So day of photoshoot, I get up super early (9am) so I can dye my hair to make sure that my color is even, bright, shiny and new! I get done dying my hair JUST IN TIME to jump in the car and haul butt over to Studio Burlesque so I can teach my 11am Go-Go Shimmy Shimmy class, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite things to teach. You should come see me for it sometime, it's silly! Anyway, after class I fly back to the apartment to gather up my clothing choices for the shoot. I had a few ideas in mind, but then realized that I couldn't remember what the back ground color was going to be and the last thing I wanted to do was clash or blend in, so I just packed everything. Everything consisted of: 2 bullet bras, 3 garter belts, 2 demi cup bras, 3 pairs of stockings, 4 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of opera length gloves, and 6 pairs of panties....all by Secrets in Lace because I have a love of pretty lingerie and honestly I was packing light, that is what happens when you are unsure of what you're walking into.
After the packing it was time for the nail salon! I know a lot of people have mixed feelings about acrylic nails, myself included, but I am going to explain why they're important. My world, 90% of the time, consists of school and work. Neither of those things requires, or even encourages me to have long beautifully painted nails. However, look at the top picture, look how well my nails pop against the white on the garter belt. The picture at the bottom, it would look weird if my piggies weren't painted with those open toed shoes, even with the stockings on. If you're going to go for a look you should go all the way; especially, as in my case, since these are professional publicity photos. So yes, I got a mani/pedi, a foot and leg mud wrap, a full set of acrylics and an eyebrow wax, it takes a lot of money to look this cheap! Finally, I was ready to go have my picture taken!
Pinup Girl Cosmetics is a well oiled machine. One girl was having her pictures taken as another had just finished hair and was going to go get in costume so I could plop myself directly in the chair of hair goodness. Kellyn, the owner, is the Hair Whisperer. If you see a picture of me with amazing hair it's either Lee Press On Hair (what I call my wigs and pony falls) or Kellyn did it! She got me in curlers and then sent me to make-up. Gina did my make-up, she was super sweet and very efficient! After make-up I was sent back to Kellyn so she could finish my hair and then I scampered off to change. I was being a bit indecisive Kellyn helped me pick out my outfit and then loaned me the necklace and earrings since I had forgotten accessories in my rush. I went from off the street to a fully realized pin-up in around an hour. Seriously, they have the transformation down to a science! One of the things I loved is that the other girls and I all looked like individuals. We were not all done the same way, we had hair and make-up that showed our personalities and that was flattering to each of us as individuals. To be that efficient and still keep each girl fresh is what was truly impressive. My shoot itself was about an hour of well directed poses to make sure that I was comfortable. I got to do some with and with out my gloves and some with and with out the super awesome gold antique phone they had. It was fun, relaxing and they took requests! This was my third photo shoot with Pinup Girl Cosmetics and I highly recommend them. I was chatting with everyone after my shoot since the girls scheduled after me were running behind and they had a moment. There are approximately 200 pictures taken for each girl. 200!! You are given the choice of a proof sheet or trusting Kellyn to pick out which ones she thinks are best. I always let Kellyn pic, she's never let me down. The photo shoot came with two (the ones posted here) and in a few weeks I'll have the additional 3 images on a disc with the ones shown for a total of five. It was only an extra $25 and I feel it's worth getting the extra 3 pictures. You've already gone through all the hair, make-up and costuming, you might as well get the extra shots. They do a few special shoots like the Valentine's one I did with them a few times per year so keep a look out to get the extra bang for your buck. If you're super lucky you'll find a Groupon on Living Social deal which some of my students bought for me a while back which is how I got my Dracula photo shoot I did back in October. So keep your eyes peeled and let them make you look and feel like a princess...and maybe eat some shrimp and drink some champagne while you're at it!
and get some behind the scenes footage on my Flip Camera. We were pleasantly surprised to find