Well, Java and I left you hangin’
last month, and we apologize! We were both swamped after the holidays!
(Mondo Lounge Atomic Frolic,
anyone?) I hope you're all having a Happy New Year! To make it up
to you, this month I'm back with a vengeance--and LOTS of shoptalk!
It's a double size dose of info to make up for the time passed! Enjoy!
Stepping Up Your “Game”
The number 2 thing I get asked, after the
standard, “How Do I Get Started in Pin-Up?” is “How do I Take it to the
Next Level?” Below are some things to consider on how to step it up, what
to keep in mind, and knowing where you are trying to go in the first place.
If you are trying to take it to the next level,
then I will assume you're already past shooting your own sample photos
and submitting to photographers. You've already entered pin up contests,
you have a nifty new pin-up name and a snazzy myspace profile. Now what?
Well, let's look first at WHERE you think you're going, young lady!? What
higher plateau are you trying to reach? Are you hoping to get free clothes
and some cool photos? To be a part of some beautiful photography and inspire
talented artists? Do you want a pay site that makes enough money to cover
your modeling costs/“addiction”? Do you want to be a professional model?
Actress? Fetish Model? Fashion Model?
If you want to be a “Pro” pin-up, then…
well, sit down, let's talk…
I don't wanna break your heart here, but the
truth is not very many people are making a living off of pin-up modeling
alone. That said, I'd love for you all to prove me wrong and make big bucks
doing this. But realistically? There just isn't enough consistent money
in the scene. Most that I've known that are pro pin-up models are still
supplemented by other aspects of the entertainment industry, be it: other
types of modeling like fetish; nude art modeling; fashion/mainstream; actresses
who do pin-up on the side to supplement; writers for scene/kulture magazines;
burlesque performers or strippers who make a good amount of their income
from personal appearances; import models who work in the auto and motorcycle
niches who also make most of their income from appearances; convention
models. The downside of the digital age I usually praise here (that puts
cameras in all of our hands and makes the modeling and photography fields
more accessible to more people) is that it tips the scales of supply and
demand in our industry. Any publisher or company can now go online and
get endless submissions from photographers and models willing to work for
free just to be published. Photographers complain that they are getting
paid less for photos because of it, and in turn, to save costs they also
can go online to cast models and get countless willing applicants to work
for free or trade. It ends up with less money and work to go around being
sought after by more and more talent. Now, there are still going to be
companies who recognize that sometimes you get what you pay for, so there
will never be an end to professional photographers and models, but it does
change the industry's general perception of what shoots should cost, based
on the low amount they know it could cost.
So, look at your market and decide what you
want out of this. No matter what aspect you are into, I firmly believe
you should have paid at least one photographer by now. If you haven’t because
you think you are such a great model or have done X amount of shoots or
been on whatever website or whatever, then I guess you don't need this
column, Hot Stuff, move on. For those of you who actually want to step
it up and get to work with the “bigger and better” photographers and higher
exposure and paying jobs--prepare to invest. If you believe you have what
it takes to go to the next level from where you are, then it's worth investing
in. No actor goes out and books jobs without paying for headshots from
a photographer first. Modeling is the same. Of course you can go to Model
Mayhem or myspace and find photographers to shoot you for trade. But if
you want to step it up from where you are and get PAID to model, make a
career out of it, justify a paid site or even just work with the top artists/photographers/companies
you hope to work with, you need quality, professional photos. Maybe you
have some good pics, but you don't have much variety. Or maybe you have
full body shots but not many headshots or vice versa. If you pay for a
shoot, you can specify what you're wanting to shoot and make sure you fill
the gaps in what is (or will become) your book/portfolio. You are a fool
if you think that a paying photographer or client will think you are worth
their investment if you don't have professional photos. It just comes across
as – YOU don't think you are worth investing in. So why should they want
to invest anything of theirs in you? Just like you probably have
spent money on wardrobe and shoes and make up and beauty products, pro
pictures are a business expense. The more you work, the less you'll need
to set up shoots--be it tfp or paying a pro ‘tog- but in the beginning
of “going pro” its worth having that level of quality in your book. And
think about the experience you'll get working with a pro photographer that
your book and resume might not yet get you into for a paid or even trade
shoot. The best place to learn is on set, and I've learned more from a
few great photographers than I ever could from a lifetime of most tfp shoots!
