How to shoot Pin-Up photography (Plus examples inside)

Pin-up photography has become very popular recently, though it has a rather long history of its own.

What is pin-up photography, anyway? It’s a genre of photography featuring models—often called pin-up girls for women and male pin-ups for the less common male models in the genre—intended to produce images for informal display.

Hence the term ‘pin up’—the photos are meant to be pinned to a wall. The models are usually glamour models, fashion models, or actors and actresses. These are the sort of photos you’d see on a teen’s bedroom wall or in a dorm room.

Pin-up photos first came into being in the early 1900s, though the term ‘pin-up’ didn’t come into use until 1941. This kind of photography can be seen earlier, with roots in the 1890s, even.

Pin-up photography pictures and tips

It began as the practice of memorializing the female form, though to be honest it’s often been more controversial than that. Pin-up photos are viewed as controversially sensual in many circles and came to be viewed as taboo- making them all the more appealing to teenagers and college students.

The original pin-up photos were published as mass-produced images. They were meant to torn out of the centerfold of a magazine or unfolded and then displayed or pinned to a wall without any frame. While the genre is best known for its taboo status, as its root it has a cheeky and playful attitude while paying homage and glorifying the female form.

It’s very body positive, really. Take look at some of the classic pin-up models from previous decades and you’ll see they don’t look like modern Hollywood starlets in vintage pin-up photography. Read about those classic pin-up beauties to see how they viewed the pin-up photo genre.

As the idea of what is taboo has changed, pin-up photos have become more mainstream. It’s a great way to pay homage not only to the beauty of your subject but also to the heritage of modern photography as an art form. However, it can be hard to think of great ways to take photos in this genre. Read on for some great tips, tricks, and pin-up photoshoot ideas.

Know Your Client

Meet with your client face-to-face before your session. This is a great way to find out exactly what they’re looking for with their pin-up photos. It will also allow you to know what they do and do not like about their body image, allowing you to capture images they’ll be sure to love.

Be aware that some pin-up photo sessions are gifts women are giving for their husbands or boyfriends, especially if they are separated for a long period of time.

Remember that pin-up photography is fun and playful, with a strong undercurrent of sensuality. They’re not dirty photos. Be sure to reassure your client that’s the case, especially if she’s never taken these kinds of photos before and is intimidated by the idea.

However, sometimes women do these photo shoots for themselves. These can have similar tones, but they do have a bit of a different feel. You need to give special consideration to the woman’s preferences and needs in these cases.

Find out if your client wants super sexy pictures, or is looking for a more fun and playful. There may be a part of her body that her special someone loves. Integrate that knowledge into your planning for the pin-up photoshoot so you can highlight it.

Know if she’s looking for something vintage or modern. Pin-up photography is all about your model. If she is happy and feels the photos are doing what she wants, the shoot will not only probably turn out great, but also be a lot of fun when you do it.

Do Research and Look for Inspiration

There are some amazing pin-up photographers out there. Go look for their art. Gil Elygren and Bunny Yeager are too of the greats. Use their work to give you fun ideas that are worth trying in your pin-up photography session.

Take the opportunity to study what the models are wearing and how it affects the image. Note their poses. These are two of the most important elements of pin-up photography and should come together to make for a truly great, striking image.

Elements of a Pin-up Photoshoot

Props and Wardrobe

Be sure to have the right props and wardrobe for the pin-up photoshoot. They are vital for bringing your vision to life. Think about them carefully in advance. Visit a local thrift store or even local antique stores. Look for unique and beautiful items that bring in a vintage touch. While pin-up photos can and do have modern elements, the vintage touch is a key part of their look.

Hair and Makeup

Because vintage photoshoots are all about your model, make sure the hair and makeup are right. These are not candid photos. In many ways, they are very calculated and shameless about it. It’s part of their charm. Look for a stylist who has experience with vintage hair and makeup styles.

This is another area where research comes in. If your client is looking for a certain era’s look, her hair is going to be a key part of making sure the pin-up photos look right for the period she has in mind. Look into older pin-up photos as well as more recent ones and see how they accomplish the look they want with hair and makeup.

Lighting

Lighting, as any photographer knows, sets the mood of the image. Old-school Hollywood style pin-up photos, for instance, draws its glamour from dramatic lighting. More relaxed cheesecake style pin-up photos have more bright and poppy lighting. Know the tone you and your client want the pin-up photos to have.

Plan for the kind of lighting you want in advance, but be sure to be flexible based on how the pin-up photoshoot is going.

