SUPPLIES
- Various 1940s and 1950s clothing, accessories and shoes
- Light eye makeup
- Foundation
- Red lipstick
- Photographer or camera
- Website
Overview
Pinup models are the first and most influential models. The influence they have had on society, modeling, print ads and women's sexuality is unrivaled. In order to create yourself into a pinup model, it requires patience and an external as well as internal makeover. Also, the key is to replicate the early 1940s and 1950s attire, confidant attitudes of women, and styles.
Step 1
Find a variety of clothing that reflects your personality for your photo shoot. Pinup clothing includes vintage bathing suits, lingerie, corsets, World War II soldier outfits, sailor outfits, nurses, and candy stripers. There was also an era of dominatrix outfits started by Bettie Page. You can find this type of clothing in vintage stores, online vintage stores, retro stores and many other outlets. You will want a variety of clothing for a photo shoot so you can have at least 12 different pictures of you in pinup attire. Costumes are good for providing a variety of looks.
Step 2
Undergarments must be carefully chosen, as the 1940s and 1950s were not revealing or very flashy. Garters, hosiery, underwear and bras were usually full coverage and in nude or black colors. Classic girdles were also used. Also, shoes are important to the photo shoot. There were no high platforms, but models did wear high heels with open toes, usually in black.
Step 3
Find a hairstyle that works good for your hair. It should complement your face shape, and you should keep the curls off of your face. Hairstyles include free-flowing side curls, pin curls, side-reverse rolls and bangs. There are wigs that replicate this style, but it is always fun to experiment with the pinup style yourself. You can find a wig, do the style yourself or go to a stylist.
Step 4
Make sure you wear the correct makeup for your pictures. This is another important aspect of the photos. Pinup modeling did not have harsh, heavy makeup. It focuses on a natural look where the eyebrows match the hair color and are in a thick arch. Neutral tones are used for the eyelids, with enough rouge to create a flushed effect. The only bright and heavy color on the face is the lips, which should be bright or deep red with red lip liner. False eyelashes can be used to emphasize eyes if desired.
Step 5
Find a photographer or have a friend take the photographs for you. Dress up in each outfit and use neutral surroundings, such as an old-fashioned bed, a park, the ocean or a backdrop wall. Do various poses for pinup modeling. These include standing tall and sticking the chest out, innocent girl next door expressions and playful smiles and really displaying your personality.
Step 6
Create a website where you can display your pictures and even offer them for sale. Design the website with a vintage or retro theme with bright colors. Promote the pictures and yourself as much as you can to magazines, modeling agencies or the retro pinup community (see Resources).
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Promoting yourself as a pinup model is the best and most efficient way to get your pictures out there and to get known as a pinup model.
- WARNING : Be careful where you draw the line with pictures; nudity was not usually involved in authentic pinup modeling.
Resources
