Erotic vs porn

[JimAuburn]

In your opinion, what's the difference? I've been trying to shoot erotic photos of my wife but they keep coming out like porn, so I don't show them around.

Then I see something like this, which is sexier than any shot I've taken of my wife with nothing on:

And I think I don't know what I"m doing. Where do you draw the line? Anyway I've been learning from the good glam photographers at places like photocamel and glamour1 but I guess I have a lot to learn about lighting.

So what's erotic and what's porn to you?

 

[jason_jenn]

In your opinion, what's the difference? I've been trying to shoot erotic photos of my wife but they keep coming out like porn, so I don't show them around.

Then I see something like this, which is sexier than any shot I've taken of my wife with nothing on:

And I think I don't know what I"m doing. Where do you draw the line? Anyway I've been learning from the good glam photographers at places like photocamel and glamour1 but I guess I have a lot to learn about lighting.

So what's erotic and what's porn to you?

Ok, this is a personal opinion. The pics I have taken of Jenn are porn. Dirty, action pics showing mainly private areas... I guess what would be considered hard core by some.

I think pose over action, is the secret of erotica. Perhaps more than one body part at least (eg breast, chest, and neck rather than just a breast) when doing closeups. The more of the body you can fit in the frame, the better. Natural poses over obvious ones made just for the camera (I have a face shot with nothing below the neck of Jenn on my desktop, and I find it very erotic). Clothing is very important, but not totally necessary. Key areas should be hinted at, not outright in-your-face. That is erotic... To me, anyway.

 

[Anne Waters]

Erotica:

https://forum.literotica.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=596164


Porn:

https://forum.literotica.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=657044

Erotica creates a mood, suggests a feeling and usually, but not always isn't as blatant as porn.

Porn shows the goods. Period.

Both are fun and both have their place. We usually wind up with examples of both in the same set.

 

[twrofpwr]

Erotic Photos Hint

Erotic photos hint at. Porn is blatant and obvious. Erotic is sensual. Porn is dirty. if seem tasteless then it is porn. if it makes you search what is not clearly there it is erotic.

 

[twrofpwr]

one more thing

Erotic photos seem to have captured a private moment. Viewer is observing from a distance so to speak. The model is not mearly showing off her wares.

 

[twrofpwr]

Never mind

if it looks and feels like porn to you then it is porn

if it looks and feels like erotica to you then it is erotica

 

[jason_jenn]

if it looks and feels like porn to you then it is porn

if it looks and feels like erotica to you then it is erotica

That was well said!

That's why it's more opinion based rather than a solid line drawn where at one side is porn and the other erotica... I also have a tendancy to agree with your previous posts.

 

[Snowman5933]

Sensual Photographs

I like your thread and thought it might be fun to chime in. Women are absolutely wonderful creatures and we have been photographing them for many, many years. When photographing it is important to highlight their assets and minimize their trouble spots. We do this in two ways: composition and lighting.

Composition is key to flattering your subjects strongest areas and can be done with and without nudity. One of the most simple mistakes that photographers make is not getting close enough to their subject. This is an easy fix; simply fill your frame inside the cameras viewfinder before taking the picture. Another technique to creating better photographs it to use the rule of thirds. One of the most popular 'rules' in photography is the Rule Of Thirds. It is also popular amongst artists. It works like this: Imaginary lines are drawn dividing the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. You place important elements of your composition where these lines intersect. As well as using the intersections you can arrange areas into bands occupying a third or place things along the imaginary lines. As you can see it is fairly simple to implement. Good places to put things; third of the way up, third of the way in from the left , you get the idea. Using the Rule of Thirds helps produce nicely balanced easy on the eye pictures. Also, as you have to position things relative to the edges of the frame it helps get rid of ' tiny subject surrounded by vast empty space' syndrome. One last thing about the Rule of Thirds for the time being. Once you have got the hang of the Rule of Thirds you will very quickly want to break it! This is fine. As I said earlier these 'rules' are best used as guidelines and if you can create a better image by bending or ignoring rules then fire away.

