True to my procrastinating nature, I have neglected this poor little blog BADLY! Seems my last post was on July 9th... whoops! Guess I must not have had much to report... now, we all know THAT'S not true! I can't remember what I wrote last blog and if I mentioned the pin up party I shot at my sister in law's house in D.C. I'm just now starting retouches for that shoot. Two gals out of the group are allowing me to use their pics for my portfolio, so once the retouching is finished, I post them onto Potsy's Pin Up Photography on Facebook. My mom also let me do a photo shoot with her when I was out on the east coast. I don't think the two of us have laughed so hard in a long time. Perhaps the wine helped... we tried to get my brother's wife over to enjoy the fun, but I she chickened out. She missed a good time! I had my mom rolling on the floor she was laughing so much. I did manage to get some great poses, despite the hilarities. I tried to recreate several classic pin up art scenes and they turned out quite nice. Unfortunately she won't let me post them to my FB portfolio because she doesn't want EVERYONE we know seeing them, but she said I could use them in a physical portfolio. COOLEST MOM EVER!
Aside from those two time, though, I didn't take anyone else's portraits. I dragged my whole studio cross Canada and the US, thinking I'd have girls lined up to get their picture's taken, but I was sorely mistaken. (Insert frowning Kristy here) Even my hopes for shoots in AK are pretty slim. I thought if I started out with family and friends I could get practice before putting myself out there for strangers... but I may have to start advertising. Thought about placing an ad on Craigslist, but I'm nervous. I feel like I want to build my portfolio more. My husband wants me to do weddings and advertise for that, but I spoke to a photographer friend of mine that does children and baby portraits the other day and she said she had to stop weddings because they were too stressful. I wonder if my ad could say something like: bourgeoning photographer interested in doing weddings at a great cost! Bridezillas and Bitchy Moms need not apply. Who knows, I may just get the quirky kind of clients I'd connect with!
Been toying with the idea of doing a calendar... I offer a calendar shoot as part of my Pin Up experience, but so far, no takers. I MAY have a couple of young ladies interested, but I have not heard from them in a while. Now that my studio is basically paid for, I'd like to start producing some revenue. I think selling a calendar would help. But since I haven't had many of my girl friends take me up on just a regular Pin Up shoot, I find it difficult to believe that any of these women would let me take their pictures and try to sell them in a calendar. I might just bite the bullet and shoot myself for the first edition Bendy Betty calendar. Any comments? My husband doesn't think I can sell a calendar for enough money to make it worth our while, but I don't think he realizes that there is a whole underground subculture DEVOTED to retro and vintage pin up out there! Perhaps I could even donate some to the troops both overseas and in hospitals. Guess it is just a thought from now, but if I want to have a 2011 print, I gotta get started soon. Anyone reading this blog, if you are interested in having your picture in a Retro Pin Up calendar with yoga inspired poses, let me know!!!!
I've gotten back on the yoga horse recently. Took a few classes the last time I was in Anchorage and intend to do so again when I'm back there in early September. In the loft of the cabin is a huge mirror, now on the wall, instead of angled on the floor, that I can use to help properly align myself during home practice. I went on an 8 mile plus bike ride yesterday to me my hubby at a local restaurant. Probably counter productive to eat greasy french fries, but they were DELICIOUS!
No zombie news really. Although I did have somewhat of a zombie dream where I was constantly hiding and on the move. I never actually saw the zombies, but I knew that was what I was running from. (Shiver, shiver) I HATE zombie dreams! OH! I saw a cute t-shirt design submission on threadless.com of a zombie icecream cone chasing a "live" icecream cone as it looked back at it's attacker in fright. Cute, yet absurdly disturbing. Hmmmmm, kinda like me! Just kidding! That isn't how I really think of myself! Hope y'all liked this post. I'll try to be more consistent in future. Also, if I find the time (hah! we'll see!) I'll get photos up of vintage hairstyles and some product reviews. I did say that would be a part of this blog, didn't I???
