The Educated & Dedicated Pinup - Past, Present & Future
I've briefly spoken on this topic, and it's been on my mind, recently, again. I look back at all my past clients, that I no longer work with, who are also not working with anyone else. I use logic when focusing on topics I cover; never just emotions. When I do focus on the emotional aspect, I consider everyone's feelings, that are involved. Clients come and go. A turn over rate isn't uncommon when you cater to the general public. This is expected, and common. So is, having the same few clients, on an ongoing, regular basis. I've experienced both. Pinup has been around since the late 40s, and has remained popular, to this very day! Modeling has been around, since way before then. All around the world, in America, and pretty much in every single state, there's a pinup community. Some places have more going on, and more people involved in the pinup, vintage, Rockabilly and burlesque industry, than other places. Here in Vegas, there isn't much of a pinup industry. That did surprise me when we relocated here. The thing is; it's a real industry worldwide, with many actual professionals, in numerous fields. This means work, it means competition, and so much more; like investing time and money, as well as setting goals.
Now, with that said; just like in any other industry, there are folks who are only interested in it, as a hobby. Yet, many of those people still take it seriously, want to actually LEARN, and are dedicated, even though it's just a hobby. Once a year, to get pampered, dolled up, take pictures, and have fun; that's also common, among many gals, who shoot pinup on occasion. I do realize, here in Vegas, there are no professional pinup photographers, that specialize in pinup and vintage, have many valuable resources; such as their own studio, pinup sets, a styling team, pinup wardrobe, etc. However, there are good, great, and excellent professional photographer's here, just minus the knowledge on pinup history, minus direct experience shooting pinup, and minus the additional resources; like a studio with pinup sets & props, pinup wardrobe, etc. There are good photographer's who look for trade, and some who are selective in who they select for trade, but will shoot trade. Trade, means both people bringing equal value to the table, aka shoot. Many professional photographer's, with knowledge, experience, skills, and take high quality image's, don't see it as equal trade, if the model doesn't have knowledge, experience, skills, and other resources. This means, if you want high quality photography you must invest, aka PAY. When asked what you want for a gift, choose a photo shoot. Go out to eat, only once a week, instead of several times, every week; to save up. Sell unwanted items, that are things people will buy; save that towards a shoot. If you have fans; sell autographed photos, and save that money for a shoot. In my opinion, "where there's a will, there's definitely a way", and more than one way to accomplish something; if you TRULY want it, bad enough. With pinup models, who actively shoot, actively attend pinup events, and actively submit to pinup magazines; it's called, "investing", NOT spending. Investing in your goals, towards a career. You invest time researching, learning, practicing, gaining skills, THEN actually improving on them. That takes the investment of your time. You learn in between shoots, and during them. With someone who only shoots pinup once a year, on occasion, or every blue moon; it's called, "spending ". Spending your time, spending your money; simply to have fun, ONLY. It's a luxury, leisure; like a hobby. When you invest your time and money, then set actual goals, everything changes, because now you're going to be involved in the biz side, of an actual, real life industry! Investing time to research, to train, to learn, practice and develop skills; investing money on education, on styling tools and supplies, on wardrobe for each shoot, and on professional photographer's, and in many cases; investing in a professional stylist. If there are no professional pinup photographers, who specialize in pinup, and offer full service packages, in your area; if pinup is something you're truly passionate about, why not gain the knowledge, skills, and resources you NEED, and pay a professional photographer? I say, it's equally important for the model and photographer, to both, have knowledge on pinup history! I think it's essential for them both, to have skills that pertain to pinup, as well as specific resources, in pinup. An excellent photographer, who can produce high quality, may not be knowledgeable on pinup, yet they have the skills and resources needed. So, you as the model, are responsible for having the knowledge. You're also responsible for having skills; which isn't the responsibility of the photographer, at all! It's like; where are they now? Out of, say, 2 dozen past clients, I can name only a few, that after years and years, they're STILL active in the pinup industry! I had clients that were professional burlesque performers, professional actresses, or professional models, that are still active, in those industries! Performing on a regular basis, featured in newspapers, magazines, on tv commercials, in movies, starring in plays, and more! These were things they were doing, before pinup, and obviously passionate enough, dedicated, and driven enough to KEEP AT IT! I adore seeing their success. I, as an instructor, feel slightly disappointed to see, sooooo many others bailed, fell off, and have not worked with anyone! I'm not shocked, but when you teach someone, you want to see them succeed! The resources are everywhere, and some of them, YOU must create. Investing is essential, and it's NEVER ending, as long as you have goals, and are competing on the biz side of the industry. If you aren't passionate, you won't be willing to make the sacrifices. If you aren't passionate, you won't be dedicated. That whole, " I can take it or leave it", mentality, that stems directly, from having no passion for pinup! Certain goals not only take initiative, drive, dedication, hard work and your money; they also take time! YEARS! Giving up, isn't a realistic option, for someone who truly loves pinup. Plenty of excellent professional stylists, plenty of ways to save up, plenty of excellent professional photographer's available, if you INVEST and pay them! Many people out there to produce greatness with, and positive results! Commitment to the industry and your craft! I know pinups, who are located all over the world, that: 1. Save up, all year, to travel to pay a professional pinup photographer, and shoot. ( travel expenses, wardrobe, styling, and pay a professional pinup photographer. 2. Save up, by cooking homemade meals, and not eating out, or ordering in, every week. 3. Save up, by selling autographed prints, to their fans. 4. Save up, by selling items online, on a regular basis. 5. Saved their money to invest in styling supplies and tools, and gained the skills to do their own hair & makeup; so they don't have to pay a stylist. 6. Saved their money, to invest in sets, lighting equipment, and gained skills to take high quality self portraits. 7. Saved, and invested time & money to get an education, that they can utilize, to save money. 8. When asked what they want for a gift, they choose a photo shoot. I have endless examples, of pinups, right now, that have done one of, or several of, those things. Knowledge is key. Resources are essential. They're are pinups that pay hundreds, for a single photo shoot! Pinups that pay that much to be photographed, and pay to travel! There are pinups that set money aside, all year, to do just a single shoot. There are pinups that have invested time to learn, and gain photography skills, then invested in equipment needed. So, they can shoot as often as they like; without saving up. I know pinups that are highly skilled, in areas, within pinup, and make a living from those skills. There are gals that began as a pinup model, then ended up being a professional pinup Stylist. Gals that began as pinups, then started their own pinup clothing line. Gals that began in pinup, still shoot pinup, but photograph other models, for payment. Many gals are paid social media influencers, too. I SEE these things happening, and these gals are investing their own money; not money from their rich spouse! I SEE highly educated, highly accomplished, highly skilled, driven, and dedicated gals, who SHOW their passion for pinup! It's a choice, to be dedicated! The Pinup Master Course Publicist Dianna Prince
The New York Institute of Art and Design
Yale University, Harvard University Raquel Welch ( above )
Reseach vintage starlets, and vintage pinup models. You'll find that most were educated, highly educated, highly intelligent. Beauty is definitely not enough to succeed! Even skill isn't enough! It takes the whole package!
Above is Glynis Johns
