Hello. Here is my most recent article in Onyx Vintage Magazine! The Brittney Jae looking fabulous in Atomic Jane Clothing. Get A 1950's Vintage Look at Atomic Jane Clothing Hello readers. Meet the gorgeous Brittney Jae. This doll face is brand new to pinup, and doing so well. She is trained as a modern fashion model, and often does runway and fashion shows, here in Las Vegas. Let's talk about Atomic Jane Clothing and just how very fabulous Brittney looked in their fishtail, shirt. Gotta love the classic, and timeless plaid print. The design of the skirt is unique, and creates such a nice, hour glass shape. I incorporated a semi plain looking, black dress shirt. Her high heels, black and match well with the vintage style. Always room to incorporate a black, patent leather belt. I can see that skirt being the main garment in a Rockabilly look, as well. Also everything, they sell pinup wise, can be worn at a Rockabilly shoot. What I adore about Atomic Jane Clothing is the biggest variety of pinup dresses and rockabilly skirts I've ever seen! Endless possibilities. So many of the dresses could match with a 1940's era shoot, 1950's and 1960's. And from Cheesecake Pinup, Rockabilly, to Old Hollywood and Vintage. I added a super cute polka dot scarf, pretty much staying away from any jewelry or props, to keep the focus on my beautiful doll and the wardrobe by Atomic Jane Clothing. Get hairstyle was an impromptu look. The 1st look she did, I styled her hair in a 1960's style French Twist. Once she changed in to her 2nd outfit, I actually pinned her hair inti a 2nd style, while outdoors at the park. Easy to change. I feel her hair made this look, a vintage look. I wouldn't necessarily consider it a modern-day pinup hairdo, or Cheesecake Pinup, not even Old Hollywood Glam. It's a classic, like 1940's hairstyle. Huge bumper bang, and everything else pinned up. A very vintage look, and 40's style hairdo. The fashion possibilities are really endless at Atomic Jane Clothing. Sales, easy to find numerous dresses on any budget, the best customer service I've ever received from a company as big as they are, true sizes, quality material, and I adore every pinup dress, and rockabilly skirt they sell! Thank you for reading. Thank you to my doll Brittney for being my muse. Vintage Stylist Dianna Prince Brittney Jae Atomic Jane Clothing Instagram @atomicjaneclothing Atomicjaneclothing.com Use my code diannaprince25off and receive 25% off your entire order! Onyx Vintage (Documentary Book)
A Publication Where Black & Brown History Meets Modern-Day Vintage Life Subculture | Send submissions to [email protected] Buy issues here: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/magazine/1064013 All sales profits of Onyx Vintage go to foster care charity, learn more about it here: http://onyxvintagemagazine.weebly.com/social-responsibility FB: facebook.com/onyxvintagemagazine Twitter: @OnyxVintageMag IG: @onyxvintagemagazine
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I'm all for good conversation! In fact I look forward to a great topic, covering it from every aspect, as well as other people's point of view. Yet,.... I'm not going to spend too much time talking about why publication is important to me. I'm not trying to convince anyone it should be important to them and why. If things like publication and social media numbers don't matter to you and have no effect on your biz, then we have nothing in common, as far as that goes. If magazine publication isn't bringing you biz and making you money, if having high social media numbers and a large fan base isn't bringing you biz and money, then that's totally on you. There are a million ways to make money, even a monthly income from gaining publication, or offering it to your clients. There are a million people, who because of endless advertising and promotion, have built a solid, and huge fan base. Advertising and marketing are essential for building your brand, and any brand. It takes time and money. And once you gain followers, its just like gaining magazine publication, the work continues and never ends. If you want to advertise in a mainstream magazine, sold on the store self, plan to pay a large amount of money, just for a single ad placed, in a single issue. Not only is it expensive, they won't just place any ad, any quality level of photograph, in a magazine like say Vogue, simply because you paid! Just like those type of high end fashion magazines don't have open submissions. I'm sure there are many, but none of the photographer's I've ever heard complain about how pinup magazines operate and don't pay, are producing anywhere near the high level of photography required to be qualified. And for that matter, they also don't have hundreds of thousands of followers. Exactly the same with amateur pinups, those with very little to no experience, no skills, no knowledge on pinup, complain about photographer's not paying them, that they have to pay to be photographed. Or when they also complain about pinup magazines not paying. They're are no where near qualified to get paid gigs, or to be offered free things from any company, they also don't have hundreds of thousands of followers. A photographer mentioned a model of his with 500k, and a magazine with only 1k, putting her on the cover and not even offering a free copy. Here's my take. 1st of all it's hard to believe that any professional model with 500 thousand fans, would even submit to a magazine with only 1k! What would be the ooubt exactly? I have only tens of thousands of fans, and I'm already at the point where I don't see any point in allowing a small pinup magazine to publish my work. Except, I'm a writer and columnist too. Having my articles published is an achievement within itself, and is building my resume and portfolio as a writer, not just a model. Then it comes down to showcasing your work. Much like winning awards or 1st place at a contest or pageant. Why do folks invest that much time and money, plus their hopes and emotions? Why does that award, that title of being the best, matter so much? Because it's an achievement, notitrity, and also showcasing your best, or you at your best! Photographers who are against magazine publication, most of them obviously don't have a problem with posting, and showcasing their work on social media and not getting a thin dime. Ok, so it's the fact that someone else is making money, from your photography, and you aren't. That I can understand, yet whos fault is it that you aren't making money from your photography or modeling? It begins with an agreement between the model and photographer. Who pays who, or if its equal trade. It takes a tremendous amount of work and time to produce and publish just a single issue! That deserves payment. If you're not initially getting paid by your clients, or by your photographers, that had nothing to do with publication. My clients want publication! There are pretty much no professional pinup photographer's here in Vegas. So therefore, there aren't any who guarantee publication, and are on staff at a pinup magazine. In Vegas there aren't very many professional pinup models, but there are so many who want to be a pinup and want to be in pinup magazines. So our initial agreement is, they book me to style and photograph them. They show up, pay me, get dolled up, get edited images and most of them gain publication. For any photographer charging aspiring and amateur models, specifically pinups, it's quite common to offer publication, and is a definite bonus. The reason it's a bonus, is because like I said, most models want to be in magazines, there's just no way around that! So, I say again, if none of the benefits of gaining publication and free publicity matter to you and aren't directly bringing you money, and or success, then by all means don't submit. Models and photographers who are against the way publication works should stick together, I'm sure there are plenty of you. I do feel if you land a cover, that magazine should go ahead and fork over the peanuts it cost, and send you a free copy. I honestly don't understand why it's not standard practice. At the same time, if you can afford a stylist or styling tools and supplies, brand new wardrobe, and to pay a photographer, how is it you don't have 20 bucks extra to purchase a single copy? One of my photographers enter a photography contest at an art gallery. He won 1st prize! If I'm not mistaken it was just an award, maybe along with like 100 bucks. He said the time it took to get that one shot, his equipment, which I know is all high end and expensive, getting the image printed on very high quality paper thru