Odd customer request, please help

[Shirley Rowe{★}]

I have had the pinup and boudoir part of my professional photoraphy studio for 3 years. I have heard all sorts of strange requests but this one has me a bit flustered. A woman wants to do a pinup session and include her toddler daughter. She even asked where to buy toddler sized pinup outfits. YIKES! The whole idea seems so strange to me and I wouldn't know how to pose a child with her Mom in a pinup pose without looking like exploitation of a child. I suggested a vintage clothing style shoot but she wants classic pinup. Before she comes in for a consultation,I need feedback. Help me out here fellow photogs. What do you think of her request and do you have any ideas for appropriate poses for a child and Mom?

[La Maison Des Chats]

How about some pinup photos lik the old TV commercials and magazine ads (soap, etc.)

I would insist on keeping it 100% clean and pure as the driven snow.

That's a toughie! Glad someone's not asking me for this!

[Amy Fontaine]

Hopefully she is asking for a Classic style shoot and is just coming off as odd. She probably just wants to feel sexy while being a mom. Maybe a cookie baking ....or Christmas gift wrapping scene....Just make sure she isn't looking for to sexy...that's creepy!

[Shirley Rowe{★}]

I'm hoping she wants something cute and not creepy, which I will not do. Thanks for the feedback ladies.
Princess Fontaine said:

Hopefully she is asking for a Classic style shoot and is just coming off as odd. She probably just wants to feel sexy while being a mom. Maybe a cookie baking ....or Christmas gift wrapping scene....Just make sure she isn't looking for to sexy...that's creepy!

[Edson Carlos]

Think candy, balloons, stuff like that, "a day out with mom".

Maybe mom and daughter with hair flowers or something?

[Delyssia LaBelle {Madam}]

do a sailor theme , cute sailor outfits wont be as revealing and they can get all patriotic and pose in waves or boat or sea background. that is kinda a weird request.

[Didi De La Rosa]

yea, old style "little helper" ads, like that old coca cola add. maybe you can sell her on some single, "for dad's eyes only' shots. It sounds to me that she is using the term pin up losely. good luck!

[Tifa DeLeone]

I think you have gotten some good advise here already.
There is a big chance she thinks 50's styling and a cute dress is pinup.

Some tasteful pictures and styles:
http://coutureallure.blogspot.com/2009/06/vintage-mommy-me-dresses....
http://www.yorkblog.com/yorktownsquare/100710-sub-Marguerite-Andrew...

But all depends on how she poses, what she wears and the overall style of the picture.
Keep it sweet and tasteful and talk to her about your worries, so that you both knows what she really wants out of the session.

Good look with it all!!

[Plum Pea Dahl {★}]

Wow. Is she one of those pageant moms who dresses her 3 year old like a 30 year old? That is a pretty strange request and I would gently remind her that boudoir photography is for adults only.

[Miss Lizzy D. Vine {★}]

Goodness! Im glad that you were able to receive help. I can definitely understand why you would feel uncomfy. I browsed through some of the suggestions and those are all wonderful ideas. Good luck. Please let us know how it goes.

[Shirley Rowe{★}]

Didi De La Rosa said:

yea, old style "little helper" ads, like that old coca cola add. maybe you can sell her on some single, "for dad's eyes only' shots. It sounds to me that she is using the term pin up losely. good luck!

[Shirley Rowe{★}]

Thanks for all the great ideas. I sent her a note and asked her about doing a vintage style session wearing clothing from the 50's and using vintage props. She did agree with that. She does seem like the pageant Mom type. Hopefully when it is all over she will sign a release so I can share the end result with you. I appreciate all the input and examples.

[m.spears]

Wow Shirley i am glad you got the help..and i cannot wait to see what they look like!! And i might be up there again soon for another photo shoot or as another free assistant session if you need me..