Getting started in pinup......in these hard economic times.

[Kristy C]

So, I've got a question. Bernie? and any other ladies who would like to chime in.....all feedback is welcome.

How do you get started when you have absolutely ZERO cash to put towards it? I feel that this is the biggest issue holding me back. Me and my husband have been, and still are going through hard times. I know alot of us are with the economy and all, I can't be the only one. So maybe this can help out some other girls too.

I try to get as many TF* shoots as possible, and some of them have turned out o.k., but as we all know, shooting TF* doesn't always produce favorable results. I know alot of girls get their start by shooting with photographers like Roy Varga, Lesley Slenning, Viva Van Story...just to name a few. I envy girls who can afford to shoot with these wonderful talented people....and if I had the money I would book with all of them. Like seriously, if I won the lottery it would be the first thing I would do!

Then there's the wardrobe issue. You know what they say.... when you shoot in something once you shouldn't shoot in it again. So even if I was getting alot of TF* shoots, I wouldn't have the money to buy a new outfit each time!!

I know that some treasures can be found and thrift stores but I am the worst thrift store shopper!! I just can't seem to find cool stuff like everyone else.

And we're still not through.....there's the makeup issue. Not all makeup photographs well, and as we all know MAC, SmashBox, and whatnot are the best. I used to be able to afford MAC, but not anymore.

Does anyone know what drugstore makeups are the best for being photographed??

I look forward to your creative ideas and suggestions!

[Stella Kaye]

I'm sorry, I'm really new to all of this. What is TF*?

[Poppy Fields]

Seconding the GOSH recommendation. Didn't know it was MAC! Thought it was from Sweden or Norway or such... Yeah! It's from Denmark! Still MAC?

Anyway, it's great! I have the worst time with foundation which is why I never wear it. I'm not prepared to shell out $80 for Smashbox powder that I'm going to use twice, either. The GOSH powder I bought barely showed, which is a miracle, let me tell you. Also, so much less than $80! Their eyeliners in liquid and pencil come in all fantasticly bright and iridescent colours and run around $15. Their liquid eyeliner takes a while to dry, but after that it's not going ANYWHERE.

Bought their volumising mascara too and no clumps! First mascara that actually does what it says (and I usually wear snooty Guerlain). The Quo eyelashes at Shoppers are fantastic and half the price of MAC lashes.

For lipsticks (and other products, I guess) why not ask at department store makeup counters for samples? They have them, I know they do, same as perfumes. Just be really friendly and keen and try a few things on your hand and then MOVE IN FOR THE KILL! Ha! Nothing to lose :)

ROXI DLITE PHOTOGRAPHY said:

Hi Kristy,
As for make-up M.A.C. came out with a new line that is less expensive called Gosh ( I think ) Its available in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart, and may be available in the states in the future if not already. Ive played around with it and its basically the same quality as MAC but just a little more affordable. I find the most important item of makeup is your foundation and powder when being photographed. Mascara doesn't really matter its all in the brush you use to apply it. Also, I find cream blushes photograph better as well. - hope this helped.
xo
Roxi Dlite

[Wink Holliday]

Trade For (print, CD, clothing). It's a term used to describe when you exchange services, rather than paying/getting paid.

Stella Kaye said:

I'm sorry, I'm really new to all of this. What is TF*?

[Greta Gatsby]

Napoleon Perdis is another brand of makeup that holds up really well, and is a little bit cheaper than MAC. I use it on stage, it lasts under the heat of the lights and the sweat of performing music.
I buy it from ebay, like many others, it's a lot cheaper. I do a little sneaky--- when I want to try a new colour/product, I head to the department stores and test it out (sometimes those pesky salespeople actually have good ideas/hints/recommendations), then go hunt it down on ebay (but remember to write down the colour name somewhere!)

[C/S]

Sabina Kelly had a great article on Bunny Yeager ideas on getting started in CK deluxe ...check it

[Kristy C]

CROWSHOP said:

Sabina Kelly had a great article on Bunny Yeager ideas on getting started in CK deluxe ...check it

Is it on her website? Or on here?