Lighting is a bit more complicated, but I'll try to simplify it. Basically, there are three types of light: natural, artificial, and a combination of the two. Furthermore, all photographs contain three distinct types of light: highlights, mid-tones, and shadows. Learning to identify them and manipulate them is something photographers dedicate most of their lives too. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for outdoor photography (this is when the light is at it's best). Overcast days are really great because the clouds diffuse the light naturally. Light spilling in a window through sheer white curtains is great (this is the best time to turn off your flash and using a tripod if need be). Artificial light would be the flash on your camera, and lighting in your home. When using the flash on your camera remember two things: the flash is no longer useful after 10-12 feet away and if the flash is not positioned directly over your cameras shutter, it's going to cast a shadow (most point and shoot cameras inherit this problem). Combining these two types of light is something most newer cameras do on their own (it's called fill flash). The camera's on board computer figures how much flash to add to the natural light to properly expose the image. Basically the natural light is the main light and the camera's flash becomes the fill light. The result is a properly exposed subject and background. If you reverse the process using the camera's flash as the main light and natural light as the fill you'll usually end up with a properly exposed subject and a almost black background. Sorry....I started rambling on.

Let's look at some examples to cover what you are wanting to know.

Example 1
The photographer has composed his image so his model is laying diagonally across the frame which is very nice. He has also placed her face down which highlights the beautiful skin of her back, bottom, and legs. Having her lying face down also hides her identity and allows her to become anyone you would like her to be. The lighting is soft and diffused (probably natural window light). If a on camera type flash had been used her skin would be washed out, losing its detail.

Example 2
This was shot in studio using a white background and multiple lights, but the look could be re-created using window light. I'm not a fan of her facial expressions, but the image definately leaves me wanting to see the rest of her. To me that is what makes an image sensual....leaving you wanting.

Example 3
The lighting in this photo is complex and we'll leave it alone. This would be a nice way to photograph a man. The image definately flatters his muscle definition and covering his genitals will most women wanting more.

Example 5
This image shows how nudity can be used tastefully (which is what I think your wanting). Again the lighting flatters her beauty (she has great skintone and her breast are great). I like the little patch of pubic hair that is showing...again leaving me wanting more. I would have shot this image with the models eyes open, but that's just me.

Example 7
This is my favorite image. I'm drawn straight to her eyes and I love the implied nudity. Again the lighting is very soft allowing her sensual side to show through. I don't know many men who wouldn't want a photograph of their significant other like this.

I hope that I've been some help to you. If you are looking for information on a specific topic let me know and I will see what I can do.

Snowman

 

[Mr Edward]

Basically, i think the difference is that erotica is rather about suggesting things, and porn is about showing them.

 

[the captians wench]

I just love example 7 snowman.

 

[elizabeth22673]

I like your thread and thought it might be fun to chime in. Women are absolutely wonderful creatures and we have been photographing them for many, many years. When photographing it is important to highlight their assets and minimize their trouble spots. We do this in two ways: composition and lighting.

Composition is key to flattering your subjects strongest areas and can be done with and without nudity. One of the most simple mistakes that photographers make is not getting close enough to their subject. This is an easy fix; simply fill your frame inside the cameras viewfinder before taking the picture. Another technique to creating better photographs it to use the rule of thirds. One of the most popular 'rules' in photography is the Rule Of Thirds. It is also popular amongst artists. It works like this: Imaginary lines are drawn dividing the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. You place important elements of your composition where these lines intersect. As well as using the intersections you can arrange areas into bands occupying a third or place things along the imaginary lines. As you can see it is fairly simple to implement. Good places to put things; third of the way up, third of the way in from the left , you get the idea. Using the Rule of Thirds helps produce nicely balanced easy on the eye pictures. Also, as you have to position things relative to the edges of the frame it helps get rid of ' tiny subject surrounded by vast empty space' syndrome. One last thing about the Rule of Thirds for the time being. Once you have got the hang of the Rule of Thirds you will very quickly want to break it! This is fine. As I said earlier these 'rules' are best used as guidelines and if you can create a better image by bending or ignoring rules then fire away.