Until next time. CIAO!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Ol' Frankie Blue Eyes
Another Thursday, and time to blog. I'll be away from an internet connection for a couple days so I figure I better get this up for all my readers (ha-HAH!). I guess the biggest news from my end and from this blog's standpoint, is this weekend's PIN UP PARTY in D.C.!!! YAY! I can't wait. Now that I'm on the east coast, I've been able to collect and go through some vintage items my mom has had waiting for me: hats of my paternal grandmother, my great aunt's wigs and hair pieces, old costume jewelry, etc... I hope these lovely ladies I'll be shooting this weekend like to play dress up. I know I do! The Subaru is already loaded with my studio fixings, now I'll be adding hat boxes, purses, a rotary phone, a stool... ooooo, I'm so mad at myself for not finding time to redo this old vanity chair that used to be in my room growing up. For years it has been out in this kid's play fort in my Maw-Maw's back yard. I went and retrieved it (despite warnings of fist sized wasps, although I think that was mostly to scare the wee ones) at a cook out last Sunday. The petite wrought-iron chair is now nothing but rust, and the seat has mostly rotted away leaving a thin, warped, circle piece of wood. I'm certain it can be salvaged though. I only wish I'd taken the time to do it a few days ago so I'd have it for Saturday... oh well, at least I'll be able to use the purple chaise lounge!
So, to prepare for Saturday, other than organizing my studio and props, I've decided to download some classic tunes. Inspiration? Frank Sinatra. Well, that is not entirely true. The real inspiration comes from a teeny, black, 4 week old, munchkin of a kitten that was found mewing extremely loudly in my in-law's yard. He needed a home, and my baby sister-in-law took him under her wing. We agreed to call him Frankie because (at least at this stage in kitten-hood) he has big, blue eyes. Just like that old time crooner. Now, since the little bugger and his new name are stuck in my mind, I keep thinking about the real "Frankie Blue Eyes" and want to listen to him sing. I'll probably spend my next few hours with super fast download time gathering up some listening material for the car ride to VA.
Hopefully I'll get some more shoots lined up while I'm out here... I've got several family members and friends that showed an interest. One of my cousins has be collecting props. She has this amazing talent of finding vintage, antique, and retro items where ever she goes. I know she's got some old-time bathing suits waiting for me, but I'm anxious to see what else she's found! I'm just not sure I'll be able to travel back to AK with it all! Sometimes I wish I had my own stationary studio that I could fill with all sorts of goodies instead of having to limit my art! Gosh darn it! Hmmmm, maybe hubby will buy me a cheap, good on gas mileage kind of car for me to use as a portable closet.... or better yet, if my dreams could come true, an ancient pick up truck from the 1940's or 1950's. You know the type; all bulbous and nothing but metal. Shiny chrome accessories and white wheel rims. I could even use IT as a prop! Yeah right, keep dreaming, lady!
bDah, bDah, bDah, Dats All Folks! Type at ya next time!
So, to prepare for Saturday, other than organizing my studio and props, I've decided to download some classic tunes. Inspiration? Frank Sinatra. Well, that is not entirely true. The real inspiration comes from a teeny, black, 4 week old, munchkin of a kitten that was found mewing extremely loudly in my in-law's yard. He needed a home, and my baby sister-in-law took him under her wing. We agreed to call him Frankie because (at least at this stage in kitten-hood) he has big, blue eyes. Just like that old time crooner. Now, since the little bugger and his new name are stuck in my mind, I keep thinking about the real "Frankie Blue Eyes" and want to listen to him sing. I'll probably spend my next few hours with super fast download time gathering up some listening material for the car ride to VA.
Hopefully I'll get some more shoots lined up while I'm out here... I've got several family members and friends that showed an interest. One of my cousins has be collecting props. She has this amazing talent of finding vintage, antique, and retro items where ever she goes. I know she's got some old-time bathing suits waiting for me, but I'm anxious to see what else she's found! I'm just not sure I'll be able to travel back to AK with it all! Sometimes I wish I had my own stationary studio that I could fill with all sorts of goodies instead of having to limit my art! Gosh darn it! Hmmmm, maybe hubby will buy me a cheap, good on gas mileage kind of car for me to use as a portable closet.... or better yet, if my dreams could come true, an ancient pick up truck from the 1940's or 1950's. You know the type; all bulbous and nothing but metal. Shiny chrome accessories and white wheel rims. I could even use IT as a prop! Yeah right, keep dreaming, lady!
bDah, bDah, bDah, Dats All Folks! Type at ya next time!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
How It All Began... and then some.
