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Ask Heidi:

Heidi Van Horne
February 2007

     Time again for another edition of "Ask Heidi." Modern Femme Fatale Heidi Van Horne answers your questions about what it takes to be a modern day pin-up.



     Well, Java and I left you hangin’ last month, and we apologize! We were both swamped after the holidays! (Mondo Lounge Atomic Frolic, anyone?) I hope you're all having a Happy New Year!  To make it up to you, this month I'm back with a vengeance--and LOTS of shoptalk!  It's a double size dose of info to make up for the time passed!  Enjoy!

Stepping Up Your “Game”
     The number 2 thing I get asked, after the standard, “How Do I Get Started in Pin-Up?” is “How do I Take it to the Next Level?” Below are some things to consider on how to step it up, what to keep in mind, and knowing where you are trying to go in the first place.

     If you are trying to take it to the next level, then I will assume you're already past shooting your own sample photos and submitting to photographers. You've already entered pin up contests, you have a nifty new pin-up name and a snazzy myspace profile. Now what? Well, let's look first at WHERE you think you're going, young lady!? What higher plateau are you trying to reach? Are you hoping to get free clothes and some cool photos? To be a part of some beautiful photography and inspire talented artists? Do you want a pay site that makes enough money to cover your modeling costs/“addiction”? Do you want to be a professional model? Actress? Fetish Model? Fashion Model? 

     If you want to be a “Pro” pin-up, then…  well, sit down, let's talk… 
     I don't wanna break your heart here, but the truth is not very many people are making a living off of pin-up modeling alone. That said, I'd love for you all to prove me wrong and make big bucks doing this. But realistically? There just isn't enough consistent money in the scene. Most that I've known that are pro pin-up models are still supplemented by other aspects of the entertainment industry, be it: other types of modeling like fetish; nude art modeling; fashion/mainstream; actresses who do pin-up on the side to supplement; writers for scene/kulture magazines; burlesque performers or strippers who make a good amount of their income from personal appearances; import models who work in the auto and motorcycle niches who also make most of their income from appearances; convention models. The downside of the digital age I usually praise here (that puts cameras in all of our hands and makes the modeling and photography fields more accessible to more people) is that it tips the scales of supply and demand in our industry. Any publisher or company can now go online and get endless submissions from photographers and models willing to work for free just to be published. Photographers complain that they are getting paid less for photos because of it, and in turn, to save costs they also can go online to cast models and get countless willing applicants to work for free or trade. It ends up with less money and work to go around being sought after by more and more talent. Now, there are still going to be companies who recognize that sometimes you get what you pay for, so there will never be an end to professional photographers and models, but it does change the industry's general perception of what shoots should cost, based on the low amount they know it could cost. 

     So, look at your market and decide what you want out of this. No matter what aspect you are into, I firmly believe you should have paid at least one photographer by now. If you haven’t because you think you are such a great model or have done X amount of shoots or been on whatever website or whatever, then I guess you don't need this column, Hot Stuff, move on. For those of you who actually want to step it up and get to work with the “bigger and better” photographers and higher exposure and paying jobs--prepare to invest. If you believe you have what it takes to go to the next level from where you are, then it's worth investing in. No actor goes out and books jobs without paying for headshots from a photographer first. Modeling is the same. Of course you can go to Model Mayhem or myspace and find photographers to shoot you for trade. But if you want to step it up from where you are and get PAID to model, make a career out of it, justify a paid site or even just work with the top artists/photographers/companies you hope to work with, you need quality, professional photos. Maybe you have some good pics, but you don't have much variety. Or maybe you have full body shots but not many headshots or vice versa. If you pay for a shoot, you can specify what you're wanting to shoot and make sure you fill the gaps in what is (or will become) your book/portfolio. You are a fool if you think that a paying photographer or client will think you are worth their investment if you don't have professional photos. It just comes across as – YOU don't think you are worth investing in. So why should they want to invest anything of theirs in you?  Just like you probably have spent money on wardrobe and shoes and make up and beauty products, pro pictures are a business expense. The more you work, the less you'll need to set up shoots--be it tfp or paying a pro ‘tog- but in the beginning of “going pro” its worth having that level of quality in your book. And think about the experience you'll get working with a pro photographer that your book and resume might not yet get you into for a paid or even trade shoot. The best place to learn is on set, and I've learned more from a few great photographers than I ever could from a lifetime of most tfp shoots! I only do paid shoots now. Yet to this day, I still pay photographer friends to shoot my headshots. If I want to be treated like a businessperson and for people to value my time, I have to value theirs. I hate to get all kindergarten on you, but its as simple as ‘treat others like you'd want to be treated!’ Acting professional is the first step to being viewed as such.

