Ever felt like transporting yourself back in time to the glamorous world of 1940s, 50s or 60s pin-up art?
At Scarlett Gasque, so much of what we do is inspired by the mesmerising pin-up icons of times gone by – think Bettie Page, Dorothy Dandridge, Jayne Mansfield and Marilyn Monroe. And what better way to celebrate their knockout beauty than by recreating their iconic looks and taking some sexy pin-up photos at home?
In this blog, we’re coming with all the tips you need on poses, outfits, props and more… So, grab your camera and favourite pieces from our pin-up inspired lingerie collections and get stuck in!
10 steps to picture-perfect pin-up shots at home
Step 1: Choose your pin-up inspiration
The first step to nailing the perfect at-home pin-up photoshoot is picking a style to recreate. Are you feeling sweet like the 1940s, playful like the 1950s, or glamorous like the 1960s? Get inspired by some of our favourite pin-up girls from the past:
Bettie Grable (1940s): The most-loved World War II sweetheart, famous for her over-the-shoulder swimsuit pose and amazing legs!
Bettie Page (1950s): Sometimes called the Queen of Pinups, famous for her fun and flirty poses, jet-black hair and signature fringe.
Dorothy Dandridge (1940s-50s): A sultry and sophisticated, one-of-a-kind trailblazer who started as a pin-up girl and later became a world famous actress.
Marilyn Monroe (1940s-60s): Probably the most famous pin-up girl of all time – her playful and seductive charm still captivates hearts today!
Jayne Mansfield (1950s-60s): A sex symbol known for her ultra-glam looks, incredible hourglass figure, and bold and vivacious spirit!
Once you’ve chosen a muse, take time to practise their signature poses and facial expressions. Stand in front of a mirror and try out winks, pouts and cheeky smirks. And remember, pin-ups are all about exaggeration, so don’t hold back!
Step 2: Select your pin-up outfits
Now, for the fun part – dressing up! At Scarlett Gasque, our collections are brimming with pin-up ready pieces. Here are some outfit ideas to get you started:
- Corsets: Cinch that waist and create a to-die-for hourglass figure with a luxurious, vintage-inspired corset.
- Bras, knickers and suspenders: Nothing says pin-up girl quite like lingerie paired with sexy suspenders!
- Robes: A flowing silk or fur robe can add a touch of mystery and elegance to your pin-up look…
- Stockings: Classic stockings with a seam up the back are a must-have for 40s and 50s-inspired pin-up looks!
You could also get playful with themed costumes – think sailor girl, French maid or Hollywood starlet – or even channel your inner Bettie Grable with a vintage swimsuit or high-waisted bikini!
Complete your look with accessories like vintage scarves, sunglasses, a feather boa or some sparkling jewellery. These small details make all the difference!
Step 3: Grab your pin-up props
Depending on your inspiration and outfit, the right props can add authenticity and a whole lot of fun to your pin-up photoshoot. Here are some ideas we love:
- Vintage phone: Strike a pose with a classic rotary phone.
- Classic car: Think drive-in movies or your head scarf fluttering in the wind…
- Book and glasses: Create a studious yet sexy vibe…
- Lollipop, ice cream, cupcake or milkshake: Get playful and flirty with some sweet treats!
- Vintage suitcase: Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure!
- Kitchen items: Whisk up some fun with a rolling pin, mixing bowl or retro apron.
The secret is to have fun, so choose props that keep you smiling and help your personality shine through in every shot!
Step 4: Choose your backdrop or location
The next step in creating the perfect pin-up photoshoot at home is to set the scene. Try to match your backdrop to your chosen outfit and props so that you can carry on your pin-up narrative.
If you’re dressed in skimpy lingerie and chatting on a rotary phone, try to choose somewhere that resembles a mid-20th-century bedroom or living room – think classic furniture, muted tones, and soft lighting. If you’re clad in a vintage bikini and licking an ice cream, the garden or a sunny beach might be a better option!
Don’t worry – your home is a treasure trove of potential backdrops, especially if you use props to transform the space. Just think about the overall mood you want to convey, and you can trick people into believing you’ve been transported somewhere new.
