Welcome back to the Le Boudoir Studio blog! Today, we are going to talk about pin-up photography and why it could be one of the most empowering experiences. Named because the photos were meant to be “pinned-up” instead of framed, the pin-up is over 100 years old. Origins can be traced back to as early as the Victorian era. However, the term “pin-up” didn’t come to be until the 1940s and has since become a popular way for plus-size, curvy and women of all sizes to confidently showcase their beautiful bodies, and their playful, sexual side.    

Why We Love Pin-Up Photography

One of the main reasons we love curvy pin-up photography is that it’s all about female empowerment and body positivity. Whether you are a size two or are plus-size, it’s time to embrace your inner, playful, sex kitten. Curvy women were the ideal of pin-up photographers for years, so it’s time to have fun and embrace your beautiful body.

5 Elements of Pin-Up Photography

Creating the pin-up look, unlike many other stereotypical portrait photography, is aimed at having fun, while inhabiting calculated poses, using props, and embracing vintage forms of playful sexuality and style. Below are five elements to expect of every plus-size pin-up photography session.

It’s All About You

Being a pin-up isn’t about trying to fit an ideal: it is all about you. When you decide to do a pin-up photo shoot with our Phoenix boudoir studio, we meet with you ahead of time to find out not only your ideas for the shoot — poses, styles, and outfits — but also we will discover more about  your personality, as well as what you love about your body and what you see as favorable. As we envision your shoot, we will take all of this into consideration to create a photo shoot that shows off your many assets. Bottom line: being a pin-up is all about being confident in your own skin.

Fun & Playful

When you do a pin-up photo-shoot it’s time to bring out your fun and frisky side. Pin-up photography throughout history has always been about being playful with a strong undercurrent of sexual energy and confidence. Don’t stress about being provocative, just channel your sexy, playful side and have fun. Through the use of props, makeup, and costume, we will help create a fun atmosphere that will make having a good time easy.  

Props & Poses

Though having fun is one of the main elements of a pin-up photoshoot, no true pin-up shoot is candid. Each pose is carefully calculated and formulated by your plus-size pin-up photographer to accentuate your beauty. As you work with us, we will help you find the most flattering poses. Another main element of a pin-up photoshoot is the props; anything from lollipops and pizza, to classic cars and vintage phones, can be a part of your shoot. The options are endless — have fun!

Makeup & Hair

Ladies, it’s time to glam it up! Pin-up photography is all about glamorous vintage hair and makeup styles. Lipstick and winged eye-liner are stereotypical of a pin-up shoot as well as vintage style hair with victory-curls, baby bangs, and ringlets. We can often add a modern flair and other style elements that bring out your own personality. Also, there are many different styles that you can embody as the star of your pin-up photo shoot. Search “plus-size photography” on Pinterest and talk to your photographer to learn more about creating your own look!  

Body Positive

Because pin-up shoots show some skin, it’s easy to think that you have to be a certain body type to embody the pin-up style, but that’s not the case at all! Any woman can be a pin-up — baby, it’s time to embrace your beautiful curves! A pin-up photoshoot is an empowering experience because we are celebrating your personality, your body, and your sexuality. Contact our photographers at Le Boudoir Studio in Phoenix and embrace your inner, playful, sex kitten!