Your book!
     If you just want to do pin-up modeling for online sites and companies, it's likely you'll never need a printed copy of your book. You can keep an online portfolio on a website, or online profile at Model Mayhem, One Model Place, Retrokitten, etc... If you want to go out on calls or work with an agency, it's a good idea to have a portfolio. Different markets will tell you different things, but the most standard pro advice I've heard and seen at castings is a folder or binder with anywhere from 8-20 9”x12” photos inside. You might have one for you and one per agency as well as smaller size ones to leave with clients. There are tons of websites that can tell you all about the details better than I can. I suggest googling ‘model portfolio’ and checking them out. Whatever the format, you want your portfolio to show variety. Even if you only have photos in a niche of pin-up or fetish or whatever, even if you only do one character, a Bettie or Marilyn impersonator or something, have photos that show you off in different ways. Look for different moods, lighting styles and expressions.  Make sure you have face shots as well as full body shots. An important tip: DO NOT put photos in your portfolio that represent things you are no longer willing to do! Don't put nudity or bondage in your portfolio and then wonder why people want to shoot that content with you, even though your profile says “no nudes." Also don't put photos in that are unprofessional--less photos in your book is better than having mediocre or bad photos. Steer clear of outdated photos, too. You want to show off your versatility, but don't fill it up with pictures of you at 18 if you are 25! People want to get an idea of who will walk through their door circa today! Your book should represent the current you that you are selling. If you look like an 19 year old lanky goth girl on your site or in your book but you now are a 24 year old curvy mother-of-two pin-up, you're not only going to piss them off for misrepresenting yourself for the goth shoot, but you'll miss out on the next curvy pin-up casting they do, too! When you completely change your look, you need to do a new shoot--be it paid gig or tfp-- and if nothing comes along…that’s right!  HIRE a photographer to document the new look!

WHAT does a PRO pin-up bring to a shoot?
Well, of course, each shoot is different, as you will touch base with the photographer or client you are working with as to what you need to bring for that specific look/setup/shoot. But here are some basics that I think are a good idea to have neatly organized in your bag ready to go for any shoot-
- Stockings
o black
o nude
o seamed
o unseamed
o fishnets
o whatever new hosiery I have but haven’t shot in yet
- Full length Pantyhose in sheer/nude
- Full length fishnets
- Heels!!  (And lots of ‘em!  At least one pair of black heels, then various other options of colors and styles--maryjanes, stilettos, platforms, stripper shoes, vintage heels, whatever fits the style of the shoot, along with a couple extras. You never know what will and won't match or work with a costume or backdrop!)
- Various panties--no matter whether I'm shooting a clothing catalog or a glamour shot in my own lingerie, I always bring:
o a tiny nude g-string that I can wear under ANYthing--wardrobe or costume that has been rented, borrowed, made, etc., I've worked more than one bikini shoot where they had girls swap suits throughout the day! Good thing I bring undies!! 
o a small black thong 
o white full cut satin retro-ish panties for a full coverage option.
- Makeup. Even if there is a make up artist, you never know what could happen! I've had make up artists flake or get too busy with too many models and it was a good thing I brought my own because otherwise we'd have been out of luck! You may never need it. But you probably will the one time you don't bring it. My bare bones kit for a pinup shoot:
o Concealer
o Powder
o Blush
o Black Mascara
o Black Eyeliner
o Red Lipstick 
o False Lashes & Glue
- Whatever new Corsets, Lingerie, BathingSuits, Vintage gear I have that I haven’t shot yet.
- Cover up outfit (something that won't put lines on your skin like jeans or tight clothes, robes or zip hoodies with yoga pants and things like that are good)
- Light Shimmer Lotion. NOT glitter-y, but shimmer, in a natural or nude tone, to moisturize and give a sheen to skin while still looking natural.
- Lint Brush. No really, I am a dork.
- Directions to the shoot! 
- Phone # of photographer/location! 
- Cell phone.
- Something to write with/on
- Cards (business cards, zed cards, etc.)
- A GOOD ATTITUDE!!! Dude, this is work, but its fun. Be positive and polite and nice and have a good time, damnit! Otherwise, get out, it isn't worth it.

