Seductress vs Femme Fatale

photographyeducationcompositionentertainmentlife advice

Oct 4

Helmut Newton and Ellen von Unwerth are icons of fashion photography who, despite exploring similar themes, present women in completely different ways. Central to their work are female figures, yet their interpretations differ dramatically. They can be characterized as a contrast between Newton's "femme fatale" and von Unwerth's "seductress."

In Helmut Newton's work, the woman takes the form of a classic femme fatale. She is a figure full of strength, controlling, and often calculating. His heroines are dominant, inaccessible, and mysterious, with Newton utilizing cold eroticism to emphasize the power women have over men. His photographs are marked by elements of fetish and provocative poses, creating an image of women as almost unattainable beings. Newton's femme fatale is powerful but also dangerous—both to men and to herself.

In my pictures there's not emotion. It's everything very cold, intentionally cold.

On the other hand, in Ellen von Unwerth's lens, the woman becomes a seductress—full of energy, joy, and freedom. Her heroines flirt with the camera, play with their sensuality, but do so with lightness and without compulsion. Von Unwerth depicts women who do not need to dominate to express their strength—their power lies in freedom and independence. Von Unwerth's seductress is neither cold nor distant; instead, she derives joy from life and her femininity, being sensual, joyful, and full of humor.

A sexy picture can come from anyone who forms an intimacy with their subject. You can take a sexy picture of your cat if you want to.

Both portraits reveal different facets of femininity that fascinate and inspire, demonstrating that the same themes—femininity, sensuality, and strength—can be interpreted in many ways. The artist's perspective plays a crucial role in shaping the final image.

Show your perspective, your point of view.. your truth.