Three things to help you prepare for a successful photoshoot

If you're interested in pinup culture why not immortalise that love with a photo shoot? Here's some tips to be prepared and help keep that anxiety at bay, because you want to be looking and feeling your absolute best!

Homework

Preparation for a bathtub photo shoot
Do your homework! It will pay off in your photos. This means lots of research before booking a photographer, check their portfolio, ensure that their style is what your looking for, don't just assume all photographers shoot pinup. Agree on a basic concept prior to your shoot; plan your outfits, props, set a date, time, location and pay your deposit (make sure you get a receipt!). Keep in contact with your photographer, and reconfirm at least one week before your booking.

If your working with a photographer for the first time, I always suggest taking a friend with you, they are great to help you with your poses, and to built your confidence!

Gil Elvgren - by Taschen
Research poses, expression, props and layouts. Save photos on your phone of poses you want to try and any references that inspire you. Send them to your photographer so if you get stuck you can refer to them. The main thing is practice, practice, practice!! Sit in front of a mirror and try different poses and expressions, to work out what works best for you! Don't forget to try the Playboy bunny classic - A E I O U's.

 If your only new to pinup and don't know where to start, it helps to chat with your fellow pinups to get recommendations. The Australian pinup pageant directory is a supportive network to ask questions and get advice.
 
Here's a list of books with great reference images for poses and photoshoot inspiration.


Gil Elvgren - The complete pin-ups
Varga Girls II
1000 Pinups
Dita Von Teese - Burlesque and the art of teese

Presentation

Book a hair and/or makeup artist! It helps to give your photos that professional edge, and means less stress pre-shoot. Nothing starts the day better than being  pampered. You'll be looking at anything from $100+ for a professional hair and makeup artist - but you can always book in at Myer or Mecca and redeem your booking cost on products. We recommend Cath Mish-Wills in Brisbane (she is a SUPERSTAR).

Wash your hair two days before your shoot (pending your hair type) as the natural oils will help hold curls and styles. For inspiration search YouTube for pinup hair, vintage hair, 50s hair etc! There are loads of tutorials to help. Or you can join us at the Bombshell Academy for Vintage Styling classes where you will learn all the tips and tricks for the perfect pinup look!
Photo Capture of Cthulhu


Fake it till you make it!! I'm talking eyelashes, they make all the difference in photos! I find the most economical way is buying the bulk packs off ebay, otherwise Daiso and Priceline also have some fabulous lashes at reasonable prices.

Pay attention to your nails, even if its just a clear coat, it will make a difference in your shots, but if you're going for color, make sure it matches something in your outfit or worst case, you can't go wrong with classic red. If you're like me and don't have incredible fake nails, you can get a variety of designs from Priceline which are available with double sided stick-on tape, lets be honest, they only need to last for the duration of your shoot.

 Make sure to pop some moisturiser on your tattoos, as it will make the color more vibrant.

Ensure your eyebrows, underarms, legs, bikini line are all groomed if that's your thing, know that it doesnt matter if you are hairless, or hairy, there are NO RULES IN PINUP! Just be yourself.  Its nice to pamper yourself the day before a photo shoot, so get yourself a eyebrow shape/tint and eyelash tint from Daisy at Love Sick in Milton, Brisbane.

Things to bring

Photo Matt Hoffman
Some garments you'll need include nude stockings, nude/black seamless underwear and a nude/black convertible bra.  Don’t be afraid of foundation garments (or granny pants as I call them), these are perfect to smooth everything out (especially if your wearing a corset) and will definitely make you feel more confident to pop out those poses!!

 It's handy to always have a pinup emergency pack (for shoots and events), things such as Panadol, band aids, safety and bobby pins, spare makeup, hair bands, a phone charger, sunscreen and flat shoes.

 These are just some basic tips to help make your photo shoot a success!!!  Let me know if you have any suggestions of what to cover in the next blog.

 ♥ BB

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