Lights, Cameras, Action, Sexy Pic Tips for Sex Workers and Beyond

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So you wanna see yourself in bright lights and pictures? Well let’s get to it with lights, cameras, action and my take on sexy pic tips for sex workers and beyond!

I’m rather excited to lighten up a little with this bit of writing that I believe will help you put your best foot forward. Tips not only for the “would be’s” out there, but anyone else that feels they would like a little more oomph in their own presentations.

I’ll apologize in advance for this possibly being a lengthy read, but practice makes perfect, and knowledge is key!

Looking Good Makes You Feel Good

Let’s be clear……… Looking good makes you feel good, and this truly is reflected in photos. Images presented not only in digital format but for print and film as well. Ok I’m old school and still love the artistry behind film production. The creation of fantasy versus reality, or shall I say fantasy “into” reality.

This fabrication that for the most part requires a certain degree of pre-production, real time, and post-editing. Elements that many folks out there, just aren’t that conscious of. Reminding you all, it takes a great deal of work to do. Work!

Read my article on Sex Work as Real Work…..

A Photographer To Capture You At Your Glamorous Best

Before I dive in, I want to make it VERY clear that using a photographer to capture you at your glamorous best, is not that simple. I’ll tell you a few reasons why.

The brutal truth is there are NOT a lot photographers out there that know what they are doing when it comes to glamour shots. Let alone shots that sell the commodity you, and portray the sex you are trying to sell.

There’s lighting to consider. Some just never get it right and make you look like a beached bloated whale, playing up the imperfections you so desperately wanted to downplay.

A Keen Eye To Get You At Your Sexy Best

Their lack of equipment. Yes you heard me right! Some think that a cell phone is all they need to capture your assets. It requires a good camera with multiple lenses, lights, tripods, reflectors, and a keen eye to get you at your sexy best. And confidence.

A lot of photographers, new, and seasoned, are just not comfortable shooting content that is predicted to stimulate the viewer. Immature to be honest. You’ll need a confident individual to stand behind that camera and direct you to look your absolute best, at any angle.

I found the best photographers, will find you, and offer to work with you in a TFP situation. That means “trade for print”. To know if they are good, ask for examples to look at. Be it a website or actual images. Study their lighting, camera angles, how they capture the subject, whether or not it is appealing. A good shutterbug will help direct you.

I have 6 I can trust and feel comfortable with to walk buck naked in front of, or pose in compromising positions and outfits.

If you are using sites like Model Mayhem to connect, read the comments, and study their pics. BTW this site is also good to have a look at what others are getting up to with regards to posing and confidence in front of the camera. It takes a lot of gumption to get it going on.

Predators…..

There’s a LOT of predators out there, and camera folks are no different. They see you, and figure an easy mark for a freebie as your foray starts to take shape. Beware and be aware, these creeps exist. 

They’ll try anything to coerce you into putting out. From manipulation to outright 3AM phone calls berating you with threats if you don’t have them over and that you’ll never amount to anything. 

I know, it happened! Lesson learned…….

Do your research on them, and be true to the negotiation process to set your boundaries. YOU are in control here. 

Make sure you get what you both are after, and maintain control of the images taken. Some will use them without your consent or knowledge. Study the finer details of the photography industry with regards to ownership of images, it gets dicey. 

Model Mayhem is a great resource.

Time to lighten up…….

Ready? Lights, camera, action!

Nails, Hair and Make-up

  • Make sure you are done to the nines! You are selling yourself, no one likes a slob when it comes to sexy. 
  • A good makeup palette and brushes
  • Body makeup
  • Glitter
  • Hair supplies, gel, spray, rollers, curling irons, blowdryer
  • Body lotion for shine and sheen, just not on the face, unless warranted
  • Beautifully manicured and pedicured nails, clients notice this shit  
  • If the “professionals” have issues, you probably don’t want them touching you! They’re not professional…
  • Think about finer details. Primp and preen yourself, or get your trusted professional to help out
  • Be honest with what your intentions are.

Your Body

  • We all have different body types, and that’s what you’re trying to sell, your unique you! Own it and be comfortable with it. 
  • Do not try to portray something you aren’t. Clients, friends and family will see it reflected.
  • Keep your gym regimen happening, if you have one.
  • Keep yourself well groomed

Your Clothes 

  • Wear what you will during a session, or what you want to attract the viewer. Make it classy, not trashy. Glamour sells, and you don’t want to be remembered as the tawdry one. It has its time and place. 
  • Keep your clothes clean
  • High heels in good condition, clients might want to buy these to
  • Keep in mind most sites won’t have you advertise with them if you are blatant with your imagery, no nudity. 
  • There are also laws and legislation fast coming into effect when associated with sex work that limit what you can do.

Your Setting

  • Make sure there no unwanted objects, people or animals in the blocked view, make it tight and about you
  • Keep your location clean

Camera Angles, Body Position, and a Mirror 

  • If you’re without a trusted photographer, get yourself a tall mirror you can reference yourself in. Position it at a distance from yourself so you can see all of your body, and pose accordingly. 
  • Look straight into the camera, to soften a face and attitude look up to the camera, to strengthen a face and attitude look down to the camera (most men and dominants use this technique) 
  • Stretch your neck, avoid double chins
  • Elongate your body as much as possible
  • Make your pose comfortable, not strained, it will translate into the camera
  • Point your toes
  • Flex your muscles
  • Show your best assets
  • Utilize the timer on the camera at this point and proof what you can

Equipment 

  • This can cost a pretty penny, thousands even. Aside from your cell phone, get a digital camera, preferably mirrorless (its almost the only option soon). 
  • Get lenses, a wide angle, and a prime lens. Sometimes you can get both in one for efficiency’s sake. 
  • Lights in the form of panels and a soft box (to soften the harshness of the lights). LED light panels are fast becoming the popular choice
  • Spot lights.
  • Fill lights, and these can be a simple lamp without a shade. You may need them under a chin or for hair or…..
  • a fan for the heat everything gives off
  • replacement bulbs
  • replacement batteries
  • timers
  • a good computer with a good editing suite, I would also suggest tethering your camera to the computer so you can see your shots in real time as you take them, proofing them. Delete as you go along, they take up a LOT of space on hard drives.
  • I’ve listed quite a few on my own page for you to reference

Reference Material

  • Posing books; This is where I highly recommend investing in some posing books. Amazon has a great selection!
  • Lighting books, more at Amazon
  • Old Hollywood movie stars are great reference for posing and attitude, and they were also masters of lighting. Get some books of your choosing. I love Marlene Dietrich and reference her a lot,, but you can choose your own to emulate. i.e. Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe, Joan Crawford, Marlon Brando, Clark Gable………

Honestly this list goes on and on, but with a little research and some well spent time, you’ll do great!!

Look forward to seeing you up in lights!

Enticingly Yours

Velvet Steele