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Ask Heidi:


Heidi Van Horne
Photo: HVHphoto.com

December 2007

Modern Day Femme Fatale Heidi Van Horne is here to take your questions on pin-up modeling. Got something to Ask Heidi? E-mail us! And don't forget to read Heidi's print column in Bachelor Pad Magazine



     All my best wishes for a happy, healthy and safe holidays to you and your loved ones this year! I hope you enjoy the December column, and I look forward to another new year with you all--in print and here online--in 2008! MUCH LOVE!--Heidi.

Hi Heidi!

     I really admire your profession as a pin-up model. You and a few others inspired me to try pin-up modeling for myself! I think your photos are wonderful, and I hope to achieve that quality in my photos one day! I've been doing it for a year or so now, and I really enjoy it. I was wondering if you had any tips on self promotion and getting noticed! I'd love to gain a bigger fan base, approach bigger projects and make myself a name! I know this couldn't happen overnight, but some helpful tips, or a point in the right direction would be wonderfully appreciated!

Love,
Miss Jeannie 
 

Hi Jeannie!
     Thanks so much for the sweet words! That's great that you've been at it for a year! And that you are driven to do more with it, too! That's the first step to getting there, after all! 
     If you are looking to build your fan base and name, I'd suggest two main things to get you there. First is to acknowledge the fans you do have and the network you've begun to build. Be sure you are appreciative of the people who already are aware of what you do--your fans and friends. Make sure you stay in touch with people you've worked with and with as many fans that contact you as possible. The busier you get, the harder it is to answer everyone, so make sure you are doing what you can, especially as you build your name in the beginning. The second big step is to work on building new contacts and widening your network. Try e-mailing people who's work you like (companies, photographers, etc.) who have worked with someone you've worked with. Let them know you have someone in common and that you would love the chance to work with them at some point. If they are interested, they will be in touch. If they aren't right now, then at least they've seen you and are aware of your work- and the more likely it will be that your name will come up in the future, and when it does, they will already know who you are. (Whether they see your work elsewhere or someone else mentions you for a project.)
     Also, it never hurts to keep your name out there by helping with or hosting local events, entering pin-up contests, and maintaining a regularly updated website and/or myspace page where people can check out your work and see what you're up to. And be sure to check out modeling sites like Model Mayhem, Retrokitten and One Model Place, etc. You never know who you will befriend or who might see your work that needs someone like you!
     So, work on the relationships you already have, and work at building new ones! That will keep you busy--until you are working so much that networking is second nature to ya! Good luck with it, honey! Keep working hard and striving to do better work, and you will keep getting bigger and better!
 

Dear Heidi,

     I am 22, and have always loved the characteristics of the pin-up artistic style, but have only recently discovered that there are modern day pin-ups. I am very eager to try my hand at being a pin-up, but I'm afraid I may not get much of a chance, since I do not have the average pin-up figure. I am only 5'2", and have a pear shaped body: petite bust, small waist, and wide hips. I also have several tattoos, and will NOT stop getting them. And then there are those little flaws that everyone sees in themselves: not so perfect skin, stained teeth, etc. I guess I have a few "?'s": 
     What skin care tips do you have for a girl trying to achieve a pin-up worthy look, and maintain that for everyday?
     How much say do you have in your poses and what style of costumes/lingerie, etc. that you wear for shoots? 
     Thank you so much for doing this column, and your continued work. It's incredibly inspiring to me as a hopeful pinup, and as a designer. 

Amanda
 

Hey Amanda!

     I was like you, too, when I first found modern gals doing pinup online years ago! I was so excited that other gals like me liked that style, too! 
     Don't worry about fitting into a stereotype for pinup! Just be you and be conscious of what you are putting out there, soon you will find the perfect fit! You might find a photographer you work well with that loves your shape and style and begin a long working relationship. Who knows!? You gotta try to find out!  Because one thing is for sure--you can't make it if you never try! 
     Lots of pinup girls have the qualities that you mentioned--so don't think that those alone limit you.  Its more about learning to work what you've got! There are lots of pin-ups out there doing well who are shorter, who aren't as busty as others, and who have tattoos. They just learned how to sell what they were workin' with, instead of worrying that it wasn't what everyone else looked like. You can't do anything to make yourself taller or change your body shape drastically, but you can stay healthy and you can work at fixing your skin and teeth if they bother you. 
     The best skin care tips I have are to drink LOTS of water and stay moisturized, don't go to bed with makeup on, and get on a skin care routine that is good for YOU, not just whatever line is most popular or some celebrity uses. The climate where you live and your skin's temperament should determine what you need. Unfortunately, its often just trial and error and asking for suggestions from friends and fellow models who's skin is similar to yours. If you can afford it, get to a dermatologist and let them help get you on track.
     As for poses and clothing, it depends what the shoot is for. If I am a hired model for a company, its 95% that they have the wardrobe and a concept of what we're doing.  If its an artistic collaboration with a friend or fellow artist, it depends on who came up with the concept. Sometimes the photographer has something specific in mind, and sometimes I have something I want to shoot, other times we just go with the flow and see what we come up with! In the beginning, you will do more dealing with other's choices than making the decisions yourself, but the more work you do, the more input you will begin to have. And often you will find a photographer or company who really fits with your style and you will work on many shoots together, each getting to bring concepts to the table--from clothes and props to location and pose!
     Keep up the great work!  And best wishes to you for much success!!

Love all ya'll!
Heidi Van Horne 
www.HeidiVanHorne.com 
 
 

Bonus Heidi Photo!
Heidi Van Horne
Photo: HVHphoto.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!
 


 
 

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