Someone recently asked me, “What makes a figure photograph appealing?” I didn’t answer that it was the model’s face, body, or any particular part. My job is not to document an exceptional specimen of humanity. I collaborate with the model on creative expression. Here is a list of qualities that I feel make a beautiful photograph of the body. A particular photograph may have only one of these qualities and some are mutually exclusive.
Unity. All the elements of the image seem to belong together through color, shape, repetition, and balance of visual weight.
Pattern and variation. The repetition of shapes has inspired artists for centuries. In this image, the clouds, oyster shells, and cloth all contain patterns of undulating curves.
Simplicity. Sometimes just a few visual elements is all it takes.Energy. Nothing quite captures the imagination like high energy.Symmetry. Although static composition can lack dynamism, perfect symmetry is captivating. Beautiful faces often feel perfectly mirrored.
Transformation. The feeling of change, either happening, impending, or recently transpired is a powerful concept. Dance is a prime example of transformation.