Taking my love of photography just one step farther has always been a desire of mine. About seven years ago, on separate occasions, my 2 sisters asked me to take some risque photos of them as gifts for their beaus. We had so much fun putting on make up and trying on different outfits, getting to be girls... albeit very sexy ones! It was nice, because everything was relaxed and in a comfortable environment. Both of them were very pleased with the final shots, and my mother was convinced I'd found my calling, but I shied away from the idea of opening a studio: rent, fees, schedules, insurance, etc... So a lid was put on that dream. For years the dream simmered, until it finally reached a boil and began to spill out from under that lid.
I found out several months ago, through Facebook, that an old high school friend of mine was doing some pin-up modeling. I looked through some of her shots, and then visited the website of one of her photographers. I was so impressed. She uses all vintage props and costumes, does hair and make up, and does a phenomenal job at duplicating some famous pin-up art. I got to thinking about the shoots I did of my sisters, my mother's encouragement, my love for photography; I wondered if there were any retro pin-up photographers in Alaska. One typically doesn't think of retro pin-up, burlesque, or risque when they think of Alaska, and although I did find less than a handful of photographers willing to do pre-wedding bridal shots, and one burlesque photographer in Fairbanks, the playing field was completely open. I decided, why not try this?
I put some "feelers" out to my female Facebook friends and most seemed interested, or had done such pictures in the past. This was good, very good, maybe I could get a portfolio started. All those years ago I hadn't realize that I didn't NEED to have a stationary studio; that I could travel! Now, in Alaska, since I don't live close to either Fairbanks or Anchorage, I'll have to travel for "parties" to make the trip worth it. In Maryland and Virginia, where I also have groups of gal-pals, the travel won't be as far, but having parties is always fun! Anyway, after realizing I could travel around taking pictures, I started looking for portable studio equipment, props, costumes, make up, fake lashes, hair products... I bought muslin, then cut and dyed backdrops on my wood stove! I bought a flash for my Nikon D40 camera. For an amateur, I was set.
My girlfriend, Crystal, in Anchorage, was astounded to find out we had similar tastes and began planning a Pin-Up Party. On 4/2/11 I had my first shoot with 7 girls. Crystal had everything perfect: champagne, cupcakes, pearls, music... and an entire room for me to set up. I'd practiced at home in my small 16x20 log cabin, but to actually have room to position lights, work with shadows, and someone other than ME running from camera to cloth and back again was great for gaining experience. One of Crystal's friends used to work at a make up counter so she helped with putting on faces, all of the ladies helped out with hair prep. We ate, we drank, we laughed, we let our inhibitions fly! A great time was had by all.
At 3am the next day, I was still awake and working on the photos on my macbook; I was so excited. After a few hours of sleep, I awoke to loads of PAIN! Who knew that being a pin-up photographer would get you such a workout? Could it have been from climbing the 15 or so steps up to Crystal's house lugging all of my studio and props? Had to do that at least 5 times.... Or maybe the fact that I was hopping all over the room to get "the shot": climbing stools, laying down, kneeling, balancing... trust me, the yoga helps! I was so sore, but in a good way. Like, hey, I accomplished something and I've got the bruises to prove it!
So that was at the beginning of April. No more single or party shoots since then, but I have talked to more and more women about potential shoots. Several old co-workers seem inclined. One wants to replicate a pin-up art piece with a Great Dane, another seems to think her and a group of girlfriends would be interested, and still another would like to lose some more baby weight and wait for her sister to visit for the 2 of them to do shoots. I'm heading out to Maryland tomorrow where I'll shoot my 2 sister-in-laws (that just sounds so weird), and some family and friends. My Potsy's Pin Up Photography portfolio on Facebook will hopefully gain some new faces!!!
I started a Youtube channel today for posting videos, but so far I have no tutorials on hair and make up, or product reviews to put up. One day! As far as my other favorite things.... No yoga for me recently because I'm coming out of a cold. Nasty, keep-you-up-all-night-coughing, can't-breathe-through-your-nose kind of cold. In the mean time I've been downloading several free apps and podcasts from iTunes to put on my iPod. I'm liking the apps, but I haven't listened to any podcasts yet. I subscribed to Yoga Journal podcast; my mother-in-law got me a magazine subscription for xmas and I LOVE IT!!!!!! I can't wait to start up again. I figure on the car ride out to the east coast, I'll get some stretching in during pit stops. Won't be much time for stopping to meditate though, we're trying to make the trip in 3 & 1/2 days again.