a professional printing company, then buying a nice, expensive frame,..... by the time he won the award and 100 bucks, he had already spent several hundred, and more if you consider all his equipment and software. Plus, add the hours and hours of his time shooting, and editing, then buying everything needed and entering! So he said to me, that people don't necessarily always enter contests for the prize money, its about the acknowledgement from his peers, about feeling a sense of accomplishment, about being selected as #1. And I'm sure to others that enter contests, it's also about adding that achievement to your resume and portfolio. As a modem myself, I can personally relate to wanting publication, but as a biz owner who works with model, amateur and professionals, it's important to them. My clients pay me and one of the goals they all have in common, is the desire to be featured in pinup magazines. So even if I wasn't a model 1st and foremost, I'm getting paid and models want publication. I can understand being selective in which magazine's, same as being selective in what model or photographer you work with, pay, or offer trade. Money is needed in modeling and photography. Money is needed in building a brand, radio or tv advertising, magazine ads, sponsored social media ads. Marketing is key and it's never actually free! Time is money and production is work. If reaching thousands or tens of thousands of people, that you are unable to reach on your own, showcasing your work to them, advertising to them, promoting to them, isn't of value, and social media numbers and building your brand isn't of value, and you're not directly making money from either, that's on you, period! I say do it all, advertise, promote and showcase your work in publication, and on social media, because both end up being what YOU make out of it! Advertising should always bring income and profit! While I'm on the subject. Speaking for myself, publication and high social media numbers are essential to achieving my 2 ultimate goals! I've had countless smaller and small goals that had to be achieved, just to pave the way for my ultimate goals! Without publication and by brand on social media, neither of my ultimate goals can be accomplished. It's like if I were to judge those that shoot trade, especially those that aren't selective. Why aren't professional pinups being paid by photographers? Why are so many amateur photographers even charging for low quality images? There are photographers who invest in their best and favorite model's. Not only do they offer them trade and aren't getting paid, they invest in stylists and or wardrobe, they have studios, high end equipment, or invest in locations like hotel suites. Then there are many who actually pay, select models. There are photographers that will never shoot trade, period! Usually it's those who spent years building their brand, years building a solid clientele bass, years of investing, and they are in demand. Everything they produce is high quality! Maybe if they are working on a new concept and need the images to advertise with, they'll offer a select model, a free shoot. Everyone had their own goals and reasons behind them. That's why its key to work with someone who had similar goals, as well as biz outlook and ethic. My clients want publication, I'm involved in publication heavily. The common goal is initially there. I have no interest for any reason, to go around offering free styling and photography! But I have numerous reasons why publication matters to me, making money is #1. There's one humongous goal I have, without publication, its literally impossible to achieve! Even if this was 15 or 20 years ago, before the internet, publication, and credibility within my industry, must be achieved 1st, before this ultimatel goal can be accomplished. Now we do have the internet, as well as pinup magazines that take substantial from the general public. Same concept still applies though. People have goals, big and small, usually the biggest ones came with smaller goals that were just as essential. Every time I'm published as a professional pinup model, it's an achievement within itself, but equally as important, it's essential to succeeding at way bigger goals. If I waited to be paid to shoot, I'd rare shoot, which would mean a much longer road to achieving my goals. Gotta have quality content, and often. If I waited for all my photographers to buy me photo shoot wardrobe, I'd rarely shoot. If I waited for my photographers to submit me for publication, I'd rarely be featured in pinup magazines. And, so on. I'm sure bragging rights is the only or main reason why many gals want to be in pinup magazines, so that's their personal goal, only for that reason alone. For the rest of us, for professional pinups that do want publication, there are many, many different reasons. I know of 10 top, well known, successful, professional photographers that specialize in pinup, and most of many of their clients want publication, especially the ones who are pinup models. When these photographer's advertise, their marketing to pinup models, of all levels and skill. They promote that they get models published. Some guarentee publication because they are a staff photographer at a pinup magazine. So it's quite clear there are endless pinup photographers who have a clientele base, that want publication in pinup magazines, and that's the main or only reason why it matters to them! Or these are pinup photographers known for getting their work in the biggest pinup magazines in the world, so professional and amateur pinups seem them out, and pay them. If showcasing your work on social media is bringing you new clients, and you are reaching the amount of people you need or want, then by all means if it ain't broke, why tru to fix it?! If social media numbers and building your brand isn't important or you are where you wanna be, minus large social media numbers and a huge fan base,..... the same, no point in messing eigh something that's working for YOU. If publication and a large fan base aren't making you money, or aren't helping you succeed at your future goals, by all means don't incorporate either into your plan for success. If magazines can make and are making money from featuring your content I guarantee you, YOU CAN TOO! If models are using images to promote and make money, to use for printing, autographing and selling photos, using to book paid work, using to enter contests, or using them for their website to make money from their fans,.... I guarantee you that YOU CAN TOO! Takes magazines, models, photographers, designers, performers, companies and anyone building a brand and social media fan base, a lot of work to gain hundreds of thousands of followers, and keep them! What about cross promotion? People who haven't full grasped the concept of marketing and advertising, don't value cross promotion, some don't even know what it is, or why it's valued by true professionals. Asking why an established, experienced, highly skilled, beautiful, professional model, who also has an enormous fan base, why she'd even submit to a small magazine, is like asking why would she shoot trade? Are you her photographer that's paying her? Are you a professional photographer, who's offering her trade? Why would a top pinup model with tens of thousands of hundreds of thousands of followers, huge port, endless achievements, highly skilled, etc., even be willing to work with a new who isn't bringing all that to the table, in return? If you have a small social media presence, wayyyyyy less of a following than your model, aside from you both benefiting from a productive shoot, are you cross promoting? And just like someone asked, why would a model with 500k allow a magazine with only 1k feature her on the cover, not paying her and no free copy. Well, where's the massive and influential cross promotion from you, that's really going to increase her following and bring her stats up?! Everyone had goals and everyone has their own personal reasons why they selected to go after those goals, as well as who, what, when, where and how! Ending this blog by saying, we all have choices. No point in comparing fashion magazines that pay staff photographers and agencies to pay models, when you're work doesn't meet the quality requirements, and you aren't qualified for those opportunities and positions, to begin with,..... Pinup Talk host Dianna Prince Francoise Arnoul There's no secret why many pinup photographers owners started their own pinup magazine. Simply put, pinup models want to be featured in pinup magazines, period! Most of their clients want publication.
