of the 20th century. Although they were called postcards, they were not sent through the post as this was illegal. They could be obtained, by those in the know, from suppliers in every walk of life who were out to make money from a profitable trade.

The majority of the pin-up cards were mild by today's standards. They were created to show a pleasing image which would and stimulate the viewer. These images, which can still be seen today, have innocence about them. Although often saucy, they are not the blatant images seen in the top-shelf magazines around today.

In spite of the contrived coy poses of the models these vintage photographs have great charm. The use of a primitive lens, slow film and daylight studios created a luminous quality which any glamour photographers would be happy to achieve in their work today.

 An Early History of Glamour Photography

In the 18th and 19th centuries the classical arts were very much admired; sculptures and paintings showing the naked body were the major part of art gallery and museum exhibitions. However the Victorians were strict on morality, and in the family home a portrait of the Queen, a framed religious tract or a landscape print would be the normal pictures to grace their sitting room. No nudes here!

Soon after the invention of the photographic process by Daguerre in the 1830's the first nude photographs were created. These early photographs were intended to provide reference material for painters and sculptors. Many of the early nude photographs were posed in the manner of classic oil paintings to make them more acceptable to critics of this art form.

The technical process in the early years required extremely long exposures, so the nude model often had to stay extremely still for up to ten while the shutter remained open. The pose of the model was often contrived. Theatrical settings were used - the chaise-longue covered in heavy brocade, floral drapes, large classical urns and other paraphernalia were used to set the scene.

The reality of the photographic image was considered quite ugly at this time, so the closer the photographer could make the photograph resemble a classical painting the less likely he was to be accused of creating something obscene. The model who was to pose unclothed was considered immoral, and 'respectable' women rarely posed in the nude during the early days of photography.

The pin-up nude image, designed for titillation, made its appearance in the mid 1800's in the form of the daguerreotype photograph. Erotic postcards, many created in France, were extremely popular and were the beginning of the pornographic industry we know today.

The emergence of the glamorous pin-up photograph came about because not only was the female form revealed in all its splendour, but it also allowed the model a chance to put her own personality into the picture.

In this way the nude photograph caused a sexual response from the viewer as well as an appreciation of the artistry of the picture. Erotic postcards enjoyed considerable popularity at turn of the 20th century. Although they were called postcards, they were not sent through the post as this was illegal. They could be obtained, by those in the know, from suppliers in every walk of life who were out to make money from a profitable trade.

The majority of the pin-up cards were mild by today's standards. They were created to show a pleasing image which would and stimulate the viewer. These images, which can still be seen today, have innocence about them. Although often saucy, they are not the blatant images seen in the top-shelf magazines around today.

In spite of the contrived coy poses of the models these vintage photographs have great charm. The use of a primitive lens, slow film and daylight studios created a luminous quality which any glamour photographers would be happy to achieve in their work today.