Need Help getting started in modeling

[Miss Anna Bella]

Hi,

I would love to try to get into actual pin up modeling I've been told time and time again that I would make a great model. I just don't know how to go about it. How do you start what kind of people can help me?

THANKS SO MUCH!

[B.P.K.A.-Photography]

Start Building up a Portfolio, offer Modeling for exchange for Time, try to be creative and original to make your self stand out. Next try to smile do not always look so series like your mad at the world, find a Photographer who can help bring out some character in you and you feel comfortable with.

Make up a Comp Card type layout you can google Comp Card also make a Tear Sheet google that as well. Make a Bio up as well. Also look up old Pinup Magazines like Flirt and others I mention in my Bio so you get a better idea of true Retro Looks and Attitude. There is Retro then there is Neo Retro which is more Rockabilly looking not full classic.

Next set your self up a Flickr, Facebook Fan Page accounts for your Modeling Water Mark your Images... Start promoting your self hope this helps you out.

[Miss Anna Bella]

Thank you so much!! I know I need to smile more Retro is more fun and flirty. I will look all that stuff up and see if I can make this happen!

[B.P.K.A.-Photography]

You are very welcome if you need any more advice or input feel free to send me a message, I'm a Photographer but my Girlfriend is Plus Size, 53 and she can put up some series competition thus is why I got back into Photography.

Mostly Attitude and you got it pretty much right Fun, Flirty, a slight Frisk, and Natural. Have fun and go for it and also experiment with having the Photographer also shot both black and white as well as color and you will gain more ground.~Bill

[Miss Anna Bella]

I will message you if I need anything else! Sounds like you know what your doing for sure... plus size is beautiful so I'm sure she does a great job.

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

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

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 in this topic*

[Miss Anna Bella]

Thank you I'm honestly want to see where I can go with it.... Its something I've always wanted to do. If I could make a career out of it I would. I will look into all that stuff you posted!

[JessieRox]

So glad you posted this, I am looking for ways to build my portfolio and it looks like you are getting some great feedback.  :)

[The Trousseau]

To make a career of you, you pretty much have to start very young, but even more so, you have to live in New York. 

 

On the other hand, we frequently shoot some of the most popular models in the Bay Area and who are in their late 20s.  These women actually make money modeling.  They don't make a lot, but at least one of them uses it as a nice addition to her income.  The others-- they don't make enough to count on and consider the runway shows and magazine ads to be mostly for fun. 

 

That all doesn't mean you can't have some fun with it.  Just a few things Roxy didn't mention:  make sure you bring your best to the shoot.  Be ready with some poses, but be ready for the photographer to have a vision.  If they give you an idea ahead of time, do your research.  Don't be a diva and don't talk to much.  Really.  Your job is to listen and do.  Talking too much means that you aren't concentrating on what you are doing, and neither can the photographer. 

 

Network.  Don't limit yourself to pinup but be ready to try other things as it will enrich your pinup modeling.  Learn the business of contracts and how to keep you and your images safe.  Get some cheap business cards and hand them out when you go to events.  Oh, and go to events. 

 

[Lucky Mae Savage]

Where are some other places to find casting calls?

[The Trousseau]

Kimberly, 

 

You might find a Facebook group in your area that has casting calls.  Other than that, you want to look on ModelMayhem.  Of course, there is always stuff on Craigslist, but that can be ssssccccaaaarrrrryyyyy.