Invest in under garments for your pinup photo shoots!
I've covered what pinup wardrobe staples are and why they are essential. You must have the tools of your trade to go along with your talent and beauty. It's called the total pinup package, and a solid pinup look. Under garments are not only essential for many reasons, they are also very intimate. I've yet to ever hear of any photography studio, or photographers who provide use of wardrobe, that also allow models to borrow under garments. There are plenty of fabulous, professional pinup studios, and some pinup photographers that do offer use of wardrobe, but not under garments. Honestly I'd rather have some key under garments on hand, brand new, for sale. I'm uninterested in washing under garments worn by other women. Too personal and intimate. I can easily have a pair of nylons available for use, or for sale. However my pinup academy is about learning, and 90% of my clients are amateur pinups, the rest are not models at all. So, my outlook and goal is to educate, that's why in the title is the word academy. If I happen to provide or offer essential things needed at every shoot, and it's uncommon to provide under garments, that's not helping gals brand new to pinup invest in essentials, that will create the total pinup package. These aren't items like costumes, that you'll probably model in, once, an entire outfit, or dress you'll model in one time, during a photo shoot. Under garments are similar, as far as needed and wardrobe staples, as are high heels. You will invest and utilize them often and they are essential. Here's the thing with me providing under garments. I have a white pair of thigh highs, but there's no way they'll fit every size client I have. Also, white thigh highs don't match with every single pinup or vintage look we will shoot. I have a couple of pairs of black thigh highs, but they are small, only up to like a size 6 could fit them well. I have a white garter, girdle type garment, but it's a size small, maybe up to a size 6. I have some black fishnet pantyhose that are also size small, and definitely can not fit a tall model, even if she's a size small. So, you see my point, that even though I have a few backup under garments, I have not invested in them heavily, for my academy clients. Again, trying to instill the importance of investing in those key items, for your future shoots with any photographer. In pinup it's not necessarily because of, " the need ", to wear stockings, or thigh highs because you have scars or bruises on you legs or feet. It's the fact that thigh highs are an essential garment worn in the era's we are recreating! So are pantyhose and fishnets. Same as high heels, non modern looking high heels. When you see a vintage starlet or model's images, keep in mind one major aspect in creating that look was the under garments. We may not even see a stitch of the material of those under garments, but that body shape and look was created by them! You can have on a vintage 1950's dress, passed your knees, or long pencil skirt and sweater, the under garments you're wearing will create a shape automatically. That's why we wear high waist panties, nylons, girdles, pointy bras, non platform heels, corsets, bustiers, tummy tucker's, etc. Even if never shown they are creating an hour glass, pinup shape and overall vintage look. Then I think of how there are classic Cheesecake pinup shoots, where you will show a peek of the stockings, or bra, etc. And vintage boudoir shoots, your main wardrobe may be just lingerie and under garments. So, they are essential no matter what exact style, era or theme, within pinup. Lastly, yes proper under garments can cause less editing, or way less. Unfortunately not every photographer edits, I know we assume and expect it, but it's not always a reality. Then there are photographers who only do minor editing, as well as those that have high quality editing skills and advanced. Images with many visible flaws will never be published in a top pinup magazine, or any style magazine. Most minor flaws can easily be fixed, however that doesn't mean every single photographer edits! Modeling for a clothing company, too. They want high quality images, and that includes everything from the styling to any visible flaws shown. I wear pantyhose with high waist pinup bathing suits! Yep, I sure do. I always have a bruise or 2 on my legs, I have an old tattoo on my ankle, and you can see my veins on certain areas of my legs where my skin is the most lightest. And yes, I have cheese, lol. My legs aren't solid muscle and perfectly smooth. Lighting plans such an essential role in how my legs appear without nylons. Filters, photoshop, etc., but what about video, going live or attending an event? What about fashion shows, interviews, modeling go - sees, auditions, and more. If your skin isn't smooth, it will really show in person, live video or video. I'm sure most photographers and biz owners are aware of editing and expect it, so they may not expect you to look flawless in person. Because not every photographer edits, not every photographer edits well, and not every photographer can do advanced editing, or is even willing to spend that much time, it's best to cover your bases. If you need extra coverage under your eyes, use the proper makeup, don't expect every photographer to edit under your eyes. If you have bad skin on your face or body, blemishes, scars, visible veins or bruises, cover that up! Don't assume every photographer will edit that, or edit it well! You can have beautiful skin overall but need it to appear more even tone. Stockings and thigh highs automatically do that, as a girdle will form and shape the tummy area, push up bra forms and shapes the bust, etc., etc. Sure a photographer with advanced editing skills can make your tummy smaller, add a curve to your waist, make things bigger or smaller, smooth out every inch of your skin. Doesn't mean they will, and often it costs more. Heres the thing, what you like as a model, may not be flattering and therefore images not selected for publication. Keep in mind magazine owners and companies are looking at images on a laptop or pc screen, much bigger than a cell phone screen. Every flaw that's visible will appear more visible when images are enlarged, and or in print! If you have the money to invest in photo shoots, makeup and or hair styling tools, then you should also have funds for under garments of your own! Just like gals that specifically shoot for magazine publication, invest money on styling and or wardrobe, pay the photographer or its trade, then NEVER purchase a single copy ever! You don't have or can't save 20 bucks extra, but can invest all that money to shoot and gain publication! Smh. If it takes day 5 minutes per image to edit, and there's 10 images, that's almost an hour of editing. Sounds common and quick. However, what if your particular images require much more time, or that photographer produces extremely high quality edits, which take a very long time, up to an hour per image? If you wore stockings, they would obviously cut down on editing time. If you had proper under garments on, that would save on editing time and the skill level needed. I just think it's foolish and taking a huge risk for failure, assuming every single has the ability, time or tools to create high quality. Unless you've worked with that photographer more than once, why take the chance? Cover