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Heidi Van Horne
Photo: Via Marie 

January 2008

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



     Happy New Year! The gorgeous pinup photos for this month are from the new Pin Up For Pups 2008 Calendar! I shot with the lovely Via Marie in Santa Monica at the pier and at the world-famous Muscle Beach with my pup Coco for this great pinup calendar benefiting a wonderful cause!
     Go to their website or myspace page to buy a copy today and help raise money for pet rescues!  Gorgeous pin up girls, adorable pups and one worthy organization that truly does everything they can for the cause--you know you want a copy for yourself!! Get your year started right!
     Photos by Via Marie for Pin Ups for Pups 2008 Calendar, available at www.pinupsforpups.com.
 

Heidi -
     I want to get into pin-up.  My friend is a photographer and she takes shots with me.  I felt that my body type and features would hold me back, but your words give me a lot of confidence.  Even if I don't break into doing it with professionals, it's a lot of fun taking pin up style shots with my friends.  
     I want to find costumes that won't break the bank...I know of Daddy-o's and Pin Up Girl Clothing but what are some other places I can find fun clothes to take shots in?
 
Auxiliary Hilary
 

     Hey Hilary, honey! One of my favorite places to snap cute things up for shoots is on eBay! I'd recommend paying attention to seller's feedback, and read descriptions carefully (sometimes their photos aren't very good representations!) and be sure to check measurements, as vintage sizing is different than today's. Also, look for good thrift and resale stores in your area. You never know when you'll stumble upon a great vintage find that no one else has shot in, right in your own neighborhood!
     For new stuff, I do love Pin Up Girl and Daddy-O's. 8 Ball and MyBaby Jo are both good stores with storefront and online shopping. Pay attention to the lines you like, then check online to see who carries them. (i.e., Lucky 13, Stop Staring, etc.) I also have a good links page on my website (heidivanhorne.com) under Pin Up/Links/Shopping- for a bunch more recommendations. And never rule out mainstream shopping for picking up pieces to work with other things you have! Some of my best finds are from Frederick's, Victoria's Secret, and Target!  Just mix it up and make it unique to you!
     Good luck with your continued success, doll! Looks like you're doin' great so far!
 

Hello Heidi!
     First, of course, I have to tell you that you are beautiful and that I love your photos.  Second in line is my question/problem. I'm not 5'7. In fact, I'm only 4'11 (and 3/4 if you want to be exact ha ha). What is a short girl like me to do? Modeling is a tall girls game and I want into it!

Mel
 

     Oh Mel! Thanks for the sweet words, sugar!  Even though this is a question I have answered before it seems that it is a concern that comes up again and again, so I had to respond when I got this from you! Its true that modeling will be harder for you, and that less people will take you seriously when you state your chosen path. You likely won't get much high fashion or runway work, regardless of how gorgeous and thin and perfect you are. However, if you are a pin up model hopeful, that is another story. There are lots of pin up and glamour models who are FAR from tall! And for cheesecake and retro styles, its more about proportion than exact dimensions! Miss Tila Tequila, who was a hugely popular internet and glamour model before launching her music and reality tv show career, is only 4'11", just like you! Other pinup models in our scene are petite, too--look at Dayna Deluxe! She's one of the top gals around, gets tons of work and she's a little tiny thing! 
     So while its good to be realistic that you aren't the standard issue model, don't think that height alone will keep you from modeling! Focus on your strengths and keep snapping great pics!! Good luck sweetheart! Big things, little packages, right?  
 

I love all ya'll!  Best wishes for a GREAT new year to all my fellow pin up lovers!!
xoxox
Heidi Van Horne
www.HeidiVanHorne.com 
 
 

Bonus Heidi Photo!
Heidi Van Horne
Photo: Via Marie 



 

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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