Friends who don't "get it", how do you respond?

[NolaChick™ {Madam}]

Ok, so I have a question for my fellow models. When you first got into pinup, where there family members or friends who just didn't "get" the whole pinup thing? Let me give you an example. Most of my friends are ultra supportive. But, there are some people who don't see the pictures I do as art. They see them as pictures of me in my underwear and skimpy clothes and nothing more. Guys have even refused to date me after seeing my myspace page! Now, I don't live in a an ultra-conservative area. I live in New Orleans, a place that, I thought was more tolerant of different types of art. I don't let it get to me and I just keep telling myself that I am doing what makes me happy, but I get tired of having to explain myself.

I guess what brought all of this on was tonight I was talking to a guy that I went on a couple of dates with, and he told me that he stopped dating me because one of his coworkers saw the pictures on my myspace page and commented that I looked "slutty". Now, keep in mind in most of my pictures I am wearing more than most girls wear when they are at the beach. He claims he defended me, but who knows?

I was just wondering if anyone else had to deal with this or if it's just me! LOL.

[robjenkinsphoto]

I'm a Christian guy, married and part time photographer. I mention my faith only cause I looked over your portfolio and though they were beautiful, tasteful and very creative. I run a fairly large photo group in South Australia with most of the photographers female, and we are looking to do a retro/pin up session and no one blinks an eye. Ignore the people who criticize and keep producing amazing photography. Your art is amazing.

Rob

[Dartmanz]

Although I can't completely understand your situation _ I'm a man _ I kind of get it.

Interestly, I'm a photographer who gets the same from my wife (and her family) where she is always helpful at the photo shoots. She even finds and buys things for pinup & boudoir photo shoots! But on the way home I get an earfull of questions about what makes women do that? And it never stops! She was the one who insisted I should be a photographer in the first place. After 5 years of trying to make a go at landscapes & scenery, I realized that people photography is what I like - pinups & boudoir are my favorite. I can't mention it where I work for fear someone will feel "uncomfortable" with what I do in my own time. What I do is try to imitate the timeless beauty of the 30's 40's pinups. I think I'm getting better at it but I just need more willing models.