getting started

[kayla.janiece]

i have never done any modeling or pin up before but i really really want to get started in this. any suggestions???

[Mica]

Hey Kayla, I don't have any experience at this either, but everybody has to start somewhere!   I've noticed it's an excellent excuse for shopping.  ;)

[richardwangphotography]

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.  My base rate is $1,000 a day, but a 2 hour session starts at $300.  Hair and make-up is another $150.  Stylist and wardrobe are extra.  

 

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.

 

I'll let you in on a secret.  In fashion photography, the stylist is often times the most important person in a shoot.   Because they're the ones who have access to clothes.

 

Now 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"

http://www.amazon.com/Peep-Machine-Pin-Ups-1940s-1950s-Mutoscope-Sc... 

 

Literally every set up, every pose and every expression you'll ever need is in there.  Just get the book and practice the poses.

 

Good luck and have fun

 

richardwangphotography.com

[Mica]

Richard, I'm also curious about this "new to pinup" issue.  In addition to the Peep-Machine book you noted, would it be helpful to have some of the Taschen-style books on Elvgren and Varga, for example?

[richardwangphotography]

Mica;

 

Here are some pages from "Peep-Machine". There's 127 pages laid out exactly like these, so it's got plenty of poses and set-ups.  And all the famous pin-up artist are in there; Zoe Mozert, Earl Moran, Billy De Vorss and Gil Elvgren.  Other books would be nice, but to use as a lookbook you probably don't need them.

 

Sorry about the quality but I was too lazy to fire up the flat bed scanner.

 

richardwangphotography.com

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

Richard pretty much covered it, and with his permission I'd like to copy to this post and re-post it to everyone who asks about how to get into modeling in the future... because we know there will be another girl asking next week, lol.

 

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.

 

Good luck.

[Naughty Nymphadora]

I have been reading myself cross-eyed on the forum, great great info on here! And I'm so ordering that book TODAY.

[richardwangphotography]

Sure Roxy have at it.


Roxy Tart {Madam} said:

Richard pretty much covered it, and with his permission I'd like to copy to this post and re-post it to everyone who asks about how to get into modeling in the future... because we know there will be another girl asking next week, lol.

 

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.

 

Good luck.

[Mica]

Richard,

Much thanks for posting the book & photos....very helpful!  

:)

Mica

[kayla.janiece]

thanks guys! im really just trying it as a hobbyist. actually to be truthful...i have never been very confident with my body, and i am working my ass off teaching myself to love me. i really want to do something out of my ordinary and i have always been fascinated with pin ups girls....so im taking a leap :)

[richardwangphotography]

Kayla,

 

Don't worry about it.  You're not trying to make a career out of it.  You're there to have some fun and get some nice pictures.  Just go out there and do it.  You'll do fine.

 

richardwangphotography