Soft, warm lighting and comfy furnishings can create a romantic, sultry vibe, whereas bright, natural lighting and bold colours can make things feel cheerful and fresh!
Step 5: Fashion your hair
So, you know what you’re wearing, which icon you’re channelling, and how you’re going to set the scene… But no pin-up look is complete without picture-perfect pin-up hair!
Victory rolls, beehives and Hollywood waves are all examples of classic pin-up hairstyles – we’ve put together some tutorials to help you achieve these looks. Just remember to use lots of hairspray to keep everything in place!
You could also consider Rockabilly waves à la Bettie Page, a short fringe like Audrey Hepburn, an afro (which gained popularity in the late 50s and early 60s), or a twisted pompadour style (depending on your hair’s curl pattern).
If doing hair doesn’t come naturally to you, why not treat yourself to a fabulous vintage-inspired wig?
Step 6: Put on some pin-up makeup
Now that your hair is styled to perfection, it’s time to move on to your makeup. Pin-up makeup is all about being bold, glamorous, and highlighting your best assets!
Here’s how we achieve the perfect pin-up look:
Base: Start with a clean, moisturised face. Apply a full-coverage foundation and set it with powder for a matte finish. Conceal any blemishes or dark circles to achieve a perfect complexion!
Brows: Use an eyebrow pencil or powder to fill in your brows. Create an arch that frames your face and makes your eyes look bigger.
Cheeks: Add a pop of colour to your cheeks with a rosy or peachy blush. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your temples for a natural, flushed look.
Eyes: Apply a neutral eyeshadow base, then add depth with darker shades in the crease. Winged eyeliner also looks great, so use a liquid or gel liner to create a bold, cat-eye flick. Finish with several coats of mascara or add false lashes for extra drama.
Lips: Red lips are a pin-up signature. Choose a long-lasting, matte red lipstick that compliments your skin tone and use a lip liner to add definition. If red isn’t your style, try a deep berry or bright pink shade!
To help your make-up stay in place, we recommend using a matte setting spray. You can also add a touch of highlighter to the high points of your face for a subtle glow.
Step 7: Set up your camera
At this point, you should be looking (and feeling) picture-ready – all you need to do now is set up your camera! You don’t need professional photography equipment to take incredible pin-up photos – a DSLR camera or high-quality smartphone can work just as well!
Here are some more top tips for a great shot:
- Use a tripod to keep the camera steady.
- Ask a friend to direct the shoot and snap your pics for you.
- Use a remote shutter or timer to take shots yourself.
Don’t forget to check the lighting! Natural light is ideal, so position yourself near a window or outside if possible. If you’re shooting indoors, use softbox lights or ring lights to eliminate harsh shadows.
Step 8: Let the pin-up photoshoot begin!
Ready to strike a pose? Take multiple shots from different angles and heights and don’t be afraid to experiment with expressions and positions. Pin-up photography is all about having fun and showing off your naughty and playful sides, so don’t be shy – move around, show off your body, change your outfit, and smile!
You can pick your favourite photos when you’re done.
Step 9: Play around with editing
Once you’ve captured your photos, it’s time to look through them and admire your work. You might want to enhance your favourites by correcting colours, adding filters or retouching where necessary.
You can use editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to do this, or simply play around with your smartphone’s picture settings and filters. Adjusting the colours can help you to achieve a vintage look (sepia tones or black-and-white are especially retro), adjusting the exposure can make the image look brighter or more muted, and adjusting the contrast can make those colours pop!
Step 10: Show off your pin-up photos to the world!
Pin-up art is made to be seen – that’s how it got its name after all! Don’t be afraid to share your images on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest, and don’t forget to tag Scarlett Gasque. We’d love to see your fabulous creations! You can also consider printing out your best photos for a calendar or as a gift for someone special…
At Scarlett Gasque, we’re inspired by the confident, flirty and fun spirit of pin-up girls, and we’re thrilled to help you bring that same energy to your photos. So, grab your favourite pieces from our pin-up inspired lingerie and corset collections, and get ready to make some pin-up magic!
Stay fabulous, darlings!