Lighting – The Line Between Art and Porn

There is a simple difference between art and porn, and that is the use of lighting. As lighting has the ability to change the ambiance of the room, and make it appear both artistic or pornographic. The main difference, in my opinion, is also in the eye of the beholder as he/she can view it either way. However, the main difference between art and porn is the lighting.  Thousands of men and women before us have argued the same point, and each one of them came around to the same conclusion. At the end of the day, what matters is the lighting, and here is why.

Lighting is the magical tool that can easily change the entire image, which is why it is important that you pay close attention to it. There are and will be times when you would like to explore different options and push the limits on photographs. But keep in mind that there is a thin line in the middle of art and porn. And where we as fashion photographers are artists, we should try to keep clear of any pornographic materials.

Yes, there are many that would argue that porn is like art, but just know what industry you are working for. If you look at an image and you feel you have gone too far with it, then the best thing for you to do is to scrap it and try something else.

However, that does not mean that you have to dump your entire idea, there is a simple fix to the matter. And that is lighting, start by adjusting the lighting in the space, and you will see how it makes a great deal of difference. Simply by adding a few offset lights, or adding diffusers that cut out shades, you will be able to make a great deal of difference. If you do not believe me try it out, and you will be able to see the drastic difference in both images. Where one will be more on the pornographic side the one with better lighting will be classified as art.

The matter has been discussed for years now, but I am surprised to see that most photographers are completely lost on the matter. As there is a great difference between porn and art, and the sooner you realize what you are offering the better. If you are completely unable to see what others are talking about, simply take such images in different lightings, and you will be able to set them apart. As I understand that there are times when you as artists get carried away and creates something you feel is artistic, but in reality, it is being viewed by the world as porn. I would like to repeat that some people will see it the way their mind allows them to, but the important thing to keep in mind is what you think and feel about your images.