Matt Spike’s tips for better fetish photography

Unless the lighting is good, always filter through black and white. This make phone pics into real pics!

Light can be used in any way you like. Even a tungsten bulb! It’s about knowing what kind of image you want to make. If your imagination is in a dark place, sunlight is no use. But shadows would work. Sometimes we cannot be in control of the lighting and that is where chance comes into play…

Anything will do. Just never any Ikea furniture. That’s never gonna work!

Avoid children’s playgrounds! Daytime shooting is very hard work in sunlight. Cloudier days are better, but add flash. Mix flash with sunlight too for some good effects. Personally? Night-time is best. Neon signs and general street lighting from shops work well.

Lightroom! All the way. And if I must, then Photoshop. I can usually make all the necessary tweaks in Lightroom though.

Never post without permission. Ever. It’s rude. And no shady work either! Before a sale takes place, proper model release forms must be signed.

Don’t ever over plan. Leave some room for late ideas to come. It creates a wonderful hustle and, whilst it’s stressful, it allows for spontaneity which is important.