all your bases. When I say under garments are essential and required at all my academy shoots, I mean it for several reasons! If you aren't prepared it will cause issues, delays and excess time they wasn't planned to invest! I'm like top magazine owners and companies looking for models, I'm very selective. If the total pinup package isn't present, I refuse to feature images in my columns or use to advertise with, promote, etc. If you don't have the essential under garments, don't book a shoot until you do. If you had them but now do not, then reschedule for when you're fully prepared. Even if I do offer under garments in the future, that's not preparing you for future shoots with others. Creating a solid pinup look and your own brand, means having more than beauty, more than talent and knowledge on pinup, you must have the neccessary tools as well! Save up, do less shoots, sell unwanted items, ask for under garments as a gift, etc. Don't buy or stop buying costumes and outfits you'll only model in once, until you have essential under garments! Stop doing your own makeup and or hair, if its not high quality and professionals have suggested improvement. Save up, do less shoots, go out partying less, sell unwanted things, take a makeup course until you can hire a professional stylist. Pinup costs money! The sacrifices you make to be involved, compete and reach YOUR goals, are entirely up to you. If you have no funding, wait to get into pinup, until you do! If your stills are lacking in styling or facial expressions and poses, research, train, practice, and then get back into pinup. If you're not succeeding at your goals, believe me there's a reason or reasons! I have a 3 strikes rule at my academy, I've put it in writing and posted about it. If you show up to a shoot late 3 times, there will be no opportunities to book another shoot, and be late a 4th time! If you've posted images from my academy shoots failing to list credits, after I've reminded you what it states in the release you signed, there will be no future academy shoots for you, and no more publication, with my help! If you know what's required to bring to every academy shoot, like your own under garments, and at 3 shoots you failed to have them, there will be no 4th shoot, and opportunity for you to be unprepared, again! This 3 strikes rule, applies to every single model and client I have, no exceptions! I'm running a biz, and everyone involved must be organized, on time and prepared for positive results to be achieved. Pinup Talk host Dianna Prince Vintage Stylist Dianna Pinup Talk host Dianna Prince 5/6/2018 0 Comments Editing verses photoshop!Good morning. Today's topic is on photoshop. I really feel the need to cover this subject, and look at it from different points of views. All the topics I cover, I always cover them from different aspects, and try to keep out emotions as much as possible. There are so many levels of photoshop, different techniques, different processes, different software, different editing apps, and difference is personal taste. Before you ever even book a date with a photographer you've never worked with before, ALWAYS research their past and current work. Ask a variety of essential questions. Do NOT wait until during or after to ask important questions, or go over your goals for that particular shoot. To be on the same page, and assure you'll receive the quality and style you desire, ask several questions, and show image examples to your photographer. Unfortunately I've done the research 1st, asked the essential questions, and shown exact examples of what I'm looking to create, and the goals I'd like to achieve, for that specific shoot, and did not receive what was expected or planned. But, for the most part, that is a rare occurrence, researching and communicating in detail has worked 7, or 8 times out of 10. What I've never once in all my years of modeling, heard a photographer say, no they can't produce that level of quality. Yes, I've heard, they are brand new to pinup, brand new to the world of publication, or that they won't shoot sexy content. But, no one has ever looked at the examples I've sent, before the shoot and after researching them, and been honest and said they are unable to produce that quality. So, that's when trust comes into play. I've seen good to great quality photography, maybe not excellent, fabulous, flawless, and extremely high quality, and of course expected that same level of quality, however I received a lower, or even much lower quality. Again, it's rare but it's a chance taken, and thars why I began showing exact examples. If you are a professional model, I can think of a million styles of modeling that, definitely require editing. Obviously in the world of publication, it's not only standard, it's a requirement and demanded! When I think of actual photoshop, I think of a higher skill level needed, different software often expensive, needed. I think of special effects, adding props, taking away props, making the models body parts bigger or smaller, adding a curve to the waist or back, changing her hair or eye color. And when I think of photoshop, I also think of the process of extracting the model, then placing her on a different background. That can take real skill, real time, and not with regular retouching software. There's no way I'd ever expect images with special effects, extracting me, or seriously altering my body parts or shape, unless #1 I already see that in their port, or #2 we've discussed that and agreed upon that. I had a photographer, I've worked with countless times, tell me he can do photoshop well, and extract me to place me on a different background. Well he did that, but the extraction wasn't smooth looking, and I wasn't correctly proportional to the background. I blogged yesterday about minor editing verses advanced editing. Minor flaws that can easily and quickly be removed, don't require photoshop and a high level of skills. Removing small wrinkles from the skin or outfit, removing the shine on skin, removing harsh lines under the eyes due to poor lighting, fly away hairs, blemishes, small scars, veins, uneven skin tone, clothing tag, run in stockings,..... in professional photography those are considered minor things! They are common and standard to edit, and it doesn't take a whole lot of time. Try adding a curve to the waist area, still keeping the background looking natural. Try extracting a model smoothly, and placing her on a realistically looking background, with the correct proportions. Try removing props, or adding them. Those things are advanced editing, not standard and common, an takes more skill to produce. To say, an image that had minor, common and very much standard editing, looks fake. My response is, " that's kind of the point "! I don't want to look, " real ", if that means leaving tiny but visible flaws! ANYONE can research my past and current work, anyone can clearly see the quality level of my images is high, anyone can see I'm a highly published, professional pinup. If editing the model, even lightly and removing minor but visible flaws, is something you can't do or are against, TELL YOUR CLIENTS BEFORE THEY BOOK YOU! Or simply decline the shoot, so easy to be honest. Why waste your time, and end up with an unhappy model, who feels her time and money was wasted?!!! Save them the disappointment, by turning down the shoot If there were no middle ground between