As for zombies, well, 5/31 is the last day in "Zombie Awareness Month," and if you haven't already, check out the Zombie Research Society. There is actually a neuroscientist from Fairbanks, AK on the board!! Too cool! I did download a free app called "Stupid Zombies" but I wouldn't recommend it. Stupid indeed; a very BORING game. Nothing else on this topic though, so....
ADIOS AMIGOS!
I found out several months ago, through Facebook, that an old high school friend of mine was doing some pin-up modeling. I looked through some of her shots, and then visited the website of one of her photographers. I was so impressed. She uses all vintage props and costumes, does hair and make up, and does a phenomenal job at duplicating some famous pin-up art. I got to thinking about the shoots I did of my sisters, my mother's encouragement, my love for photography; I wondered if there were any retro pin-up photographers in Alaska. One typically doesn't think of retro pin-up, burlesque, or risque when they think of Alaska, and although I did find less than a handful of photographers willing to do pre-wedding bridal shots, and one burlesque photographer in Fairbanks, the playing field was completely open. I decided, why not try this?
I put some "feelers" out to my female Facebook friends and most seemed interested, or had done such pictures in the past. This was good, very good, maybe I could get a portfolio started. All those years ago I hadn't realize that I didn't NEED to have a stationary studio; that I could travel! Now, in Alaska, since I don't live close to either Fairbanks or Anchorage, I'll have to travel for "parties" to make the trip worth it. In Maryland and Virginia, where I also have groups of gal-pals, the travel won't be as far, but having parties is always fun! Anyway, after realizing I could travel around taking pictures, I started looking for portable studio equipment, props, costumes, make up, fake lashes, hair products... I bought muslin, then cut and dyed backdrops on my wood stove! I bought a flash for my Nikon D40 camera. For an amateur, I was set.
My girlfriend, Crystal, in Anchorage, was astounded to find out we had similar tastes and began planning a Pin-Up Party. On 4/2/11 I had my first shoot with 7 girls. Crystal had everything perfect: champagne, cupcakes, pearls, music... and an entire room for me to set up. I'd practiced at home in my small 16x20 log cabin, but to actually have room to position lights, work with shadows, and someone other than ME running from camera to cloth and back again was great for gaining experience. One of Crystal's friends used to work at a make up counter so she helped with putting on faces, all of the ladies helped out with hair prep. We ate, we drank, we laughed, we let our inhibitions fly! A great time was had by all.
At 3am the next day, I was still awake and working on the photos on my macbook; I was so excited. After a few hours of sleep, I awoke to loads of PAIN! Who knew that being a pin-up photographer would get you such a workout? Could it have been from climbing the 15 or so steps up to Crystal's house lugging all of my studio and props? Had to do that at least 5 times.... Or maybe the fact that I was hopping all over the room to get "the shot": climbing stools, laying down, kneeling, balancing... trust me, the yoga helps! I was so sore, but in a good way. Like, hey, I accomplished something and I've got the bruises to prove it!
So that was at the beginning of April. No more single or party shoots since then, but I have talked to more and more women about potential shoots. Several old co-workers seem inclined. One wants to replicate a pin-up art piece with a Great Dane, another seems to think her and a group of girlfriends would be interested, and still another would like to lose some more baby weight and wait for her sister to visit for the 2 of them to do shoots. I'm heading out to Maryland tomorrow where I'll shoot my 2 sister-in-laws (that just sounds so weird), and some family and friends. My Potsy's Pin Up Photography portfolio on Facebook will hopefully gain some new faces!!!
I started a Youtube channel today for posting videos, but so far I have no tutorials on hair and make up, or product reviews to put up. One day! As far as my other favorite things.... No yoga for me recently because I'm coming out of a cold. Nasty, keep-you-up-all-night-coughing, can't-breathe-through-your-nose kind of cold. In the mean time I've been downloading several free apps and podcasts from iTunes to put on my iPod. I'm liking the apps, but I haven't listened to any podcasts yet. I subscribed to Yoga Journal podcast; my mother-in-law got me a magazine subscription for xmas and I LOVE IT!!!!!! I can't wait to start up again. I figure on the car ride out to the east coast, I'll get some stretching in during pit stops. Won't be much time for stopping to meditate though, we're trying to make the trip in 3 & 1/2 days again.
