Lingerie Photography Through HER Lens - The Power of the Female Gaze
As a female lingerie photographer with over 20 years behind the camera, I’ve come to see that there is a huge difference between the male and female gaze. For me, it’s not about creating images to fit someone else's fantasy, or images that will excite a male viewer. It’s about helping women feel powerful, sensual, and sexy for themselves only - because, let’s be honest, isn’t that what we all deserve?
When women step in front of my camera, my job is to rid them of that ever-present voice in our heads that says we need to please others. The one that says you are not pretty enough, slim enough or young enough. We’ve all been conditioned to see ourselves in a certain way—usually from a world that, lets’ face it, has been largely created from the male perspective (or gaze). My job is to break that mould and help women connect with their true selves. No performance, no pretence. Just real, raw, beautiful confidence. The fact is everybody exudes confidence when they accept who they are.
How do I do that? I help give my models permission to be kind to themselves. On set, I’m part psychologist, part cheerleader—constantly guiding, supporting, and reminding them that they don’t need to conform to anyone’s standards but their own. And then it’s time to work with what they have got and celebrate where they are right NOW.
Some women naturally have that confidence. When I photographed Ashley Graham, who is now the world's favoured plus size supermodel, she radiated a sense of self that was infectious. Ashly is properly curved and was probably a size 18 when I shot her - so many women would be shying away and scurrying away to change their outfit in private. Not Ashely - she was modelling underwear for Freya lingerie and would happily undress and put the next set on in the middle of the set with everyone watching. No inhibitions, no shame - just free! She is unapologetically herself, and has somehow managed to silence the inner critic most of us know all too well (or maybe just never developed it?). Her secret? I believe it is that she does not ask for permission to love herself. She just does.
While not everyone starts with that level of confidence, we're all on this journey together. The advertising & beauty world is finally beginning to embrace a wider spectrum of women, making room for real role models who reflect a broader range of shapes, sizes, and stories. Think Lizzo, who turns self-love into an art form, or Jameela Jamil, who speaks out about body neutrality. Or Paloma Elsesser, who’s redefining what high fashion can look like.
This shift is about more than just pretty pictures; it’s about creating space for every woman to feel seen, celebrated, and comfortable in her skin.
So, here’s to capturing that magic—one click at a time. I can’t wait to see where this world of HER lens takes us.
Until next time, stay fabulous!
Love Elisabeth
Female Gaze
Photography
Lingerie Photography
Empowering Women Through Photography
Body Positivity Photographer
Female Portrait Photographer
Inclusive Beauty Standards
Women Empowerment Photography
Authentic Female Representation