looking quote unquote fake, verses natural and real, I'd definitely choose fake! However, in my opinion there is a middle ground. Smooth, flawless looking skin, no tiny flaws left, but by facial features haven't been altered, my body hasn't been altered, my hair color wasn't changed, I wasn't extracted, etc. I'm gonna go out on a limb here. 90% of models want smooth looking skin, in their images. I've never in life heard a professional model say, " keep my scar there, keep my veins there, keep my bruise there ". YES, I'm positive there are plenty of models who do say, keep those flaws there, however I've never personally met a single one, out of dozens of models I've styled and or photographed. No fashion, bridal, fitness, glamour, catalog, pinup, or lingerie model who's shooting for magazine publication, wants or expects visine flaws to be left in every single edit. Why call them edits, if flaws are left?! No magazine, at a professional level no matter what style, wants images edited or unedited, that have visible flaws! If you are against editing or actual photoshop, or you can't do minor editing, DON'T work with professional models who want publication, don't submit to magazines. It's really, really just that simple. If my client shows me a hairdo I'm unable to do to a high quality level, I won't agree to doing it! My clients aren't paying me to wing it, experiment on them, or expecting a lesser quality than what I advertise with, on social media. They see high quality and their personal taste comes into play. If removing skin blemishes, small scars, fine wrinkles, tiny veins, and smoothing out all the visible skin on the entire body, is looking, " fake ". Then either you try and do it better then show me, or YOU in fact have an issue with editing. I have absolutely no use at all for unedited images of poor quality. And images with such minor flaws, must be edited, period! The thing that slightly upsets me, as I close this topic and deal with my emotions based upon the facts above,.... how are you telling me you've researched my work, which means you saw high quality photography, and saw that I've been published in the top pinup magazines in the world, why book a shoot with me if you're against editing, or don't have the neccessary skills to achieve high quality, PUBLICATION quality edits? That's what I do now when someone makes no sense to me, I ask questions. You researched my work, I showed example images before the shoot, and somehow you thought leaving visible flaws would be ok? After seeing my past work and the quality, you still felt comfortable providing me with images that look completely unedited? Why? If personal taste means you're against minor editing, that's totally standard, leaving lots of flaws that can easily be removed, then don't plan to ever work with me, or work with me again, please. I doubt even without being highly published and 43 covers, I'd ever be ok with tiny flaws being left in, supposedly edited images! Know your abilities and communicate that. I'm NOT A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER! In this image, I see tiny flaws, and yes it's an edited picture. Am I happy with it overall? Yessss! It's a self portrait, and I can have a professional digital retoucher make it look totally flawless, if I wanted to. I know my capabilities, and in not going around calling myself a professional photographer! Pinup Talk host Dianna Prince Vintage Stylist Dianna Prince Atomic Jane Clothing
Pinup Dolls Photography!!! I want to talk about editing, what's considered minor editing verses advanced. 1st, I'll repeat this again. Every single photographer I've ever worked with has a different camera, a different lens, different lighting ,different equipment, different level of knowledge on pinup, different style, different personal taste, and different software and editing skills. Never had a photographer with the same exact anything, equipment, ability, skills, etc. When I say something is minor and standard, as far as flaws and editing, I'm referring to what most photographers consider minor, common and very much standard. Editing tiny but visible flaws, can literally take mere seconds or a minute total, per image. Not hours of advanced editing, using expensive software. Here's my list of what most photographers, and pretty much all professional photographers, no matter what style they shoot or who their model is, consider minor flaws that do NOT require advanced editing. 1. Shiny skin, uneven skin tone 2. Harsh shadows under the eyes due to poor lighting or things like long eye lashes, hats, props, etc. 3. Blemishes, bruises, veins, scars 4. Fly away hairs 5. Clothing tags 6. Loose threads, run in stockings 7. Wrinkles in clothes Now, it's no secret the 1st important thing needed to take a clear, in focus shot is excellent lighting. Less harsh shadows, tiny flaws are less visible and skin can appear more even and less shiny, with proper lighting. Less editing is needed more often, if the lighting was great. Now, let's talk about advanced editing. These are things most photographers do not necessarily consider minor, but would need advanced editing skills. 1st must always begin with a clear shot. But advanced editing are things like these 1. Changing the models skin color 2. Making body parts bigger or smaller 3. Creating a curve in hip, waist or back area 4. Changing hair or eye color 5. Extracting the model, then placing her on a, realistic looking background 6. Adding special effects, adding props, removing props If you enlarge, increase the size by zooming in, or view unedited images on a laptop screen, you will see every single flaw, minor or major, if the image is crystal clear. If an image is unedited and out of focus, not clear and sharp, NO AMOUNT OF EDITING CAN MAKE IT APPEAR TO BE CLEAR, or make that image high quality by definition!!!!!!! Magazine owners are not looking at submissions via a cellphone screen, when selecting images they will publish. They are looking at them on a laptop or pc screen, that is obviously much bigger than a cell phone screen. They are also increasing the size, to the size the issue will be, about 8 x 11. So, once again, every flaw will show, and out of focus images even if edited, will look awful in print! Social media quality images. The day has arrived people, and I honestly don't see it ever going away. Expensive cellphones have some pretty good cameras and great lenses these days. Clear shots, in high resolution that can be edited well. Maybe not publication quality, but neither are out of focus, unedited with visible flaws left, images either! If a model or actress say, has the ability to take a clear shot, it's in high resolution, and she has the ability and app to edit it minorly, why would she book a photographer? Why would she pay for the same quality a friend can take, or she can produce using her cell, a timer and tripod? The point of shooting with a photographer, or professional photographer is to receive edited images that are high quality, and a visibly higher quality than you can take on your own! This is why I say, get used to social media quality images serving a purpose, as well as amateur photographers being replaced by cellphones users. I'm a clothing model and social media influencer, for a clothing company. I have 2 goals in mind for any shoot where I'm modeling in wardrobe they sent. High quality, clear, edited images, to use for advertising