Last we left off , I had secured a photographer, as well as a hair and makeup artist. Juan, my photographer, has been super responsive to my ideas and is excited to work with me on the shoot. And I have a Sunday appointment to go to a pin-up clothing store in the city on Sunday to scout for outfits.
So far, so good, right?
Well, sort of. You see, I’m super nervous about posing. I am not a traditional beauty, nor a slim jim (meaning, girl’s got curves), and the idea of being in front of a camera is giving me hives. What if I look like a whale? What if my skin comes out super pasty? What if my neck disappears and I look like a linebacker?
Here’s what I look like normally:
Cute, but not, you know, someone you’d choose off the street to model. So, I’m nervous.
But the whole reason I signed up for Go Mighty was to push myself past this place of fear and trepidation and into awesomeness. And to help figure all this out, my friend Thu suggested I start a Pinterest pin-up inspiration board. That way, I can pin looks and poses that might be good for the shoot. Want to check it out? You can do so here: Emblemist Pin-Up Inspiration Board.
Want to help me get my pin-up on? Send any links for inspiration my way! Extra points if the ladies are curvy and their poses make them look super rad. What pin-up images inspire you?
Hi Kelly.
I took pinups when my husband was in Afghanistan. I was really nervous, but it was one of the more fun things I’ve done in a long time. My friend, who took them, loves taking pinups, and it’s become a major part of her photography business: http://www.photosbysydney.com/ If you go up to portfolios, you can scroll through about 30 that she has in her portfolio. I hope that gives you some inspiration. Good luck, and I think it’s awesome!
Thanks Elizabeth! I loved looking at these shots. Your photographer is a real pro.
This is an awesome idea- you’re going to look fantastic!
Hi Kelly! I took pin-up photos a couple years ago and I love them! Here are my tips:
- Even though you are wearing a “costume,” try to wear something comfortable. I never wear heels but decided to buy 4 inch heels for my shoot and you can see the pain in my face in a lot of the photos.
- Explain to your photographer that you are nervous and not sure how to pose. If you have a good photog, they will help you.
- Find poses you like online (sounds like you are doing this!) but be realistic about your body type! I wanted to do a pose that was very much meant for a girl who’s a size 0, and I’m a size 10. My photog let me do it, but the results were a let down.
- Playing pop music (or whatever type of music you like) will help ease the tension. Also, if you are a drinker, a glass of champagne or two before the shoot will most definitely help.
Overall, just remember you are trying something new and you will be richer for the experience, no matter what the results are (but they will be fab, I’m sure)!
Such great tips! Thank you!
My friend Katherine has a great Pinterest board with girls in seductive poses:
http://pinterest.com/kathryngrady/curvy-girls/
I think most of the women are a little curvier than you, but it gives you a good idea of successful poses for women who aren’t all angles.
Yay! -M
Thanks Maggie! I’m loving that board, especially the juxtaposition of Wonder Woman to modern models. I think Christina Hendricks is our present day Marilyn Monroe.