     Lastly, you wanna know an important step in being appreciated in the pin-up community?  SUPPORTING the pin-up community. Involve yourself in what's out there and see what other people have to offer before declaring yourself a pro worthy of payment from the scene. Pay to go to shows/bands--don’t just expect being on a VIP list all the time because you are hot or take some cute photos, buy clothing from the companies you write asking to hire you and proclaiming your love, hire photographers when you need a specific shot for your book or your site, don't expect everything to come to you for free if you want others to pay you. Attend Burlesque shows around town before expecting to headline one yourself, VOTE on pin-up contests you are not in for other girls and repost for your friends. Have some respect. Put your money where your mouth is. I guarantee making those investments in the scene that you want to get something out of will only work to your benefit and put you one step closer to reaching that next level. 

     Man, I'm just getting’ started…  More next month on goin’ pro and taking it to the next level.  EMAIL me or Java with your Pin Up modeling QUESTIONS! The past couple months it seems like I just keep getting the same 2 Q’s. Don't be SHY! Ask me what you wanna know about pin-up modeling! I don't always remember the questions I get from girls at events and in person, so email them. If you haven’t seen it asked yet and you wanna know--write me! All Questions are posted in the column anonymously.  (Unless you want me to use your name, then say so I guess.) Email me at:  Heidi (at) heidivanhorne.com

     Also, I'd like to give a shout out to 2 cool pin up projects I've caught wind of lately. Check ‘em out and see how you can get involved!: 

The first is the Pin-Up Class being taught in the Northwest by pin-up and performing hottie Go Go Amy. She is a fantastic model and is now helping the new girls in person with their poses and pin-up-ing! I'd bet this class is not only really informative, but lots of fun! What a great teacher!  http://www.gogoamy.com/class.html

The second is Mr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School. Run by the fabulously talented Molly Crabapple, Mr. Sketchy’s art school is figure modeling the fun way. Set up like an old school life drawing class, a guest model poses for sketch artists who, unlike the stodgy art scenes of old, enjoy some cocktails with their creativity as well as rockin’ bands and models such as burlesque dancers for eye-candy inspiration. You can even check their site to learn how to start a branch in your own town!
http://www.drsketchy.com/
 
 

Love and Pin-Ups! 
Heidi Van Horne 
www.HeidiVanHorne.com 
 
 

A little about Heidi: "I starting acting in Texas at age 13, I have worked and trained as an actress in film, TV & commercials for most of my life, as well as working behind the lens on various projects. I have been shooting my own retro pinups since late 2003, when I started doing self-shot photos (just like Bunny Yeager did!) with a self timer and a tripod in my home. Since then, I've been on the cover of 3 books ("Hot Rod Pin Ups" by David Perry and MBI Publishing, "How to Be a Dominant Diva" by Avalon Press, and the new "Modern Vixens: World of Winytiki" by Octavio Arizala and Goliath Press) as well as being featured on the cover of 3 (and inside 2 other) Pin Up Calendars for 2007, magazine covers and countless layouts, features and interviews in counter-culture publications, as well as a few mainstream mags. I've gotten to work with tons of amazing companies and photographers, including original pinup, pinup photographer & living legend, Bunny Yeager--shooting on the same beach where she and Bettie Page made Pin Up history! Living in LA pursuing my acting, I've kept myself busy on the side shooting the genre I love the most- and I'm thrilled to see how the niche has grown and grown worldwide!" 

Have a question for Heidi? E-mail us and we'll send it along to her!
 


 
 

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