Maybe it's a pipe dream, but I am tossing around the idea of setting up my own studio

[Decadent Diva]

My husband thinks I may be nuts (nothing new there, LOL) but I truly see a need for a pinup style studio in my area. There is maybe one photographer in my state that does pinup (that I have been able to find), and it is on the opposite side of the state. There are tons of wedding photographers, and a handful of studios that do glamor/boudoir, but no pinup...

If I were to get started, where would I begin? Any information from the awesome photographers here is MUCH appreciated!

[Clay Stephenson]

Hi Diva!

I definitely would encourage it. I'm only a few Pin-Up Photographers in my City, but the only one I know of that is just shooting Pin-Up. I'm going all out with props and themes. Even have a Claw Foot Tub.

I think you have to Stand Out this day and age and if you are really have a passion for Pin-Up it's incredible.
And if PL is any indication Pin-Up is about to Boom.

I'm hoping to be part of that.

[Clay Stephenson]

Sorry, I meant to say the only one who has a dedicated Studio for Pin-Up. ; )

[Delyssia LaBelle {Madam}]

do it girl! find yourself a 'look' and go! all of the good photographers and studios have a look, you can for the most part tell who took the shot depending on who the photographer was, find your niche and go for it!

[Decadent Diva]

Thanks for the encouragement Clay! Your work is awesome, and I appreciate your input!
I do have to agree with you, I think that PL is a good indication that Pin Up is going to boom. I was talking with a fellow employee the other day, and she even said she herself would love to have some pinup photos taken!

You even have a claw foot tub? That is SO COOL! I wish I lived closer so you could photograph me! :D I really think the props and themes make it fun and interesting as well...



Clay Stephenson said:

Hi Diva!

I definitely would encourage it. I'm only a few Pin-Up Photographers in my City, but the only one I know of that is just shooting Pin-Up. I'm going all out with props and themes. Even have a Claw Foot Tub.

I think you have to Stand Out this day and age and if you are really have a passion for Pin-Up it's incredible.
And if PL is any indication Pin-Up is about to Boom.

I'm hoping to be part of that.

[Decadent Diva]

Hi Delyssia! Thanks for your input! You are right, the good photographers do have a certain look or style about them... I guess I will just have to play around and see what I can come up with!

Delyssia LaBelle said:

do it girl! find yourself a 'look' and go! all of the good photographers and studios have a look, you can for the most part tell who took the shot depending on who the photographer was, find your niche and go for it!

[Dulce Diabla {★}]

I agree with all the posts here.

Your best bet is to make friends with your hubbies buddies ( let me explain )

Guys your hubbie may know:

Metal workers, someone who can bend a piece of steel can recreate large portions of
work versus tracking down and expensive piece of the past.
Saves so much time and money, a claw foot tub is awesome but what about the
rest of the decor outside the bathroom ( wood workers come in handy too! )
think tiki and custom props, chests, lamps, frames, tables (Im working on that project)

CARS.

Old rides from the time period set the scene and bring together a look all to itself.
knowing some ride owners save you needing to track down, buy or build props.

I have some family that works in funiture and some who work on rides.
I help them advertise and they help me put together my sets.

it really is who you know. even if none of this is an option, learn to sew. putting little things
together gives you control and originality: the more you set up before the shoot the smoother things go,
the rest comes together.

[Edson Carlos]

Moving thread to the Photographers forum.

[Decadent Diva]

Hi Dulce Diabla!

Thank you SO MUCH for your input!

I understand what you mean about making connections with hubbies buddies... Unfortunately, he has a disability that prevents him from being able to work, and his buddies are my buddies... However, in my line of work, I come across many people that I could network with...

Thankfully, I am pretty creative and I do know how to sew, so that is one thing going in my favor! :)

You have given me many valuable ideas here, thank you so much!










Dulce Diabla said:

I agree with all the posts here.

Your best bet is to make friends with your hubbies buddies ( let me explain )

Guys your hubbie may know:

Metal workers, someone who can bend a piece of steel can recreate large portions of
work versus tracking down and expensive piece of the past.
Saves so much time and money, a claw foot tub is awesome but what about the
rest of the decor outside the bathroom ( wood workers come in handy too! )
think tiki and custom props, chests, lamps, frames, tables (Im working on that project)

CARS.

Old rides from the time period set the scene and bring together a look all to itself.
knowing some ride owners save you needing to track down, buy or build props.

I have some family that works in funiture and some who work on rides.
I help them advertise and they help me put together my sets.

it really is who you know. even if none of this is an option, learn to sew. putting little things
together gives you control and originality: the more you set up before the shoot the smoother things go,
the rest comes together.

[Lacey of Timeless Photography]

Hi Diva, I am also new to the pin-up scene, well at least the photgraphers stand point. I am also trying to set up my studio now as we speak and everyone here is completly right I would go for it! I dont know what state you are in but I know that here in texas I search alot of thrift stores and antique stores for little props. They are usually at a good price most of the time. I have even gone so far as when I see people with old cool things just laying in there yard I ask them if I can either take it off there hands or if I can pay them for it. (Not usually very much since to them it is junk)

But I do agree that it is all in who you know! I wish you the best of luck!

Lacey

[Soda Shop Sue]

hi!!! i live in the middle of a non cool/no where!!! i started my own pinup studio....
i dont COUNT ON THE money... most months i am MORE then stoked if i break even!!!

i started about 4 years ago... when i worked a bar, everyone would comment on my pinup hair do's... so i started letting people come to my home to do pinup style updo's... and since i love pinup photos, i would sometimes take there photos.... finally a year and a half ago.. i was sick of bringing people to my home, and i rented a space downtown... it is REALLY cheep so it is TOTALLY possable to break even!!!
i rent a space from a tea shop downtown, and i have the key, my studio is through there store, so it is pretty lame that i have to share the space, and over the past year and a half of me being there, they have cluttered in front of my shop area... AND I HATE IT!!!

i go to school full time, and work full time.. i currenty i do photos monday/tuesday/wednesday after 5pm, and sunday book ahead for all day...

so i found a home to buy this week in my area... and it is TOTALLY do-able for me for me to move my photostudio into my new home...
(CROSS YOUR FINGERS THAT I CAN MOVE AND BUY THIS NEW HOME!!!!)

and we dont ONLY do pinup (we do alot of it) but sometimes a band or a wedding can help pay the bills too!!! so dont ocunt out other photography jobs, just market your bussiness correctly...and with the internest, and local myspace/subcluture's it is a easy thing to do!!!



ya, thats what i do!hope that helps