on social media and to gain publication in pinup magazines. Without high quality I can't get them published. Without extremely high quality I can't get them published in the top pinup magazines. Without high quality edits, that are virtually flawless, I can't land a magazine cover! So if the edits are just ok, or good, that eliminates any possibility of publication. No magazine big or small will publish fuzzy, out of focus images! No big pinup magazine will feature low quality images, even if clear, if there are visible flaws are left. No top pinup magazine will ever place a low quality pic, that has several flaws, on their cover! Communication is so key, BEFORE you even book a date with a photographer. I show examples of my work, I give links to my work, I show examples of what style and quality I'm looking to produce, before we ever shoot. I've NEVER expected advanced editing, super high quality, flawless edits from any photographer I'm just shooting with for the first time. But out of focus images, tiny but visible flaws left, is unacceptable. Even social media quality images should at least be in focus and clear. I just don't feel style and personal taste have much to do with actual quality. Why provide unedited images that do need editing, unless that was agreed upon ahead of time? Why edit but leave flaws, and leave it up to the model to additionally edit for you, unless that was also agreed upon ahead of time?! I seriously, seriously care about my career, my brand I've been building all these years, the goals I've set, the companies I represent, and EVERY SINGLE SHOOT WITH EVERY SINGLE PHOTOGRAPHER! They alllll matter a lot! I don't invest less, spend less time planning and preparing, less level of quality styling. Every shoot I bring all my knowledge, experience, skills and positive energy. Every shoot I have brand new wardrobe. My skills don't vary depending on the style, concept, theme, location, or photographer. I bring MY A game to every single shoot, period! Models have ABSOLUTELY no control over a photographers anything, their knowledge, experience, equipment, or skill level. It's usually not the responsibility of the photographer to do a models hair and makeup right? And most photographers who don't have a studio, also don't have wardrobe to offer. This means it's totally up to the model. Ok, well models shouldn't be responsible, required nor expected to worry about proper lighting, about what capabilities a photographer has or doesn't have. Shouldn't be left up to the model to give advice on editing or edit images taken of her, by a photographer. If you reseach someone and see high quality and lots of awesome success, keep in mind 2 things. #1, that's what they'll bring on their end, and #2 that's the standard quality of which they are used to. If you can realistically evaluate your work, and don't feel you're capable of achieving the level of quality you see upon researching someone, simply don't agree to a shoot! If one of my models shows me a picture of a hairdo I know I'm unable to do high quality, I will automatically, right away tell her no. They see styles I've done and see them as high quality hairdos, so why would I agree to a style I can't bring that same level of quality and skills to achieve? It's really been such a mental and emotional challenge to accept social media quality images, into my career. Not high enough quality to gain publication, too many flaws left to get accepted into a top pinup magazine, no way can ever land a cover. For my fans and for advertising purposes only? Hard to get used to, yes. But like I keep telling myself, social media quality images serve a purpose for social media influencers. I just don't see the point, if that's the quality I'll receive, in booking a photographer! It's similar to styling myself verses paying someone who can only achieve the exact level of quality as me! Sure to be pampered and styled is relaxing and fun, but why would I spend my money hiring someone who can't produce a higher quality than I can, on my own? Equal trade involves two or more people bringing equal value to the table, aka shoot. I bring a high quality level of styling, fabulous brand new wardrobe each shoot, and bring experienced facial expressions and poses, I do my own styling and don't need guidance posing. Turn down shoots of you're unable to produce the quality your client or model requires and communicates. Reseach and study the exact publications your models will submit to, before a shoot, not after! If minor editing, that is considered common, and standard, is too difficult or maybe your flat out against any form of editing, either don't book shoots with professional models, or inform them BEFORE THE SHOOT. If minor editing is too difficult, I'd rather take my own images. If I can't gain publication AND get images for social media, then the shoot ends up being a loss. ( On a side note, that's completely based upon sheer emotions, based upon the facts listed above. I'm seriously burned out on a few things with working with a new photographer. Taking time out of my busy day to explain the definition of high quality, to show examples of high quality photography, and to give tips and advice on producing a high quality image! I'm not the photographer taking the images of me, and the photographer isn't responsible for my styling skills, and giving me tips or advice. There must be skills involved in the equipment and tools anyone is using to produce high quality. I just don't feel, key word, " feel ", it's up to the model or talent to be fully knowledgeable on photography techniques, equipment, or editing software. This is exactly why I say, amateur photographers are being replaced by cellphone users! Anyone can take a picture, even a child. Anyone can take an out of focus image, and many people can take a clear shot. Even if trade based, is it really the actual definition of trade, if the model is a professional, experienced, accomplished and highly skilled, and her photographer is not? One of my photographers said 2 key things I happen to be able to relate to and agree on. Lots of models, usually amateurs have no clue what high quality even is, so therefore they don't see flaws and are happy with low quality images. And 2, when I've vented about gals acting unprofessional, he said that, most of my clients aren't professional models to begin with, so I should expect the unprofessionalism. I may agree and be able to relate, doesn't mean I'm thrilled about it! A photographer I adore who happens to also be the owner of the biggest pinup magazine in the world, just made a statement recently to me. He said over the years my styling had been consistent in quality. He said flat out, I need to get, " better ", photographers. He also said that, my brand is Dianna Prince and it was built on high quality. ) Pinup Talk host Dianna Prince Sophia Loren
