Should I or shouldn't I?

[Frenchie Stiles]

I've always had a secret desire to be a model of some sort. Not sure where it stems from. I've kinda achieved this in subtle ways. As a child I wanted to be a fashion designer, archeologist, teacher, run a business lol. I now make clothes that I sell on Etsy and have been doing so for about 7 years (started on ebay).

I'm a professional bellydancer (9 years) so am used to performing in front of people and I model all the clothes I sell in my store (though this might change in the future).

I would love to become a pinup model but there's that BUT. Even though I'm a performer, I still deal with a lot of shyness, especially when someone takes a picture of me. I take all my own with a timer. I also have features that I think people find interesting but not necessarily attractive, and by interesting I don't mean ugly.

There are some local photographers I could work with, but I'm sitting on the fence.

 

Anyone have any thoughts or been in the mental situation I'm in?

[The Trousseau]

Forgive me, but I am a little confused.  It seems like you do model for your etsy shop.  So, are you thinking to expand on that and do some more glamorous shots for fun?  Or are you interested in trying this professionally?  If you want to try some pin-up, it sounds like you should give it a go.  If you don't, you will regret it.  Find someone who you feel comfortable with and then have some fun. 

[Stephanie Jay]

I think you should go for it. Honestly I don't have a great deal of confidence but the modelling (not that I'm getting anything for it apart from seeing the pics) does have a positive impact once I get some feedback (hopefully positive).

Go for it, have a few shoots and see how the pictures come out. You have a great curvy figure which is PERFECT for pin up and retro styles. Just have fun with it and pull some cartoon style faces! You only live once lass :) xx

[Frenchie Stiles]

Thanks!

I purchased Bombshell Betty's book "Plain Jane to Pinup Queen" and it has a lot of tips, stuff I never paid attention to. I wish her workshops were closer to home but just means I need to save up some money.

Next time I model the clothes I sell I'll put her tips to work, and just use that for practice until I move from a timer to an actual human being to take the pictures.

[Auburn Hills]

Give it a try, its fun.  It's very interesting to see your shots from your first shoot and see yourself from somebody elses' perspective.