How do I get started?

[Lola B.]

Hello everyone!

I'm trying to break into the world of pinup modeling and I was wondering if anyone had any tips for getting started. Should I contact photographers? I'm not sure what my first step should be. Thanks in advance!!

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/forum-tip-1

 

Are you speaking of professional or hobbyist modeling, which are two very different things.

 Wanting to be a professional model, that is someone who's career is modeling, is very much like  saying you want to be a professional athlete.  Not only must you be beautiful and the right size (which is assumed), but you've got to be driven and focused and lucky.

 To be a hobbyist isn't too difficult.  You just need to get in front of a camera and there are plenty of photographers who want to shoot girls.  And because there are plenty of shooters, I'm not a big believer in paying to get your photos taken.

Understand that it can get quite expensive to do a pro shoot.  Shoots can range from $200 to $1,000 depending on time spent, photographer, MUAH, wardrobe, etc.

As a hobbyist model, in order to get photos, go out there and network.  Find photographers who's style you like.  Find guys just starting out.  Get them to shoot you. But more importantly.  Find car clubs.  Find bands.  Find stores.  Find designers. Find stores.  Find car and motorcycle builders.  Find anyone who need models.  Talk to them.  Once you have a network, photographers will want to shoot with you because you have access to things they need.  Clothes.  Locations.  Cars.  Etc.

Another way to get great information is to take some time and READ THIS FORUM. This question has been asked and answered many times, and there is are a ton of answers in here, you just have to look.

There are two books I'd recommend for any new model:
 The first is "Posing For The Camera" by Harriett Shepard and Lenore Meyer.  It was written in 1961 but it's still the best book out there.  You can get it on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1438288301/?tag=glamourphotog-20
 It's also around the internet as a pdf download.
 The second is if you're going to do pin-up.  "Peep-Machine Pin Ups: 1940s - 1950s Mutoscope Art".  Literally every set up, every pose and every expression you'll ever need is in there.  Just get the book and practice the poses.
http://www.amazon.com/Peep-Machine-Pin-Ups-1940s-1950s-Mutoscope-Sc...

 Good luck and have fun

 Thank you to Richard Wang of richardwangphotography.com for his help and expertise.