These are five most common misconceptions about erotic photography

Is erotic photography the same as porn? Is it something to be ashamed of? Even though it’s been around for ages, there are still many myths about this genre. In this video, photographer and writer Anete Lusina addresses some of the most common misconceptions about erotic photography. If you shoot it and you’re in any way insecure about your work, this is a must-watch.

Erotica is the same as porn

Believe it or not, many people still mix up these two terms. However, they are very far from each other. Anete explains it well: put simply, porn is something that satisfies a physical need, while erotica is more mentally stimulating and visually pleasing. Similarly, nude modeling is not the same as porn. So, in case you pose for erotic photos, that certainly doesn’t make you a porn star.

Erotica is only for men

From my own experience, this definitely isn’t true. I personally enjoy tasteful erotic photos. Just like images from any other genre, there are good and bad ones – and I sure like those that are made with taste and with a story. Anete points out that more and more women get into erotic photography and depict what would be appealing to other women.

There’s also erotic fiction in addition to photography. Here, most consumers are actually women, not men. After all, just think of Fifty Shades of Grey and all the craze about it.

Erotica is vulgar

Is erotica vulgar and dirty? There are many nuances and shapes to it, from very subtle to more extreme and “aggressive.” But is it a rule that all of it is dirty and vulgar? Definitely not! Similarly, it doesn’t have to be tacky and cheap? As I mentioned above, there are good and bad photos in this genre like any other. So, if you do it right, erotica can be tasteful and artistic just as much as photos from any other genre.

Erotica shouldn’t be displayed

It just crossed my mind that there’s been a wonderful nude painting in my parents’ home ever since I can remember. I’ve also had a tasteful and gorgeous nude photo framed in my room for some ten years now. So – it definitely should be displayed if you feel like displaying it.

Now, if you pose for erotic photo, it can be a different story. Anete believes (and I agree) that you don’t need to hide it; it reveals your strength and confidence and that you’re comfortable with yourself. However, it can be tricky because images like this can jeopardize your job in some cases. For example, while I was working as a teacher, I didn’t post even remotely erotic self-portraits. Thankfully, all of us at DIYP support and understand each other’s work, so there’s no need to hide any of my photos anymore.

It’s wrong to enjoy erotica

This is completely subjective and intimate. And simply put, no one can tell you that you shouldn’t enjoy create erotic photos or view them.

The last (but very important) thing is that the model should always feel comfortable. When shooting erotic images, the one who poses shouldn’t feel ashamed or regret for posing for a photo. So, if you’re a photographer, make sure to make your models feel comfortable and safe, and don’t make them do anything they feel uncomfortable with. And if you’re a model, remember that you don’t need to do anything that makes you feel bad in any way.

[Common Misconceptions About Erotic Photography? via FStoppers]