Tips and Tricks for Pin Up Models by Autumn Luciano (Lansing MI)
1. If you are having a stylist do your hair and make up at the shoot, be sure to come with dry hair, wet hair won't curl.
And stylists don't like having to blow dry your hair for you, they're there to make you look like a bombshell! Not to complete
your morning routine for you. Also come with a clean face!
2. Hair control! No, not the hair on your head, the hair on your body! Make sure your eyebrows are neatly plucked, legs
are freshly shaven, and if you're going to be rocking any kind of lingerie, have your bikini area under control.
3. What to bring? Some pin up photographers provide the clothing for their shoots, and others don't. Discuss
costuming with your photographer. Once you both know what set and look your aiming for it will be easier to
decide on a style of clothing. A good staples to always bring:
a. Nude color underwear. (If you borrow any underwear from your photographer's wardrobe, you should always
wear your own underwear underneath, or bring thin pantie liners. This will keep you safe as well as helping your
photographer from having to wash a hundred loads of underwear every month.)
b. A strapless bra (nude is recommended!) This will definitely come in handy. Maybe you'll be wearing and authentic
vintage swimsuit that just isn't giving you enough support. Or maybe a halter top or halter dress where bra straps would
look bad. A strapless bra will do the trick!
c. Shoes! Always bring at least one pair of classic black heels. That's a staple for sure. Although the more options you have
the better color wise. I'm not saying you should bring your entire shoe collection. But a small rolling suitcase with a good number of choices could provide you with the perfect pair of shoes for a photo you weren't planning on, or a last minute idea that pops
up.
d. Stockings! Thigh highs and garter belts are a pin up must have for many outfits. You can find stockings anywhere. Always try to keep a nude and black pair in your pin up kit. I like the look of the back seamed, regular top (the kind with out lace, or rubber grips). Rubber grips sometimes roll funny when you wear them with a garter belt and can show in a photo.
e. Emergency kit! Safety pins, bobby pins, red lipstick, double stick tape, lint roller, and yes, even occasional accidents happen
and you may need a band aid.
4. How to prepare: Drink lots of water the week before the shoot, and try to cut out sugary drinks and alcohol that week too. This will help your skin in amazing ways. Do posing research by looking at classic pin ups. Also take note of their facial expressions and practice in a mirror. Plan your shoot out with your photographer, get an idea of the set(s) you'll be using, the theme and vibe of the photos to help you prepare wardrobe and maybe even so you can think up some fun poses to try before the shoot even starts. One last important thing to do before you start shooting is STRETCH! If you are not overly flexible and athletic, stretching for a couple minutes before you jump onto the set will help you feel so much better. Some people are surprised how hard it is just to hold their legs in the air for a minute. Most of the time when it comes to pin up, if a pose is uncomfortable, it probably looks amazing!
Autumn is the Pretty Things Academy Pin Up Photographer for our Lansing MI Classes. You can find out more about her, view her work or book a shoot with here by check out these links
www.DecadenceDolls.com
www.facebook.com/decadencedollsbyautumnluciano
