But They're MY Pictures, Right?

Like it or not, there are some business aspects you need to know about pin up modeling! One is the subject of copyright.

Briefly, a copyright is protection given under the law to artists (using the broadest term) so they may control the usage and reproduction of their work. Generally, copyright owners hold all the rights to their work.

What does this mean to the pin up model?

According to the Copyright Act, a federal law, the owner of the copyright is the person who creates the work. For our purposes this is the photographer or sometimes an artist (in the case of paintings or graphic art).

So despite the fact that a photographer has given you a CD with all your proofs on it, you do not have the right to use them any way you would like. You probably signed a model release at your shoot. This allows the photographer to use your image. Many model releases also grant you, the model, some kind of license to use your photos in consideration of your time or the payment you have made. For example, you may be allowed to use your images on line in exchange for displaying the photographer's watermark or URL along with the picture.

Unless you have come to a specific agreement with the artist you cannot use your photos for any commercial purposes such as selling merchandise using the image, and most high quality photo labs will not produce prints of your pictures for you without permission from the photographer. (Walmart probably won't give a fig, but you get what you pay for).

If you want to have rights to the images yourself, you will probably have to pay for them on top of the fee you pay the photographer. What you are paying the photographer for is their time, effort, studio use, use of wardrobe (if applicable); not the rights to the images.

Copyright is something to keep in mind if you intend to use your photos for something out of the ordinary and remember, never, EVER do anything with your images you do not have specific permission for. To do so is copyright infringement and is against the law.

Most photographers will negotiate on license if you really must have mugs made up for your entire family with your pin up photos on them, or want to plaster your luscious bottom all over a t-shirt for all the world to see; just REMEMBER TO ASK PERMISSION!

Another thing to remember is that there are a lot of people out there who tell you that you will own the rights to your photos once their shoot/makeover/class is done, but the truth is, unless you have something in writing from them stating this, you don't.

Copyright is something you need to be aware of if you itend to seriously pursue pin-up!

Retro hair how to: 1960s casual glamour

We always love to share Miss Marcella Lee's Examiner articles and this one is no exception!

Retro hair how to: 1960s casual glamour

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Starting A Pin Up Wardrobe On A Budget

Having your own retro wardrobe can be a great asset when you're out there looking for pin up modeling gigs. Some photographers might not supply wardrobe for shoots and others, who may not do pin up on a regular basis, may need a model who can fend for themselves in that department.

So how to start building a retro/pin up wardrobe without breaking the bank?

One place to start is the Salvation Army and other thrift stores. In the New York area they've been picked clean of real vintage for years, however, depending on where you live, you may still get lucky. But you don't just have to troll for vintage at the Sal. It can be a great place to pick up basics like a black pencil skirt, black shoes, sweaters, shorts, cute capris...The list is endless, you just have to keep a sharp eye out for the gems among the dross. Look for simple, clean lines. For example, you want skirts, capris and shorts to be very simple, without say, cargo pockets or ornamental zippers. The more classic looking (meaning even though it is modern it could be from any era) the better. Also, stay alert for anything that could be used as a prop since people donate some of the strangest things to their local thrift stores!

With Halloween coming up, don't underestimate the potential of costume and party shops! Of course they have the seasonal witch, devil and black cat, but don't pass up the opportunity to pick up a sexy nurse uniform, sailor girl, soldier, hula girl, harem girl or even a Daisy Duke costume! Most costumes are less than $50 each and the opportunity is there to pick up items half price after the holiday. These shops can also be great sources for props; cigarette holders, hand cuffs, brooms, bunny ears (think Easter), etc.

How about lingerie? While there are some fabulous repro lingerie lines out there like What Katie Did and Secrets In Lace you can also find great buys from old stand bys like Frederick's of Hollywood. 'Ornamental' corsets (meaning the kind you don't want to use to tight lace your waist in by four inches) are a fraction the cost of the real thing and they have great sales in which to pick up odds and ends like garter belts and cute sets (like this one for example).

Do a Google search for "Shirley of Hollywood" (maybe she was Fred's cousin ;-)), and see what comes up. They make very reasonably priced pieces and have great ruffly boy shorts! (Unfortunately they also make some incredibly tawdry stuff as well, but to each his own I suppose).

With just a little creativity and resourcefulness it can be easy to get your wardrobe collection started or put together a look for a shoot without having to go into debt!

Inspiration is Everywhere

Pulp Fiction. It's not just the name of a movie. It was that peculiar mid-century phenomenon that was a precursor to what today is called "the mass market paperback." Generally sold in drug stores and train stations for 10 cents, they were considered cheap and disposable. Fortunately for us in the early 21st century, some people were too cheap to dispose, and we are now blessed with a collection of covers from these sensationalist tomes!

Why do I bring this up? Because as a pin up girl not only should you be doing your basic 101 course and study all the great pin up masters like Varga, Petty, Elvgren, etc., but you need to be aware that great inspiration can come from any source; even the covers of cheap drug store novels.

The cover of a pulp novel was generally brightly colored to attract the eye, usually sensational and/or lurid and, for our purposes, featured a scantily clad or scandalous B-Girl type 90% of the time. Just take a look at the examples below and see what they did to 1984 and Animal Farm. I'm betting if they handed you that copy in high school you wouldn't have groaned so loud about having to read it! Wow, I LOVE masterpieces of 20th century literature, you would have thought.

Pulp novels are very collectible now and are well out of the 10 cent range these days, but you can pick up covers reprinted as post cards and collected in books (check out my Amazon box at the bottom of the page).

Just check out these babes; those lips, that hair, and hips that won't quit! Look at how the satin clings as she swoons over his arm or the side of the bed. There is a plethora of inspiration to be had here from hair styles to poses!

Enjoy!

(Click for the larger versions).

Workshop Pics and Our Lovely Graduates!

Pin Up Hair Will Make You An Able Grable!

Miss Matilda's Able Grable web site and Pin Up Finishing School have teamed up on a giveaway. All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me the name of Able Grable's impending new frock to be unveiled any day now at Miss M's web site, Able Grable.

The prize is free attendance at the August 23 Pin Up Hair Workshop here in New York City!

Your Class~The 2 1/2 - 3 hour seminar demonstrates techniques for doing some popular pin up hairstyles as well as fingerwaving and pin-curl techniques.

In addition there's a hands-on portion where you will learn to make your own hair flower accessories and your own rats, which are useful for victory rolls and other 40's hair styles.

Light refreshments will be served.

Join us for the perfect girly bonding day!

Winner will be picked totally at random by my hubby (who has no vested interest and/or the pugs (that should be interesting).

Draw day is 15th August 2009.

All entries most welcome!

So swing on by with your entry and most of all Good Luck!!

( Lucky winner must provide their own transport, prize is the class only!)

http://www.pinupfinishingschool.com/

http://www.ablegrable.com/

And don't forget to check out Miss Matilda's fabulous blog.

Please feel free to repost this !

Marilyn's Secret Bra Sells For $$$

Video from NBC's today show featuring interview with Katie Halford of What Katie Did!

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