Lighting is a bit more complicated, but I'll try to simplify it. Basically, there are three types of light: natural, artificial, and a combination of the two. Furthermore, all photographs contain three distinct types of light: highlights, mid-tones, and shadows. Learning to identify them and manipulate them is something photographers dedicate most of their lives too. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for outdoor photography (this is when the light is at it's best). Overcast days are really great because the clouds diffuse the light naturally. Light spilling in a window through sheer white curtains is great (this is the best time to turn off your flash and using a tripod if need be). Artificial light would be the flash on your camera, and lighting in your home. When using the flash on your camera remember two things: the flash is no longer useful after 10-12 feet away and if the flash is not positioned directly over your cameras shutter, it's going to cast a shadow (most point and shoot cameras inherit this problem). Combining these two types of light is something most newer cameras do on their own (it's called fill flash). The camera's on board computer figures how much flash to add to the natural light to properly expose the image. Basically the natural light is the main light and the camera's flash becomes the fill light. The result is a properly exposed subject and background. If you reverse the process using the camera's flash as the main light and natural light as the fill you'll usually end up with a properly exposed subject and a almost black background. Sorry....I started rambling on.

Let's look at some examples to cover what you are wanting to know.

Example 1
The photographer has composed his image so his model is laying diagonally across the frame which is very nice. He has also placed her face down which highlights the beautiful skin of her back, bottom, and legs. Having her lying face down also hides her identity and allows her to become anyone you would like her to be. The lighting is soft and diffused (probably natural window light). If a on camera type flash had been used her skin would be washed out, losing its detail.

Example 2
This was shot in studio using a white background and multiple lights, but the look could be re-created using window light. I'm not a fan of her facial expressions, but the image definately leaves me wanting to see the rest of her. To me that is what makes an image sensual....leaving you wanting.

Example 3
The lighting in this photo is complex and we'll leave it alone. This would be a nice way to photograph a man. The image definately flatters his muscle definition and covering his genitals will most women wanting more.

Example 5
This image shows how nudity can be used tastefully (which is what I think your wanting). Again the lighting flatters her beauty (she has great skintone and her breast are great). I like the little patch of pubic hair that is showing...again leaving me wanting more. I would have shot this image with the models eyes open, but that's just me.

Example 7
This is my favorite image. I'm drawn straight to her eyes and I love the implied nudity. Again the lighting is very soft allowing her sensual side to show through. I don't know many men who wouldn't want a photograph of their significant other like this.

I hope that I've been some help to you. If you are looking for information on a specific topic let me know and I will see what I can do.

Snowman

Snowman, thank you for posting those pictures. They are all absolutely beautiful!
Liz

 

[BellaBloodAngel]

I agree with most here. Erotic is subtle ...peeks, but no full nudity. I love Black and White erotic photos.

for example: http://www.tammywinters.com/maleart/pict.jpg

I like hardcore porn too tho

 

[elizabeth22673]

I agree with most here. Erotic is subtle ...peeks, but no full nudity. I love Black and White erotic photos.

for example: http://www.tammywinters.com/maleart/pict.jpg

I like hardcore porn too tho

mmmmm i love this pic as well. thank you

 

[Zaithian]

What I think erotic is, is that its kind of celebrating nudity in an artistic form. There is thought and mean into what you see, to show yes its a nude body, but is it not beautiful in just seeing it.

Where as porn is something that 350lbs, Big Bubba watching in the den and the sounds of the moans on the tv could be heard and "fap fap fap"

 

[Shamrock Stone]

What's the difference?

Lighting.



So I'm told, anyway. I like nekkid people no matter what.

 

[Snowman5933]

I like nekkid people no matter what.

I'm with you brother.

I started thinking about this a little more and decided to see what the actual definitions of the words were. Here is what I found.

Sensual
Relating to or affecting any of the senses or a sense organ; sensory.