I only do paid shoots now. Yet to this day, I still pay photographer friends
to shoot my headshots. If I want to be treated like a businessperson and
for people to value my time, I have to value theirs. I hate to get all
kindergarten on you, but its as simple as ‘treat others like you'd want
to be treated!’ Acting professional is the first step to being viewed as
such.
Your book!
If you just want to do pin-up modeling for
online sites and companies, it's likely you'll never need a printed copy
of your book. You can keep an online portfolio on a website, or online
profile at Model Mayhem, One Model Place, Retrokitten, etc... If you want
to go out on calls or work with an agency, it's a good idea to have a portfolio.
Different markets will tell you different things, but the most standard
pro advice I've heard and seen at castings is a folder or binder with anywhere
from 8-20 9”x12” photos inside. You might have one for you and one per
agency as well as smaller size ones to leave with clients. There are tons
of websites that can tell you all about the details better than I can.
I suggest googling ‘model portfolio’ and checking them out. Whatever the
format, you want your portfolio to show variety. Even if you only have
photos in a niche of pin-up or fetish or whatever, even if you only do
one character, a Bettie or Marilyn impersonator
or something, have photos that show you off in different ways. Look for
different moods, lighting styles and expressions. Make sure you have
face shots as well as full body shots. An important tip: DO NOT put photos
in your portfolio that represent things you are no longer willing to do!
Don't put nudity or bondage in your portfolio and then wonder why people
want to shoot that content with you, even though your profile says “no
nudes." Also don't put photos in that are unprofessional--less photos in
your book is better than having mediocre or bad photos. Steer clear of
outdated photos, too. You want to show off your versatility, but don't
fill it up with pictures of you at 18 if you are 25! People want to get
an idea of who will walk through their door circa today! Your book should
represent the current you that you are selling. If you look like an 19
year old lanky goth girl on your site or in your book but you now are a
24 year old curvy mother-of-two pin-up, you're not only going to piss them
off for misrepresenting yourself for the goth shoot, but you'll miss out
on the next curvy pin-up casting they do, too! When you completely change
your look, you need to do a new shoot--be it paid gig or tfp-- and if nothing
comes along…that’s right! HIRE a photographer to document the new
look!
WHAT does a PRO pin-up bring to a shoot?
Well, of course, each shoot is different, as you will touch base with
the photographer or client you are working with as to what you need to
bring for that specific look/setup/shoot. But here are some basics that
I think are a good idea to have neatly organized in your bag ready to go
for any shoot-
- Stockings
o black
o nude
o seamed
o unseamed
o fishnets
o whatever new hosiery I have but haven’t shot in yet
- Full length Pantyhose in sheer/nude
- Full length fishnets
- Heels!! (And lots of ‘em! At least one pair of black
heels, then various other options of colors and styles--maryjanes, stilettos,
platforms, stripper shoes, vintage heels, whatever fits the style of the
shoot, along with a couple extras. You never know what will and won't match
or work with a costume or backdrop!)
- Various panties--no matter whether I'm shooting a clothing catalog
or a glamour shot in my own lingerie, I always bring:
o a tiny nude g-string that I can wear under ANYthing--wardrobe or
costume that has been rented, borrowed, made, etc., I've worked more than
one bikini shoot where they had girls swap suits throughout the day! Good
thing I bring undies!!
o a small black thong
o white full cut satin retro-ish panties for a full coverage option.
- Makeup. Even if there is a make up artist, you never know what could
happen! I've had make up artists flake or get too busy with too many models
and it was a good thing I brought my own because otherwise we'd have been
out of luck! You may never need it. But you probably will the one time
you don't bring it. My bare bones kit for a pinup shoot:
o Concealer
o Powder
o Blush
o Black Mascara
o Black Eyeliner
o Red Lipstick
o False Lashes & Glue
- Whatever new Corsets, Lingerie, BathingSuits, Vintage gear I have
that I haven’t shot yet.
