User:Slominski/Boudoir photography

Boudoir Pre WWII
Boudoir's first use was in early 20th century France with upper class women being captured in their private salons. Artistic movements during this time contributed widely to the sensual depictions of women in both public and private spaces. The Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements broke away from previous art movements by emphasizing glamour and natural form, in which boudoir fit in well showcasing feminine beauty. Photography became a more popular medium during this time, allowing boudoir to gain notoriety. Pieces focuses on romantic settings with alluring and intimate backgrounds. These themes follow the stylistic traits of boudoir throughout the 20th and 21st century. Notable photographers during this period are Jacques-Henri Lartigue and Jean Agélou, both of who focuses on erotic subject matter. In early 20th century boudoir was influenced by the Art Deco movement, feminist trends that saw the rise in female artists and subject matters beyond male depictions. The style still remained centered on upper class women and themes of elegance and glamour. Photographers of note during the early 20th century include Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Steichen, and Gertrude Käsebier. These photographers were from the pictorialism movement which moved away from the more scientific use of photography to an artistic expression. Pictorialism influenced boudoir style by expanding the use of photography for pleasure, so subject matters could be an expression of one's sensuality. During this time as women were able to explore roles beyond the home female artists like Imogen Cunningham and Dora Maar were able to use common stylistic themes of boudoir to add a feminine take on photography of the era.

Pin Up Girls
Pin up girls were an early indication of the style boudoir photography would lean into. First rising to prominence during World War I, the style focused on women dressed in suggestive or risque costumes Commercial use of pin up girls in magazines and posters was made possible by the boom in mass produced marketing products. The style of pin up differs from classical boudoir as pin up was used for commercial purposes in advertisements and marketing during the roaring 20's and especially during way eras of WWI and WWII. The golden age of pin up from the 1930s to 1950s with famous magazines such as Esquire and Life playing major roles in the widespread use of pin up photos. Prominent photographer Alberto Vargas led the campaign in his work with Esquire focuses on "Varga Girls" These images would remain a staple of the key stylistic components of pin and boudoir photography throughout the 20th century. Soldiers would keep mementos of pin up photos in their personal supplies to keep up moral. In addition, it became a common form of nose art on military planes for pin up images to be painted on as a way of identifying groups, and maintaining individuality.

Modern Uses
In the 21st century boudoir has taken a more personal use, in private photographers offering sessions for clients. This is a deviation from 20th century uses which had a more commercial presence in magazines and advertisements. Private sessions typically are formatted with a photographer and one subject, with other parties present to aid in the comfort of the subject. Sessions can be in the studio of the photographer or any place the subject feels comfortable like their home. Common outfits worn during sessions can be lingerie, costumes, or completely nude depending on the client.

Feminism
The motives behind engaging in boudoir photography vary from person to person. Common motives include women intending to gift the session photos to her partner, documentation of a place in time for the subject, and the personal experience of boudoir. Modern uses of boudoir have been linked to increase self empowerment, comfort in one's sexuality, and more positive self image. Studies on the mental effects of boudoir are structured around interviews with boudoir photographers and subjects. A key part of boudoir sessions is a consultation before the shoot where all parties can communicate comfort levels of clothing, settings, and poses. Subjects and photographers of boudoir have indicated that boundaries can, and commonly do, change during the shoot as comfort levels shift. Boudoir uses sensuality and sexiness of the client to produce sexual liberation