July 2007
Editor's Note: This month we feature some never-before-seen photos
from our lovely Ms. Horne. You'll find one here and the rest at
the bottom of the page. Photos by Octavio Arizala/Winkytiki. Makeup/hair
by Jennifer Corona. These are from Heidi's recent DeadBeat
Magazine shoot--seen here first! Now, on with the column.
I have noticed throughout my search for decent modeling agents and
whatnot that a lot of them say that they prefer girls whom are a size 0-8,
now I don't fit into that category and I was curious if you knew of any
reputable agencies/photographers who specialize in the pinup field but
who are also willing to use plus size models. Thanks.--Brit
Hey Brit! I'm glad that you are showing the initiative to look for them!
A good rep is a never ending search for most of us, so hang in there!
I am not well versed in which agencies specialize in what, myself. Most
or many or the top mainstream modeling agents have a full figure or plus
size division, which is what they consider anything over size 6 or 8! If
you want to pursue a legit agent, you have to accept that crazy guideline.
Just because a size 8 is still small in the "real" world, it is larger
than your average fashion/runway model, so you have to be comfortable with
that thinking if you want to pursue it professionally with an agency. (Most
full figure/plus size models are in the 12-14 range, though like anything
else, its more about proportion.)
To my knowledge, there aren't pinup modeling agents (yet? I mean, its
hard to take 10% of a trade job! and that's what most of it is!) and those
in the scene with agents have them through mainstream avenues, not pinup.
There are some agencies that focus on "alternative" or non mainstream types,
but you'd have to look into it for your area. You may want to look into
acting agencies. You can find them by searching the SAG website. SAG is
the Screen Actors Guild, the union for film and tv actors. All reputable
acting agencies are franchised through SAG, and those are the ones you
want to look for. In smaller cities (outside of LA and NYC) you will likely
find that SAG franchised agencies also handle modeling and print work,
and they might be what you are looking for. Search online and ask around.
There may be an agency near you that specializes in non-mainstream (or
"character") talent and they might be thrilled to find a pinup model for
their roster now that its becoming fashionable.
As for photographers, I recommend searching online for photogs in your
area, or within a reasonable drive from you. Look at the girls they use
as models. Then go to their websites or modeling profiles and look for
their stats. You might find they use a wider range of models than others.
Most pin up photographers prefer curvy to skinny, and its more about proportion
than what size you wear, so just be the healthiest you you can be and learn
to work what you've got! There are TONS of people getting turned onto pinup
every day, so even if you haven't found the right match for you yet, there
is likely to be someone looking for you soon enough!
And don't forget to try you take at your own photos (by yourself or
with friends) to work on your posing and expressions and to build (and
better) your portfolio until you find them! And since we're talking about
it, its likely that a company or two has wondered how to find those girls
without an agency that specializes in it, too. Don't rule out pursuing
the work yourself! Send your photo and a note to companies who need plus
size women that aren't mainstream. Let them know you are interested -and
you might find you are your own best agent. (And then you don't have to
pay anyone else a percentage of your $ either!) Good luck, honey!!
Love and Pin-Ups!
Heidi Van Horne
www.HeidiVanHorne.com
Bonus Photo #1!
Photo: Octavio Arizala/Winkytiki
Hair and Make Up: Jennifer Corona
Bonus Photo #2!
Photo: Octavio Arizala/Winkytiki
Hair and Make Up: Jennifer Corona
Bonus Photo #3!
Photo: Octavio Arizala/Winkytiki
Hair and Make Up: Jennifer Corona
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!" |
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