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!

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.