the pin-up biz for photographers

[The Pinup Project]

I'm curious how the pin-up biz works for you guys (photographers). Do you shoot whatever you want and then try to sell your images to places that have a particular demand for pin-up pics?
Who are your customers and how do you find them? Do you have opportunities to work for a specific commission? How big is the 'vanity' market (ladies wanting photos of themselves in the style)?

I'm no photographer, so apologies if this sounds like "how to be a photographer 101", just curious how you work. It would be nice to be able to sell my work one day, so I'm interested in the mechanics of the market place.

[2d1jh4f6bcokc]

I'm shooting for fun right now and building up the ol' portfolio while sending out images to some of the car publications also. I'm looking to shoot enough images to put together a coffee table book for all of you fine people to show off at your house......

[Bodacious Betty {★}]

There are actually a couple of marketing courses concerning pin up photography:

http://shuttermom.com/boudoirphotographymarketing.htm $17

and

http://pinupphotographyhowto.com/?hop=roybarker $37

[Nikkita Hicks]

To my suprise, there is a pretty good demand for pin-up portraits here in Utah. I've been at this for 3 years and have found that the best way to get my name out is working with local indi-print companies for ads and even network to death on Myspace and Facebook. I also built up my portfolio and almost have my coffee table book ready (Which has been sooooooo much fun).

My biggest thing is post production. I want to learn more tips and tricks and even build mini sets for my little studio. The options of doing something completely Unique in a very mondain state that isn't too moral bending in their eyes is the best way I've found how to reel them in. =)

[Shirley Rowe{★}]

I have a studio located near a large Army base. I market my pinup and boudoir photography to the Army wives as a retro way to let their husbands see how sexy they are. About 60% of my clients are the Army wives. More and more women are doing pinup sessions for fun or to get a sexy pinup calendar made for their special man for a birthday or anniversary. Lots of my photos are in Iraq right now.

[Nikkita Hicks]

That is so stinkin cool! How do you market? Interwebs? Fliers? I'm curious.

Shirley Rowe said:

I have a studio located near a large Army base. I market my pinup and boudoir photography to the Army wives as a retro way to let their husbands see how sexy they are. About 60% of my clients are the Army wives. More and more women are doing pinup sessions for fun or to get a sexy pinup calendar made for their special man for a birthday or anniversary. Lots of my photos are in Iraq right now.