I feel the amateur photographers are being replaced by cell phone pictures. Here's why. I've studying the internet and what's current. I doubt anytime soon, professional photographers will be replaced by amateurs taking cell pics., but amateur photographer are serving a less and less purpose. I've been photographing by dozens of photographers. All of them have their own everything, camera, lens, equipment, lighting, knowledge on pinup, skill levels, editing process and software. Some produce such high quality that, to me, there's no comparison. The image quality they produce is substantially higher than any cell phone pictures I've seen. Yet, so many photographers, maybe not exactly amateur, but their skills are limited, their know of pinup is limited, and quite often I see or receive edits that, in my opinion, are equal in quality as some really great cell phones pictures. Their hust no way, any photo o consider professional, would ever produce a lower quality than a cell phone picture. Then yes, their are actual amateurs, which by the way can astonish many of us, and still produce high quality images. Yet, the photographers, amateur or consider themselves a professional, need to reevaluate their work, if in fact cell phone pictures are a higher, or even equal quality to their work. I've seen photographers with all this expensive equipment, and high skill level, produce the higest I've ever been given of me. Then I've seen a photographer set up all this lighting, and produce not just a lower quality, but way lower quality. I've been photographed by a photographer who had their camera and that was it, and every shoot indoors or out, produced high quality images. I've had a photographer with only a camera, and couldn't take an in focus, clear shot, to save their lives! I've actually been given unedited images that blew me out of the water, because no editing was done what so ever, and if I did any editing it was very light. Like skin smoothing, to take away shine and even out my skin tone. Very, very minor editing. The angles were excellent and flattering, plus a variety. The lighting was excellent, and every shot well lite and crystal clear. This is rare, but my point is, it happens. Just like waiting months to receive low quality images. Out of focus, edited but need additional editing, inconsistencies from image to image, small but visible flaws left, smooth the face but not the skin on the body, natural skin color altered, and more! There's no way on God's green earth I'd feel comfortable lying, and saying professional photographers do those things, because they DON'T! I do agree there must be a type of photographer between a true amateur, by definition, and an actual professional, by definition. But my entire point in this blog is, #1 cell phones these days have great cameras and excellent lenses. A nice cell phone can run 900 bucks. A starter camera, or an additional lens can cost that much or less. There's no doubt that cell phones can produce high quality images. This is why, with social media careers, such as product models, social media influencers, and more, aren't paying amateur photographers anymore. Unless you can personally produce a visibly higher quality than, that person in need of images, especially for social media purposes, then they won't invest. Folks are always finding ways to cut out the middle man, that's just reality. That is EXACTLY why to be irreplaceable, you must be unique! Look at all the dolls with YouTube channels, fir example. They have hundreds of thousands of followers on their channel. They are making money, and have been, from their videos. Usually it's how to style hair or makeup, and they are getting paid every time someone views a video! Funny how, so many people don't even know that! They invested in props, maybe microphone, table, backdrop cloth, lighting, all the makeup or hair tools and supplies needed, a tripod, and most likely using their cell phone, which wasn't cheap. So instead of just modeling, just presenting a product, just showing how - to, they are now set decorator, director, camera crew and videographer. Plus do the editing and promotion! If that's not, " cutting out the middle man ", frankly I don't know what is, it's budgeting. That example above is the reality of modern day photography. I'm not saying everyone can, but pretty much anyone with an expensive cell phone, great lighting or excellent natural light, and a tripod or a good eye, can take more than just a decent image. Clear, crisp images, that when edited like professional images are, look fantastic. I've seen cell phone pictures that were more than just good, too. It's becoming less and less rare, and obviously common in social media. Social media advertising, networking, promoting and showcasing your work, is extremely popular and will not go away! Everyone from dental centers, insurance companies, clothing companies, performers, designers, restaurants, etc., etc., all use social media. It's like this uproar over the new term, " social media model ". Or Instagram model. Sure it sounds silly, sophomoric, like a joke not to be taken, or considered with any merit. It's actually not a joke at all! Social media influencers are people from all walks of life, and every biz you can think of, that advertises on social media. No you won't see the average, non celebrity, who's a big time social media influencer, on the cover of Vogue, or starring in a major motion picture. But, the term social media model, Instagram model, or social media influencer, are real careers now! People who have skills to teach, can do so from home. No renting studios, no paying a photographer or videographer, if they can produce the quality level they need on their own! Still investing in alot, plus skill and time, but the middle man or hiring professionals is now eliminated. No sharing profits, no getting permission to sell, print, make money from, or getting permission to have published in a magazine. They produced it all, they own the copyrights, and they keep any and all profits. Takes serious time and tons of production to acquire hundreds of thousands of followers and fans! No I don't see cell phone photography ending up in an art gallery, or winning awards. I damn sure don't se them being published in any major fashion magazine. The top companies in the world, billboards, no. But social media is major and so is the advertising. If someone with a great cell phone can take an image equal in quality as you, or a visibly higher quality than you, realize amateur photographers are being replaced! Evolution never stops!!!! Pinup Talk host Dianna Prince Julie Newmar
Audrey Hepburn Becoming a social media influencer. Talk about cold hard competition! I was recently asked, how does someone become a social media influencer and model. Let me 1st say, I offer pinup classes on posing and facial expressions, as well as classes covering the biz side of the pinup industry. I also offer Artist Development classes, and have for 2 years. All the pinup classes I've been offering are super informative and inexpensive. The 1st thing you can't be doing is posting images without crediting your stylist and photographer! That's a huge, no no, in modeling, period! It shows direct lack of professionalism and extremely noticeable to professionals. ALWAYS credit the images you do NOT own the copyrights to! You must be prepared for competition, and your competitors know how to act professional, because they are already professionals, who've worked hard in this industry and in their fields, years now. You must already have a huge social media presence and following. This usually takes several years, and years of daily work promoting and gaining new fans, as well as keeping the ones you already have gained. Yes, years. I've yet to see someone waltz up and gain 100k followers, 300k or a million, overnight. So, plan to invest a few years, and once you have gained tons of followers, you still have to keep working