As for zombies, well, 5/31 is the last day in "Zombie Awareness Month," and if you haven't already, check out the Zombie Research Society. There is actually a neuroscientist from Fairbanks, AK on the board!! Too cool! I did download a free app called "Stupid Zombies" but I wouldn't recommend it. Stupid indeed; a very BORING game. Nothing else on this topic though, so....
ADIOS AMIGOS!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Why "The Bendy Betty"???
I wanted to come up with a title that pulled together my 3 favorite interests: Retro Pin Up, Yoga, and Zombies, but I couldn't find a suitable "b" word to capture the comedic value of the living dead, so I settled for 2 of the 3. "Bendy" for all the contortion postures practiced by yogis and "Betty" to pay homage to the bombshell beauties of yesteryear. My fascination with zombies will have to be considered a perk to this blossoming blog.
My intentions are to document my experiences as a Pin Up photographer, albeit a hobby, and share those experiences with you, the reader. I plan to post videos of me trying out vintage hairstyles and make up techniques and to review products as I go along; including hair styling products, make up, and nail care. I'm a pretty environmentally conscious kind of gal, so I'll try to stick with earth friendly products, but I also understand the need to keep costs down, because, if you are like me, in this economy, you're on a pretty tight budget when it comes to anything veering from necessity. So I'll also try reviewing products that won't whittle your wallet.
I love yoga and all it's benefits: the connection of body, mind and spirit, the focus it brings to everyday moments, and the gentle ease at which you begin to flow through life... Personally, I don't use more than a mat during most of my sequences, but occasionally I'll grab a block, strap, or towel. I'd love to share my views on practice aides, as well as comfortable clothing, books, DVDs, videos and studios in the Anchorage, AK area and in the Westminster, MD area.
As for zombies, well, anything goes! For quite some time now I've wanted to start up a zombie group on Facebook, but never got around to it. Here, I'll go over my favorite books, movies, pop culture, and latest wave of zombie craze. Feedback is always welcome.
Remember, I'm a country girl, living a backwoods (some would say "backwards") lifestyle, and I don't always conform to the "norm." I'll keep it simple and direct; hopefully humorous and fun to follow. This was just a "get to know me" first blog and a "what to expect" from future blogs overview. I look forward to entertaining y'all some more real soon! I'm going to post once a week; every Thursday, if I can manage, or have anything to say. I won't say what next week's blog will be about, because I don't know yet myself. I'll try to have an idea and make it worth your while.
Ciao.
My intentions are to document my experiences as a Pin Up photographer, albeit a hobby, and share those experiences with you, the reader. I plan to post videos of me trying out vintage hairstyles and make up techniques and to review products as I go along; including hair styling products, make up, and nail care. I'm a pretty environmentally conscious kind of gal, so I'll try to stick with earth friendly products, but I also understand the need to keep costs down, because, if you are like me, in this economy, you're on a pretty tight budget when it comes to anything veering from necessity. So I'll also try reviewing products that won't whittle your wallet.
I love yoga and all it's benefits: the connection of body, mind and spirit, the focus it brings to everyday moments, and the gentle ease at which you begin to flow through life... Personally, I don't use more than a mat during most of my sequences, but occasionally I'll grab a block, strap, or towel. I'd love to share my views on practice aides, as well as comfortable clothing, books, DVDs, videos and studios in the Anchorage, AK area and in the Westminster, MD area.
As for zombies, well, anything goes! For quite some time now I've wanted to start up a zombie group on Facebook, but never got around to it. Here, I'll go over my favorite books, movies, pop culture, and latest wave of zombie craze. Feedback is always welcome.
Remember, I'm a country girl, living a backwoods (some would say "backwards") lifestyle, and I don't always conform to the "norm." I'll keep it simple and direct; hopefully humorous and fun to follow. This was just a "get to know me" first blog and a "what to expect" from future blogs overview. I look forward to entertaining y'all some more real soon! I'm going to post once a week; every Thursday, if I can manage, or have anything to say. I won't say what next week's blog will be about, because I don't know yet myself. I'll try to have an idea and make it worth your while.
Ciao.
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