If the photoshoot is going to be outdoors, be sure to scout the location at different times of day and under different weather conditions to get a sense of how the lighting is under those circumstances. This will help you decide on when you should schedule the photoshoot.

Posing

Again, research is key here. Look at the poses of old pin-up photo models to get ideas. There are many, many options, from poses with props to poses standing alone. They all have one thing in common: the poses are the ones that are the most flattering to the models’ bodies. You should choose poses that help your subject show off their assets and hide away their flaws.

It’s important to remember that your model cannot see herself the way you can see her. She won’t have a real sense of the photo will turn out and may be nervous because she thinks the pose is unflattering. It’s not, it’s actually quite flattering, but you need to be reassuring.

One important thing that applies generally: make sure the model’s toes are pointed in images where you can see her feet. This is always more flattering and attractive in pin-up photos. Regardless of how a woman’s legs look, this is true.

The History of Pin-Up Photography

In the mid-18000s, vaudeville acts became very popular in frontier settlements in the United States. They often combined comedy and musical acts. Burlesque was born from this rough-housing theater tradition. In burlesque, the most important and unique elements are that it features women wearing revealing costumes.

Burlesque was taboo among many audiences, but it was seen by many as a form of entertainment that wasn’t overtly gratuitous. Burlesque became increasingly common. Burlesque was the origin of the pin-up photography genre. The term pin-up first became used when performers left behind photographic cards to be pinned up on walls or stuck in mirrors or artistic picture frames.

This was all in the Victorian period. While people these days think of the period as an era of repression, but it’s a myth. In public, Victorians were demure, but in private they were fairly alright with sexual exploration. Burlesque has lasted to this day and is fairly popular as a performance art.

The pin-up genre started out not as photography but as illustration, which was far more commercially available at the time of its origin. One of the earliest forms of pin-up illustration was the Gibson Girl, first created by Charles Dana Gibson (American, 1867–1944).

The Gibson Girl is the image of idealized beauty of the early 20^th century. She was self-confident, proper, and directed an alluring gaze at viewers. She was a representation of liberation from tradition as well as mischief. She set the stage for all pin-up art to follow, whether in illustrated form or in photographs.

After the First World War, the Gibson Girl became less popular and faded. Women had become more socially independent. The rise of flapper culture allows women to be less modest than the Gibson Girl. Because of this, pin-ups changed into the more recognizable style we know today.

This was also when the term ‘cheesecake’ came to be associated with the pin-up genre. The term actually originated in the 1930s as a female alternative for the term ‘beefcake’, a term used to refer to attractive photos of men.

One of the most widely recognized pin-up artists was Alberto Vargas (American, 1896–1983). He was actually preceded by George Petty (American, 1894–1975), who was publishing pin-ups as early as 1933. He studied at the Paris Académie Julian, but was first to return to the United States due to the outbreak of World War I.

Back home, he began to work as an airbrush re-toucher and freelance artist for a number of magazines. He was eventually hired by Esquire magazine, where he started to publish his own unique take on the pin-up girl genre.

These Petty girls were collected by GIs serving abroad in the war. They were depicted with arched backs and wearing sexualized outfits. When he left Esquire, he was replaced by Alberto Vargas.

Vargas was born in Peru but later based himself out of New York. He continued to further image of the pin-up girl. Before he worked at Esquire, Vargas worked for several years as a freelance commercial illustrator. He created artwork for the film industry.

Vargas’ first illustration with Esquire was featured in the magazine’s October 1941 issue and received overwhelming praise. Soon after, Vargas created a pin-up girl calendar which was a great commercial success and sold more copies than any other previous calendar.

Vargas’ work has been highly sought after ever since. In 1953, Vargas was hired to work at a newly-founded Playboy magazine, where he worked until 1974. His style has become the iconic pin-up look for both illustrations and pin-up photos.

There have also been female pin-up artists. Zoe Mozert (American, 1904–1993) was one who was considered one of the top pin-up artists of the mid-2oth century. She worked at the same time as both Petty and Vargas.

She studied at Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art and moved to New York City in 1932 where she worked as a freelance artist. In the 1930s, she created covers for pulp magazines as True Confessions. In 1945, she moved to California where she worked as an art adviser and painter in the young film industry.

She had a more realistic image of women in her work, though they were still depicted in sexy outfits or even nude. The poses tended to be more natural than those depicted by her peers. All in all, her models tended to keep more of their original look.

In the 1940s, during World War II, pin-up girls came into use as the famous bomber girls. These images were painted on the noses of bombers, serving as mascots that would help the plane’s crew return safely home. For many modern people, these bomber girls are what they think of they think of pin-up girls.

