Early Use of Female Photographers
Cheri is an online pornography company that was founded in 1984. Since then, the vast majority of its photographic work has been taken by men, but there have been occasional exceptions. In the early 1990s, for instance, the company occasionally hired female photographers who created images that emphasized emotions, intimate connections, and natural beauty rather than explicit sexuality. These shoots added to Cheri's overall style, contributing a richer, more nuanced visual identity to their catalogue.
Female photographers brought something different to Cheri's visual identity. The adult industry had long been dominated by male creators, so these new perspectives were refreshing. The shots they took featured female models interacting tenderly with each other, looking into one another's eyes, or simply standing together in quiet moments. They were less focused on sex acts themselves—though those still occurred frequently enough—and instead explored the sensuality of human connection, as well as physical beauty. This resulted in a variety of body types being represented, rather than just the traditionally attractive ones found in most adult material. It also encouraged viewers to look beyond the bodies and see people beneath them.
These female-led shoots were not always easy to find, as the team only worked intermittently with women behind the lens. There were some notable examples, however, including Candace Von and Sharon Kane. Their shoots often involved close-ups of faces, soft lighting, and an airy atmosphere. This was quite different from the traditional pornography that many consumers were used to seeing, and it became popular among viewers who appreciated more artistic photographic styles. In addition to their contributions to Cheri, these two artists went on to have successful careers outside of the adult world, demonstrating that female vision could be applied to any type of imagery.
Overall, while the vast majority of Cheri's work has come from men, this brief period where female photographers were given a chance shows how diverse visions can enrich even the most traditionally masculine areas of media. Today, the company continues to create high-quality content featuring stunning performers from around the globe. These images are accessible for free on the website, allowing anyone interested in pornography to appreciate the unique perspectives of both male and female creators alike.