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Heidi Van Horne
Photo: Octavio Arizala/Winkytiki
Hair and Make Up: Jennifer Corona

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!
Heidi Van Horne
Photo: Octavio Arizala/Winkytiki
Hair and Make Up: Jennifer Corona

 
 
 

Bonus Photo #2!
Heidi Van Horne
Photo: Octavio Arizala/Winkytiki
Hair and Make Up: Jennifer Corona

 
 
 

Bonus Photo #3!
Heidi Van Horne
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!" 

Have a question for Heidi? E-mail us and we'll send it along to her!
 


 
 

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