In the 1950s, the pin-up genre moved more fully to photography as a medium. It became the key feature of many popular magazines like Playboy. They became so popular and widespread that they became acceptable to almost everyone everywhere.

The style fell out of fashion, however, in the 1960s and 70s, as more explicit images replaced them. However, the playful and fun style of pin-up photography has become more popular once again, though not in the commercial way it once was.

FAQ about pin-up photography

What gear do I need for pin-up photography?

Well, for starters, you’ll need a good camera, preferably a DSLR or mirrorless one. A prime lens with a focal length between 50mm and 85mm is a popular choice. Lighting equipment, like softboxes and reflectors, is essential to create that perfect pin-up vibe. And don’t forget a backdrop or a location that suits the style of your shoot.

After the shoot, it’s professional to provide your client with a photography invoice template, detailing the services provided and the associated costs.

How do I pose my model?

In pin-up photography, posing is everything. Encourage your model to emphasize her curves by arching her back, bending one knee, or placing a hand on her hip. Try out different angles and expressions, like coy smiles and sultry looks. It’s essential to make your model feel comfortable and confident during the shoot.

What should my model wear?

Classic pin-up attire includes high-waisted shorts, pencil skirts, and form-fitting dresses. Vintage swimsuits, lingerie, and stockings are also popular. Don’t forget accessories like heels, scarves, and hats to complete the look. The key is to showcase the model’s femininity and create a timeless, sexy appeal.

How should I style hair and makeup?

Think vintage when it comes to hair and makeup. Victory rolls, pin curls, and soft waves are classic pin-up hairstyles. As for makeup, focus on bold red lips, winged eyeliner, and defined eyebrows. Don’t be afraid to go heavier on the makeup, as it will photograph beautifully.

Can I do pin-up photography outdoors?

Absolutely! In fact, outdoor locations can offer unique and interesting backdrops for your pin-up shoot. Look for places with vintage vibes like diners, old gas stations, or classic car shows. Just make sure to check the weather and lighting conditions before heading out.

How do I edit pin-up photos?

When editing pin-up photos, the goal is to enhance the vintage feel. Adjusting contrast, saturation, and adding a slight vignette can create a nostalgic atmosphere. You may also want to smooth skin and touch up makeup to create that flawless pin-up look. Experiment with different editing techniques to find the style that works best for you.

Can men be pin-up models?

Of course! While pin-up photography has historically featured women, there’s no reason why men can’t participate too. Just like with female models, focus on posing, wardrobe, and styling to create a vintage-inspired look.

How do I find pin-up models?

There are several ways to find pin-up models for your shoots. You can search on social media, join photography forums, or attend local meetups. Additionally, you may want to collaborate with local modeling agencies or even ask friends who are interested in modeling. Just be sure to share your vision and expectations with potential models to find the perfect fit.

Can I make money doing pin-up photography?

Yes, you can! Many photographers specialize in pin-up photography and offer it as a service to clients. You can also sell prints, create calendars, or even submit your work to magazines. As with any photography niche, building a strong portfolio and marketing yourself effectively will be crucial to your success.

What are some tips for beginners in pin-up photography?

1. Study the classics: Look at vintage pin-up art and photography for inspiration and understanding of poses, styling, and composition.
2. Practice: The more you shoot, the better you’ll become at capturing the essence of pin-up photography.
3. Network: Connect with other photographers, models, and stylists to learn from each other and collaborate on projects.
4. Experiment: Try different locations, outfits, and editing styles to find your unique approach to pin-up photography.
5. Patience: Mastering pin-up photography takes time, so don’t get discouraged if your first few shoots don’t turn out perfect. Keep refining your skills and learning from your experiences.
6. Be professional: Treat your models with respect, make them feel comfortable, and maintain clear communication throughout the shoot.
7. Invest in yourself: Attend workshops, read books, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in pin-up photography.
8. Promote your work: Share your photos on social media, enter contests, and create a website to showcase your portfolio.
9. Critique and learn: Ask for feedback from peers and mentors, and use that input to improve your skills.
10. Stay passionate: Keep your love for pin-up photography alive by continually exploring new ideas and pushing yourself creatively.

Ending thoughts on pin-up photography

A pin-up photography session can be a great way to work with a model. It can help her see herself in a new light and give you a chance to play with a whole new style.

If you enjoyed reading this article about pin-up photography, you should read these as well:

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Bogdan Sandu, a seasoned designer with 15 years of diverse experience, has been designing websites since 2008.

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