Definitions of the Various Types of Photo Sessions

Swimwear: The model is wearing bathing suits of various kinds, some of which might be quite skimpy. The model’s nipples are not exposed however.

Glamour: Usually high key (white background) shots in exaggerated and teasing poses wearing very stylish clothing

or lingerie. Often the model is topless or partially nude.

Lingerie: Model is wearing lingerie which is usually sheer. The models body is somewhat visible through the

Sheer fabric but usually only hints of nipples and buttocks are shown.

Implied Nude: The model is partly or completely nude but in the finished picture nipples and genitalia are hidden by the pose. Buttocks are usually hidden as well but may be shown from the side.

Body Painting: This consists of an artist painting the model’s nude body such that it looks like she is wearing clothing (usually a swimsuit). The model needs to be completely nude during painting, but when photographed afterwards it’s hard to tell she’s just wearing paint.

Flashing (AKA “Snap and Dash”): This is a type of situation photography where the model is photographed in a public place exposing parts of her body. In some cases no one else is around and in other cases the model may be totally nude on a crowded street.

Artistic Nude: The model is completely nude but posed in an artistic, classy way such that there isn’t a sexual connotation associated with the picture. Breasts and buttocks are usually shown but the genitalia are not visible (perhaps a hint). Also, the model’s eyes are not usually on the camera.

Erotic Nude (or Adult Nude): The model is completely nude and posed in a sexually suggestive way such that there is a clear sexual connotation associated with the picture. The genitalia are clearly shown usually with the legs open.

Pin-up style: This is a style that was popularized in the 1940s and 50s. The definition is fairly loose but generally consists of the model clothed (or partly clothed) in undergarments and set in a fairly contrived environment. The background is generally white or light colored and usually contains only simple elements like a single chair or bed. The model’s facial expression is very important and can range from surprise to embarrassment to flirtatious to seductive but is always exaggerated.

Maxim style: Mostly swimsuit and lingerie pictures with no visible nipples, buttocks and certainly no genitalia.

Playboy style: Classy erotic nude shots. Breasts and buttocks are the focus of attention. Often the genitalia are shown but are not the center of attention in the picture.

Penthouse style: Erotic nude shots. The genitalia are almost always shown and are often the center of attention in the picture. Sometimes sexual contact is also included.