to keep them, the work never ends to maintain your fan base. With most social media influencers, they are sponsoring and advertising a product, possibly a beauty related service, so beauty plays a factor. However no matter how beautiful you may be, how many photographers you've worked with, or modeling gigs you've landed, times you've been published, etc., will only be a small requirement to qualify. You must know the biz side of the industry your modeling in, you must know a lot about promotion and advertising. That's how you begin to build your brand and fan base to begin with, lots and lots of marketing knowledge and experience promoting. You can't build a fan base to the tune of hundreds of thousands, by modeling here and there, modeling as a hobby, modeling part time. In my opinion and experience, you need to be active in modeling, build resources and connections that take years, and literally spend time, pretty much every single day, promoting. When you approach and contact the companies you see using social media influencers, it will be almost pointless unless you already have 100k or more followers. This can be on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram or Facebook. Theres just really no way around that, because all the models they are already paying have hundreds of thousands, or at least 100k. So any models they would even consider, must already have tons of fans. What you've done in your modeling, people you've worked with, magazines you've been in, etc., is what will directly aid you in building your brand and social media following. But there basically no point in even trying to land a position as a social media influencer, no matter what the company is, until you have at least tens of thousands, I say 100k. We see these ads all day on social media, with a beautiful gal promoting a product. No clue who the model is, never heard of her, never saw her in movies, on tv, on magazine covers, and the images used to advertise are usually cell phone looking images. So, it may appear easy and simple to be them, but I guarantee you they have a huge following, that took years and or so much time to build, before becoming a model and social media influencer. Once you have done that, then you qualify to compete with others, for those positions as a social media influencer. There are gals who could easily land the position because they have already spent years building their brand, so they know about marketing and have the proof in numbers and stats. Plenty of them don't know how easy it would be for them, because they are already qualified. Then there are those that haven't researched or contacted a single company, and assume wrongfully they'll have no problem landing a position. If becoming a social media influencer and model is a goal for you, plan to spend years modeling and building up your fan base and brand! Years of daily or weekly promotion, and a long term plan to achieve your goals. As long as you're qualified, then your competition won't matter too much. But people who already have a huge social media presence, aren't your competitors UNLESS you are 1st qualified to compete! There's basically and really no quick fix, no way to become popular on social media overnight, unless you either work with someone major in your industry, or land a major movie role, cover of Vogue, etc. If you work with someone who's already a heavy hitter, already has a huge social media following, or it's a major company or major magazine, then your following will increase fast. You still must plan to work to keep them, either way! Based upon researching heavily and by 1st hand experience as a social media influencer and model, if you aren't modeling, acting, dancing, singing or performing often, do not have a social media fan base with tens of thousands of more followers, I say drop the idea of becoming a social media influencer. You have to be active, promoting and advertising on a regular basis, without fail, to 1st build your brand. Companies looking for models to be their social media influencer, have an endless amount of gals already qualified, waiting to be chosen. Beauty is just an essential part of the equation. If you have no knowledge on marketing, no knowledge on how to conduct biz in a professional manner, to begin with, good luck building a solid brand and working with top professionals in your industry. Gotta learn the basics, reseach and spend a tremendous amount of time and money too, often, NOT here and there. If someone in fact, handed you 100k followers overnight, then what? Are you realistically prepared to maintain that huge fan base, are you prepared and knowledgeable on how to, as well as gain even more fans? Whether building your brand and fan base seems easy or difficult, make no mistake, it takes time, and often several years!! If you're dipping in and out of pinup for fun, a few times a year, or it's a once a month deal, if you haven't learned the biz side, haven't learned anything about marketing, aren't working with high quality producing people who are making big moves, being a social media influencer isn't for you. If you have little to no clue on how to build your brand and fan base, no company will hire you to sponsor their business or products. I rarely think about my competitors. I focus on myself, my career, my goals and my success already achieved, after years of very hard work. But I'm totally and fully aware of my competitors, and that there is an endless amount of successful, established, experienced and skilled professional pinups, all over the globe. Reseach and you'll find that, although it looks so simple and the images used for advertising aren't always professional quality, it's not easy to land the positions available, as a social media influencer. It has become a real career. Major stars are the ones really racking it in, and are sought out by companies. Obviously major stars and performers, almost all have millions of followers. Lastly. It takes every individual model, a different length of time to develope, and create a solid pinup look. Those that already live a vintage lifestyle, can and do dress that way already, are the ones who usually develop their overall look, the fastest. They've been doing their hair and makeup in vintage styles for years, they have vintage and pinup wardrobe already, because that's what they wear daily. Once pinup becomes a career, or you set goals within pinup, a solid pinup look is ESSENTIAL! That's also a major aspect of competition. You must know what looks flatter you, what styles and themes, within pinup, that flatter you! Can't smile with confidence, look uncomfortable?, Cheesecake pinup isn't for you, etc. Choosing wardrobe that flatters your body type, and wardrobe testing, alllll a major part of developing a solid pinup look. I've seen gals do shoot after shoot, and never develop essential skills to compete. I've seen gals do shoot after shoot and never improve and failing at the goals they've set. Once you set goals, you must invest time and money. Money alone won't ensure success, development or enable you to compete with professionals. Skills in your styling, choosing the proper wardrobe, researching and training, and YEARS or repeating all the above. Years people. Pinup Talk host Dianna Prince Las Vegas Marilyn Monroe
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January 2019
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