How Do I Get Into Pin-Up?
11 Suggestions

by Helen Highwater

I'm asked this a lot so this is my answer!

1. Pin-up is a fun hobby! It really is! But it's not a wage-earner. You might get paid shoots, but it won't be enough to pay the rent.

2. Please don't expect this to be a magical short-cut to a life of glamour and marabou-trimmed negligees and no more office work or standing in queues or going to Tesco's to buy baked beans. Not even Dita makes a living solely from "being a pin-up". Bernie Dexter has an online shop and sells vintage items on Ebay. Sabina Kelley works in a tattoo parlour. Morgana does web design. Some girls add the money from paid shoots to money from burlesque performances and costume-making and pin-up classes, but they are not solely working as pin-ups.

3. Get a professional shoot done. If you've read anything about mainstream modelling, models need a portfolio of pics in order to join an agency. Pin-up is no different - in order to be seriously considered by other photographers (or indeed shops & magazines etc), they need to see samples of your work to see what you're capable of. Myspace-style photos in a bathroom mirror, or out-of-focus things taken on a self-timer with a basket of laundry in the background (when not intended as a prop, obviously) are not sufficient. When you're starting out, the best shoots are ones when you pay because you will be taught how to pose for the camera. There is a list of photographers at the end of the page.

4. Go back a step and think about what you mean by "getting into pin-up". Doing some pin-up photos and having fun doing the shoots? Being a celebrity? Having people cue up to tell you how wonderful you are? If you say yes to the first option, then bravo, you're being sensible. Fame and adoring fans aren't a given. Doing photos and enjoying the process is the basis of "being a pin-up".

5. As with all forms of modelling, there are limited opportunities for larger women. True, there are more opportunities than in other kinds of modelling, but do be aware that there are often size limits on the models required for some shoots, and if you protest, you're ear-marked as a trouble-maker. I rather enjoy being a trouble-maker myself, though.

6. Networking is important but don't make unreasonable demands on people. You aren't the only person who "wants to be a pin-up". I'm often asked by people if they can model for my shop, and I'm now having to say that you must have previous modelling experience. Even if it's a shoot you've paid for with The Hourglass or The Casting Couch. It isn't fair to bombard people with photos you took of yourself in your bathroom mirror and demand that you're hired. Don't leak bad karma into the cosmos! (man). You MUST have a professional portfolio!

7. Enter competitions, participate in online groups, etc etc etc. For example, The Pin-Up Lifestyle Network. Just being generally involved in burlesque or rockabilly, swing or WW2 re-enactments, which have pin-up as important elements of their culture (though please don't profess to liking rockabilly if you don't really like it - it's kind of annoying. Or indeed the other things - no-one likes an egomaniac interloper who's only turned up because they want their own personal fan club. Please don't be that person). Come up with your own ideas for websites or online groups or forums. Whatever. Be creative. This is "being a pin-up", the second thing you do after enjoying doing your shoot and being pleased with your photos. Don't expect everything to fall into your lap.

8. It might be worth joining Model Mayhem and/or Net Model, but as I've mentioned elsewhere, there are often rather unrealistically stringent size requirements so larger girls will find it very hard, if not impossible, to find shoots. Even shorter-than-average girls might struggle.

9. You don't have to perform burlesque as well. Shocking, I know, but it's true.

10. Learn how to do your own hair and make-up. This will open more opportunities for you, as it means the photographer won't need to hire a hair and make-up artist.

11. You need luck. Being at the right place at the right time is vital but unfortunately a bit of a pain to schedule into one's diary.

11 and a half. You MUST be 18 or over. No reputable photographer will photograph you under that age.

Photographers offering portfolio shoots:
(this isn't an exhaustive list!)

UK:
Nicole Klein of The Hourglass (portfolio shoots & pin-up classes)
Tony "Nylons" Rusecki of The Casting Couch
Lisa Williams Cherry Bomb Rock Photography
The Boudoir (for boys who are sometimes girls)

Germany:
Miss Giggles
Spooky Sally at Cherry Muffins studios

France:
Modern Pin-Up

USA:
Danielle Bedics Photography (LA)
Atomic Cheesecake Studios (Baltimore)
Mitzi & Co. (LA)
Viva Van Story (New Jersey, travels to LA & Las Vegas)
Pin-Up Finishing School (New York)
Bettina May & Go-Go Amy: Touring pin-up classes (all over the USA)

Canada:
Suggestions welcome!

Australia:
The Pin-Up Workshop Co. (Melbourne)

(please let me know if you have a suggestion to add)

Photo credits: Bernie Dexter by Levi Dexter modelling for What Katie Did. Sweetness by Mitzi & Co.