I am excited to present to you all this month's Artist of the Week! She's a local, Nebraska gal with a degree in Graphic Design and a passion for photography. After a long day of shooting, nothing relaxes her more than good food and a good laugh. Oh and did I mention, she has a cute pup named Baxter!
I present to you all...
The first time I met Nicole was a few months ago, during a pin-up class that she and her friend Kristen (who is a local pin-up model known as Emerald City Kitty) hosted. They covered different topics like: the history of pin-up culture, how to feel confident in your body image, various poses and hair-styling techniques, and much more. I had such an awesome time getting to know them and meeting other local gals who were interested in the same things I am! Check out my interview with Nicole, below. Enjoy!
FA: What do you enjoy the most about being a photographer?
NR: I enjoy the whole process! From the initial brainstorming of themes and sets, to the actual day of shooting, and finally to editing the photos...it's what I could do all day, everyday. I especially love seeing my clients transform, and I don't just mean with hair, make up, and clothing. The majority of my clients are not experienced models, they're everyday women looking to do something different or special for themselves or their significant other.
FA: I know you had mentioned this to me before and I thought it was really interesting, tell me about how you got introduced to the pinup/retro culture?
NR: My big sister's friend's little sister contacted me asking if I was familiar with pin ups, because she was interested in doing a Bettie Page-inspired shoot. Not being super familiar with pin-ups at the time, I let her know I'd research the style and get back with her. Well, within a day I contacted her back with a "YES! Let's do this!" After that first pin-up shoot, I knew pin-up photography was what I wanted to do full time so I threw myself into learning about all things vintage and retro.
"Something I always stress to models: point your toes!"
FA: Do you think the pin-up culture has grown overtime?
NR: Oh definitely! The pin-up look and style has come and gone as a trend over the past few decades, but within the past 3 years I'd say it's really exploded. From everyday fashion and make up to advertising, it's making a comeback for sure. When I first started shooting pin-ups, not many people in Nebraska were very familiar with it, it was definitely more of a coastal thing. I remember when my now-gal pal Kristen first contacted me when she had moved to Nebraska, and she was looking for a pin up-specific photographer. I was ecstatic to finally meet someone who was into the pin-up world as much as I was! It's also awesome to see more pin-up clothing stores, pin-up events, and conventions popping up all over.
FA: I had the opportunity to do a mini photo-session with you last month and I have to say I felt shy, which I'm sure its a normal feeling. What are some of the things that you do to break the ice with your clients who may be feeling shy/nervous?
NR: I always try to keep things light heart-ed and fun. There's usually a lot of laughing involved during the shoot. I provide a lot of feedback and guidance during the shoot, so that way my clients don't feel pressured to come up with a pose or expression on the spot. They may arrive nervous and feeling awkward in front of the camera, but they leave feeling like a supermodel.
FA: Do you have any tips that you would want to share for those who are interested in shooting retro-inspired photography or even being a pin-up model?
NR: Definitely research, research, research! Since the pin-up culture isn't defined by one particular style, you'll want to find what's fits you best whether you're a photographer or model. Studying the original pin-up artists and paintings really helped me find my direction. Something I always stress to models: point your toes!
FA: How would you describe the modern day pin-up?
NR: This is a tough question, because there's such a wide variety of pin ups today! It's really up to the individual and how they want to portray themselves. The great thing about today's pin-up culture is that you're not restricted to a certain look or style. Back in the day, the majority of pin-ups (minus a small tabooed percentage) were molded by society's idea of what was beautiful and feminine. Today, there's no set of rules on how a pin-up should look or act. I think the common thread in today's pin-up movement is creativity in transforming yourself into who you want to be.
FA: Lastly, what do you hope to gain/accomplish with your photography?
NR: My main goal has always been and will always be first, and foremost, making everyone who I work with feel celebrated. I want to create an atmosphere where my clients will feel comfortable to be themselves, and will feel like a million bucks leaving their shoot. Currently, I am working towards a larger studio space so that I can create more sets and have more options for my clients. I would also love to travel more, collaborate with other artists, and possibly work with companies in using my photos for their advertising. My end goal is to be shooting full time and own a full-service studio where the client can arrive and be completely taken care of -- hair, make up, and clothing provided.
I want to give a quick thanks to Nicole for taking the time in doing this interview and letting me use her pictures for this feature, you are awesome! Follow Nicole on Instagram and Facebook and don't forget to check out her website for upcoming photo themes and session pricing!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinup.classicpictures
Website: http://www.classicpicturesphotography.com/
Instagram: @ClassicPicturesPhotography
Illustrated image courtesy of Google
From LA, With Luv
Fati <3
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