A Guide to Getting Published

For enthusiasts of the pinup culture, gracing the pages of renowned magazines like Retro Lovely, Bachelor Pad, or Bombshell is a dream come true. These magazines celebrate all things retro, from glamorous fashion to classic beauty. If you've ever aspired to see your image in these pages, this blog post will guide you through the process of getting published, with a particular focus on producing high-quality, professional images, and perfecting your hair and makeup.

The Path to Publication:

Professional Photography:

• Choose a Reputable Photographer: Collaborate with a professional photographer experienced in pinup photography. They understand the aesthetics and lighting that work best for pinup shots.

• Pre-Production Planning: Discuss your vision, wardrobe choices, and the magazine's style with your photographer before the shoot.

Hair and Makeup:

• Book a Skilled Hair & Makeup Artist: A talented makeup artist and hairstylist who specializes in vintage looks can make a world of difference. Ensure your hair and makeup complement the era you're aiming for.

Wardrobe Selection:

• High-Quality Outfits: Invest in high-quality, authentic pinup attire. Brands like Pinup Girl Clothing, Collectif, and Stop Staring offer classic options.

• Variety of Looks: Prepare multiple outfits to showcase your versatility and style.

Posing and Expressions:

• Practice Classic Poses: Work with your photographer on classic pinup poses, such as the iconic pin-up girl V-pose or the flirty over-the-shoulder look.

• Facial Expressions: Master the art of captivating expressions that suit the pinup era you're emulating.

Location and Props:

• Select a Fitting Location: Choose a setting that complements the magazine's style. It could be a retro diner, vintage car, or a studio setup.

• Utilize Props: Incorporate relevant props, like old radios, classic telephones, or vintage accessories to enhance your narrative.

Submitting Your Photos:

• Follow Submission Guidelines: Review the submission guidelines on the magazines' websites carefully. Each magazine has specific requirements for image format, resolution, and file size.

• Choose Your Best Shots: Select your strongest and most captivating images to submit. Quality matters more than quantity.

Tips and Tricks for Your Pinup Photoshoot

The pinup style has an enduring charm that captures the essence of classic beauty, confidence, and a touch of sass. If you're planning a pinup photoshoot, you're in for a delightful journey back in time. In this blog post, we'll share some invaluable tips and tricks to ensure your pinup photoshoot is a resounding success. From wardrobe choices to posing techniques, let's make sure you shine in every frame!

Choosing the Right Wardrobe:

• Vintage-Inspired Attire: Opt for classic pinup clothing, such as high-waisted bottoms, retro swimsuits, swing dresses, or pencil skirts. These iconic styles exude the pinup vibe.

• Bold Colors and Prints: Embrace vibrant colors and bold prints that pop on camera. Reds, polka dots, and nautical themes are classic choices.

• Accessorize Creatively: Don't forget to accessorize! Think headbands, scarves, cat-eye sunglasses, and pearls to add that extra retro flair.

Hair and Makeup:

• Vintage hairstyles like victory rolls, pin curls, or classic waves are quintessential for a pinup look. Consider professional help if you're not confident with your hairstyling skills.

• Dramatic winged eyeliner, red lipstick, and flawless skin are the hallmarks of pinup makeup. Achieving that perfect cat-eye takes practice, so don't be afraid to try different techniques.

Location and Props:

• Consider locations that evoke the era, such as a retro diner, a vintage car, or a classic bedroom setup.

• Utilize props like vintage radios, old suitcases, or a classic telephone to enhance the authenticity of your pinup story.

Posing like a Pinup:

• Posture is Key: Stand up straight with shoulders back, accentuating an hourglass figure. Confidence in your stance is key to nailing the pinup look.

• Embrace Classic Poses: Learn iconic pinup poses like the "victory pose" with one foot slightly forward, or the "sitting pretty" pose with crossed legs and a coy expression.

• Facial Expressions: Work on your expressions. A playful, flirty smile or a sultry pout can add depth to your pinup character.

Working with Your Photographer:

• Communication: Share your vision and ideas with your photographer. Discuss your wardrobe, makeup, and the vibe you want to achieve.

• Posing Guidance: Don't hesitate to ask for posing guidance. A skilled pinup photographer will have expertise in capturing the best angles and expressions.

• Relax and Have Fun: Enjoy the process! The more relaxed and confident you are, the better your photos will turn out.

A pinup photoshoot is a chance to step into the shoes of classic Hollywood starlets and embrace your inner vintage vixen. By carefully selecting your wardrobe, mastering the art of hair and makeup, and perfecting those classic pinup poses, you can create stunning, timeless images. Remember to enjoy the process, and let your personality shine through in every frame. With the right tips and tricks, you're on your way to capturing the enchanting allure of the pinup era.

XOXO, Mayzie Mac

Pinup Facial Expressions

Today lets discuss pinup facial expressions. I am of course not the all time expert on pin up faces or anything but I have learned a few things and have seen a few things. It's really important to know your own face. For that I seriously suggest sitting in front of a mirror and trying different expressions. It will feel pretty silly but this is very important for you to see. I also recommend that for poses too! Let's say you want to try to pull off some Marilyn Monroe type expressions but after playing around in front of the mirror you find out it's not really working too well...Don't worry! Every face is different and you just need to find your individual strengths and your preferences. I also suggest before a shoot that you look for posing and facial expression inspiration. You really want to be able to get to your shoot and do your best. When I first started getting a good smile in my photo was so difficult and awkward for me but I eventually realized the more I felt awkward about smiling the better it actually looked. I think that was because I wasn't in a genuine setting where I would really smile like when having a conversation with someone. It was hard to make a genuine smile happen when I was just facing a camera. The A, E, I, O, U rule is also a big help too so keep that in mind while practicing and shooting.

When I say it's important to know your own face and your own preferences I say that because I have learned quite a few things about my own face for example....
- Since my eyes are pretty small in order for my eyes to be more visible in a photo I actually look at the top of the camera or at the top of the photographers head instead of directly at the lens
- My left side of my face is way more structured and photogenic than my right side. I don't like very many photos that come from the ride side of my face but every once in a while I shoot a little from that side anyways just in case but I don't focus on that side
- It's more flattering for my face if I slightly tilt my head back instead of forward

Eventually you will get to a point to where when you do an expression you know how it feels and you know you're doing it the way you want.

Vivian Vega

Posing tips

Alright lets talk about posing your hands for a shoot...

If you have a hard time posing your hands, don't worry! It's legit one of the hardest things for most people to think about and control during a shoot. When posing try to keep them what I consider "light" you don't want to apply too much grip to something (like when holding a prop if your holding it too tightly your hands will show the stress). You also don't want to apply too much pressure. Keep this in mind, when you can, as some poses may require holding yourself up (or something) and then it cant really be avoided. I recommend keeping your hands as relaxed as you can with light control over them. For pinup you want your hands to be naturally flowing and delicate. I remember when Nita and I went to a workshop earlier this year. At the end I was waiting around and a model asked me to help her pose. She was attempting a pose in where she was sitting and trying to hold her dress slightly above her knees. She was holding the dress in the correct area but appeared to have a death grip on her dress. Please try to AVOID the death grip! I have also noticed that sometimes people will stick their pinky finger way out. That may feel proper but in the photos it's not flattering to your hand to have one finger extremely separated from the rest of your fingers. It can become an unintentional focal point. Another thing to avoid is when you are placing a hand on your face, arm, body, or leg...again, remember to not apply too much pressure as that will create a dent in your skin. Keep your hands light and softly flowing in and out of poses. And that is the advice I have for today. I will add more if I think of anything else and I hope this helps!

Vivian Vega