What is the difference between erotica and pornography?
by Teresa Conner
We love the dialogue that has begun around Intimate Photography at our studio. As our clients are daring to own their pleasure and have genuine moments of intimacy captured in erotica sessions, the question comes up, “Is erotica the same as pornography?” We looked to historians, psychologists, and our own clients to get the answer and they all came back with a resounding, “No”.
From the earliest cave drawings, art has depicted the beauty of the human form and physical intimacy in explicit imagery. Cultural, religious, and mythical influences show up throughout these pieces that remain timeless examples of erotica - both aesthetically compelling, while also eliciting an emotional response and telling a story. We learn from these artists how erotica fits into not only our individual lives, but the history of humanity. Erotica at BSNY is not simply about the photos we take, but who our clients are and their beautiful stories of love, strength, resilience, bravery, and joy. Even the most fiery, spiciest final image is captured with acknowledgement that we’re being honored with the privilege of witnessing someone’s life story. Our team does not take that lightly.
Lyombe Eco, Author of “The Regulation of Sex-Themed Visual Imagery: From Clay Tablets to Tablet Computers” says, “The term ‘sex- themed visual expressions’ refers to representations of nudity in explicit scenes of human sexual conduct. These graphic depictions are as old as the human race. Archeological and art-history discoveries have shed light on the worldviews of the peoples of the ancient Near East whose civilizations flourished in the so-called Fertile Crescent: the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It was in this geographic region that organized agriculture began, the wheel was invented, the first writing (cuneiform) emerged on clay tablets, and the first urban settlements sprang up.”
* Read the article here: https://thegallerist.art/sacred-sexuality-erotica-vs-pornography/
While erotica seeks to showcase the pleasure of its subject, pornography is intended to cause arousal in the viewer. It’s that shift in focus from client to audience that is the deciding factor for us here in the studio and determines that the intimate photography we provide is solely erotica. Our clients are always the only important opinion when it comes to their photos. From our very first phone call, we’ll be aligning with your vision for your session to be sure the final images you receive make you feel confident. Your images are for you first. If you choose to share them, wonderful! We are thrilled when clients sign a release to allow us to use their images on our website and socials. Others’ enjoyment is never the main goal, though.
Dr. Leon F. Seltzer, Ph.D. had these thoughts on the matter: “If the subjects are portrayed in a manner that focuses on their inner and outer radiance, their fleshy vitality, and the work itself seems to manifest a passionate and powerful affirmation of life and the pleasures of this world, then I think we're talking erotic. If, however, the subjects seem reduced to so many body parts, if any beauty appears subordinate to the overriding purpose of arousal, if the sex depicted seems depersonalized, controlling, non-mutual, and devoid of fun or play (but rather seems about ‘getting down to business’ and ‘getting off’)--and if the sex acts pictured contain not a hint of human caring or emotional connectedness to them--that, to me, would definitely secure the work's place in the realm of pornography.”
*Read the article here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-of-the-self/201104/what-distinguishes-erotica-from-pornography
When we asked our first erotica couple, Teresa and Jim, if they felt their session or images merged into pornography, this is what they had to say: “Erotica was different from pornography for us because it wasn’t a performance. Andrea and Asif we are able to capture real, loving moments between us that we would never have photo memories of otherwise. We walked away from our session feeling refreshed as a couple. Giddy, almost. The whole experience was so fun. No part of it was forced, questionable, or something I wouldn’t want my neighbors to find out about. We tell everyone we know to go do their own session!” You can read more of their thoughts about their erotica photo session here:
At Boudoir Studios New York, your erotica session is going to be a powerful time of owning your pleasure for your benefit. Your final images will speak for themselves. It’s your story that brings them to life and makes them true art.