Of, relating to, given to, or providing gratification of the physical and especially the sexual appetites. See Synonyms at sensuous.
Suggesting sexuality; voluptuous.
Physical rather than spiritual or intellectual.
Lacking in moral or spiritual interests; worldly.

Erotic
Of or concerning sexual love and desire; amatory.
Tending to arouse sexual desire.
Dominated by sexual love or desire.

Pornographic
Sexually explicit pictures, writing, or other material whose primary purpose is to cause sexual arousal.
The presentation or production of this material.

I found out one other thing. If your eccentric and a really good photographer, you can call your images "artistic nudes" and charge ridiculous amounts of money for them.

I found a few classic, black and white images that represent artistic nudes if your interested. Have fun.

Snowman

 

[Fantasies_only]

Erotica:

https://forum.literotica.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=596164


Porn:

https://forum.literotica.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=657044

Erotica creates a mood, suggests a feeling and usually, but not always isn't as blatant as porn.

Porn shows the goods. Period.

Both are fun and both have their place. We usually wind up with examples of both in the same set.

Interesting subject I'd like to resurect.
I disagree with you somewhat.
Porn is not a simple picture of a body part, but the use of said body part.
If she stuck a dildo in there (typicly at an open thighs angle) when the picture was taken, I would call that porn.

Porn can have a crude story, featuring unusual sex acts, while erotica can have no story featuring more sensual actions.
You can be naked and still be "glam".

 

[Fantasies_only]

Erotica:

https://forum.literotica.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=596164


Porn:

https://forum.literotica.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=657044

Erotica creates a mood, suggests a feeling and usually, but not always isn't as blatant as porn.

Porn shows the goods. Period.

Both are fun and both have their place. We usually wind up with examples of both in the same set.

Interesting subject I'd like to resurect.
I disagree with you somewhat.
Porn is not a simple picture of a body part, but the use of said body part.
If she stuck a dildo in there (typicly at an open thighs angle) when the picture was taken, I would call that porn.

Porn can have a crude story, featuring unusual sex acts, while erotica can have no story featuring more sensual actions.
You can be naked and still be "glam".

 

[elron77]

Erotica:

https://forum.literotica.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=596164


Porn:

https://forum.literotica.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=657044

Erotica creates a mood, suggests a feeling and usually, but not always isn't as blatant as porn.

Porn shows the goods. Period.



Both are fun and both have their place. We usually wind up with examples of both in the same set.

well and concisely said

 

[rydia57]

Erotica is a book word for porn. You read erotica you look a porn. But on the inside they're the same.

 

[elron77]

Erotica is a book word for porn. You read erotica you look a porn. But on the inside they're the same.

Sorry that you can't see the difference Rydia-- the difference varies between individuals-- but it is an important one

Anne Waters definition above is about as concise as one could say it

 

[Fantasies_only]

Sorry that you can't see the difference Rydia-- the difference varies between individuals-- but it is an important one

Anne Waters definition above is about as concise as one could say it

Close but (pardon the expression) no cigar.

https://forum.literotica.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=596164
I see nothing erotic about that picture.

Anything erotic must be more specific innuendo.
There are 4 different styles you might be confusing it with.
Glamour - This is more of a classic "boudoir" style (usually topless).
Pinup - This style can feature mild sexual innuendo, or just a sensual still life.
Lingerie - This is a more agressive erotica, but not as explicite as porn.
High Fashon - This is more like the plunging necklines, high skirt slits, and nipple slips we're used to seeing on the red carpet.

Erotica mixes these 4 styles in one, for "erotica" has a story, where "erotic" content might not.

 

[Britwitch]

Just curious...as this photo doesn't really show anything...would you consider this to be an 'erotic' shot...or just a good face shot...?

 

[sexychik69]

Just curious...as this photo doesn't really show anything...would you consider this to be an 'erotic' shot...or just a good face shot...?

I'd consider it erotica... it looks teasing. Anything that implies sexual play but doesn't fully display it is definitely erotica to me.

 

[sexychik69]

So I'm told, anyway. I like nekkid people no matter what.

Words of a true genius.