- Cover up outfit (something that won't put lines on your skin like
jeans or tight clothes, robes or zip hoodies with yoga pants and things
like that are good)
- Light Shimmer Lotion. NOT glitter-y, but shimmer, in a natural or
nude tone, to moisturize and give a sheen to skin while still looking natural.
- Lint Brush. No really, I am a dork.
- Directions to the shoot!
- Phone # of photographer/location!
- Cell phone.
- Something to write with/on
- Cards (business cards, zed cards, etc.)
- A GOOD ATTITUDE!!! Dude, this is work, but its fun. Be positive and
polite and nice and have a good time, damnit! Otherwise, get out, it isn't
worth it.
Lastly, you wanna know an important step in
being appreciated in the pin-up community? SUPPORTING the pin-up
community. Involve yourself in what's out there and see what other people
have to offer before declaring yourself a pro worthy of payment from the
scene. Pay to go to shows/bands--don’t just expect being on a VIP list
all the time because you are hot or take some cute photos, buy clothing
from the companies you write asking to hire you and proclaiming your love,
hire photographers when you need a specific shot for your book or your
site, don't expect everything to come to you for free if you want others
to pay you. Attend Burlesque shows around town before expecting to headline
one yourself, VOTE on pin-up contests you are not in for other girls and
repost for your friends. Have some respect. Put your money where your mouth
is. I guarantee making those investments in the scene that you want to
get something out of will only work to your benefit and put you one step
closer to reaching that next level.
Man, I'm just getting’ started… More
next month on goin’ pro and taking it to the next level. EMAIL me
or Java with
your Pin Up modeling QUESTIONS! The past couple months it seems like I
just keep getting the same 2 Q’s. Don't be SHY! Ask me what you wanna know
about pin-up modeling! I don't always remember the questions I get from
girls at events and in person, so email them. If you haven’t seen it asked
yet and you wanna know--write me! All Questions are posted in the column
anonymously. (Unless you want me to use your name, then say so I
guess.) Email me at: Heidi (at) heidivanhorne.com
Also, I'd like to give a shout out to 2 cool
pin up projects I've caught wind of lately. Check ‘em out and see how you
can get involved!:
The first is the Pin-Up Class being taught in the Northwest by pin-up
and performing hottie Go Go Amy. She is a fantastic model
and is now helping the new girls in person with their poses and pin-up-ing!
I'd bet this class is not only really informative, but lots of fun! What
a great teacher! http://www.gogoamy.com/class.html
The second is Mr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School. Run by the
fabulously talented Molly Crabapple, Mr. Sketchy’s
art school is figure modeling the fun way. Set up like an old school life
drawing class, a guest model poses for sketch artists who, unlike the stodgy
art scenes of old, enjoy some cocktails with their creativity as well as
rockin’ bands and models such as burlesque dancers for eye-candy inspiration.
You can even check their site to learn how to start a branch in your own
town!
http://www.drsketchy.com/
Love and Pin-Ups!
Heidi Van Horne
www.HeidiVanHorne.com
A little about Heidi: "I starting acting
in Texas at age 13, I have worked and trained as an actress in film, TV
& commercials for most of my life, as well as working behind the lens
on various projects. I have been shooting my own retro pinups since late
2003, when I started doing self-shot photos (just like Bunny
Yeager did!) with a self timer and a tripod in my home. Since
then, I've been on the cover of 3 books ("Hot Rod Pin Ups" by David
Perry and MBI Publishing, "How to Be a Dominant Diva" by Avalon
Press, and the new "Modern Vixens: World of Winytiki" by Octavio
Arizala and Goliath Press) as well as being featured on the
cover of 3 (and inside 2 other) Pin Up Calendars for 2007, magazine covers
and countless layouts, features and interviews in counter-culture publications,
as well as a few mainstream mags. I've gotten to work with tons of amazing
companies and photographers, including original pinup, pinup photographer
& living legend, Bunny Yeager--shooting on the same beach
where she and Bettie Page made
Pin Up history! Living in LA pursuing my acting, I've kept myself busy
on the side shooting the genre I love the most- and I'm thrilled to see
how the niche has grown and grown worldwide!" |
Have a question for Heidi? E-mail
us and we'll send it along to her!
View Heidi's Femme Fatale
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