[Bree Anne]

Hey Kristy-
Its Bree!!! I am so happy to see you here. I am 100% with you on this issue. There are so many things in the wardrobe department that I want for either going out, a photoshoot(I have decided to get into this too) and getting supplies for my jewelry and pin up tee line that I am starting up again. In terms of thrift shopping, Its always a superb resource to go to the vintage stores. Like Razzle Dazzle on Prince/Campbell and How Sweet it Was on 4th. Especially Razzle Dazzle, as she may want to do some TF stuff. If you want, I have become quite a seasoned Thrift Store and Estate Sale junkie and have trained myself to find some great stuff. Its good to go in the middle of the week, its less crowded. We could go together sometime. Also, in terms of mu, Benefit and Besame are a couple lines that are inexpensive and from what I hear, good quality. They are both created in the notion of 40s and 50s makeup and all there adds use pin up or vintage flavored models. Just a few thoughts for you. Keep in touch!

[Helen Highwater]

You could add props to your pics, and different trims to items?

As for approaching companies to model their clothes, if you want to do that you need to make sure that the clothes are going to go back in as-new condition. Someone recently asked me if they could borrow a dress for a shoot "in an abandoned warehouse" and all I could think was, "Nooo!!!" I mean, really, please don't get stuff dirty. Someone else borrowed some stuff from me for a shoot, the shoot was cancelled and then she "sat" on the items for ages, and I think she was a bit peeved when I asked her to send them back to me. there's only so long that a company are going to be willing for their items to be out of circulation.

[Miss Bea Rock]

From what I understand, the key to good thrift store shopping is diligence. Some of my favie items at my favorite makeup artist's collection are ALL thrift store finds, most of them for less than five dollars! She lives in a good area and goes several times a week but ALWAYS finds great stuff.

As for makeup...you can't necessarily chalk a good photoshoot up to makeup. Makeup can only get you so far. If you splurge on basic items, like primer or foundation, you can go with drugstore brands for eyes and stuff. If you're not shooting on location, you don't need to worry about expensive makeup that can stand up to the elements. Also, re-using lashes! Even the three dollar ones from Sally's will normally give me 1-3 good wears if i take care of them. Ulta brand shadows and stuff are great, stock up around the big holidays when they have HUGE variety packs of colors for a good price. Their brand lipsticks are also affordable.

Loreal foundation is good, and Ulta usually has Loreal and Almay products on sale either buy one, get one or buy one, get one half off so it's good to stock up when you see sales!

[Kristy C]

I've been thinking about that lately, and as much as I'd love to have all the MAC shadows and whatnot, I don't think it's necessary. When it comes to shadows, liner, mascara, and lashes.....drug store stuff photographs the same right???
I do agree about splurging on foundation and powder though. Alot of drug store ones photograph bad, cause they have certain ingredients in them that makeup formulated for the stage (MAC) or camera (Smashbox) don't. Also, with drug store foundation, cause you can't try it on, I find it almost IMPOSSIBLE to match my skin color. They are all so pink-peach based and and I am an extremely olive-yellow toned skin type. So that's why I love MAC and other department store foundations cause they are able to match what shade you need perfectly.

As far as primer, I love Sally Hansen airbrush primer! I've been using it forever. I've never tried any of the other expensive ones, but this one seems to do the job just fine. Maybe one day when this recession is over and I am working again, I'll splurge on the Smashbox one that I want so bad.

I think my plan of action is to purchase MAC foundation and powder (when I can afford it) then hit up the drug stores and sales for all the other stuff. I am in desperate need of shadows and liner.

And BREE!!! When I finally have some cash you have gotta come pick me up to go thrift store shopping and show me the ropes! I think if I can get good at it then half my problems will be solved :)


Miss Bea Rock said:

From what I understand, the key to good thrift store shopping is diligence. Some of my favie items at my favorite makeup artist's collection are ALL thrift store finds, most of them for less than five dollars! She lives in a good area and goes several times a week but ALWAYS finds great stuff.

As for makeup...you can't necessarily chalk a good photoshoot up to makeup. Makeup can only get you so far. If you splurge on basic items, like primer or foundation, you can go with drugstore brands for eyes and stuff. If you're not shooting on location, you don't need to worry about expensive makeup that can stand up to the elements. Also, re-using lashes! Even the three dollar ones from Sally's will normally give me 1-3 good wears if i take care of them. Ulta brand shadows and stuff are great, stock up around the big holidays when they have HUGE variety packs of colors for a good price. Their brand lipsticks are also affordable.

Loreal foundation is good, and Ulta usually has Loreal and Almay products on sale either buy one, get one or buy one, get one half off so it's good to stock up when you see sales!

[Miss Bea Rock]

TF is "time for"
such as "time for print"
"time for cd"

etc.

Stella Kaye said:

I'm sorry, I'm really new to all of this. What is TF*?