It’s been one year since I met Suzu for the first time. I wanted to submit a piece for a self portrait contest so I asked her to model for me. After hours of negotiating how much of her ass she was willing to show,  she agreed to do it. Life hasn’t been the same since.

Thanks for bringing so much joy to my life and being an amazing collaborator in business and personal!

It’s been about 5 years since I left the corporate gig and decided to become a professional shooter. I really had no idea what type of photography I wanted to do, I just loved photography. After a while my savings was starting to dry up and I had to find a j-o-b. A friend told me about a position he knew of being a school photographer for a local company. Now… I knew that I didn’t want to be a school photographer but the fact that someone was willing to pay me for taking pictures was exciting.

It was a shitty job. The first thing I was told was that I wasn’t to do anything creative. Center the kids head and snap. 2 pictures per child and move on. Make sure the lighting was flat so the green screen software could work properly. There were days when I shot 300 kids in 3 hours. I had to deal with little wanna be middle school gangsters telling me to fuck off with their middle finger as I tried to capture their ungrateful asses on my memory card. The owner treated the photographers like they were a necessary evil that he had to deal with in order to turn a profit. Some of the guys that I worked with had been school photographers for 40+ years and many were bitter and hated what they did. And, after 9 months, I knew I had to leave.

I was thinking about that experience this morning when I was taking Taylor to school. The fact is that, as much as I hated that job, I needed that experience to evolve as a photographer and human. What did I gain from that experience you ask? I actually gained a lot that I didn’t see at the time.

1. The first (and most obvious) thing I learned was what I did NOT want to do for a living. Those guys who had been at it for so long were right to be bitter. The pay was the worst, there is nothing less creative in the photography world, and it was a completely thankless job.
2. I learned efficiency. The only way to be successful in that business was to take a lot of pictures quickly. I learned how to create an assembly line of subjects and by the end I was one of the most efficient shooters they had. This has served me well when I’ve been contracted to shoot many people in one day.
3. I learned lighting. While the lighting for the most part was standard and boring, I didn’t know much about studio lighting prior to that gig. I learned about different types of lighting, shooting with strobes outdoors, and technically how everything came together. It gave me a good foundation on which I could expand.
4. Care for equipment was a big one. On some jobs I had to use John’s equipment. He had been in the biz for many years and he was more than a little OCD about his equipment. I feared not putting a cord back correctly or God forbid I break something of his by mistake. At first I just thought John was an anal retentive ass but I learned probably more from John than anyone. He taught me about caring for equipment and the importance of being organized which brings me to #5.
5. Organization – I learned how best to organize a large operation. Everything had a place in the warehouse. We had checklists to ensure that we had a complete rig and everything we needed for the job. I learned the importance of containers, bags, how to efficiently pack a truck, and how organization helped me set up a job quickly and more importantly how to get the hell out fast when I was done.

I couldn’t see at the time how important this job would be in setting a good foundation for future endeavors but I do now. I’m glad I left when I did. I was seriously in danger of losing my passion for photography. Maybe that’s the most important thing I learned; to cherish and protect this thing I love so much.

Can you relate? What do you think?

At Home – This project is about capturing intimate photos of your natural beauty in your environment. Organic, natural lighting, with minimal retouching. I want to photograph the real you.

• Requirements – female, 18-45, all shapes and sizes considered.
• Cost – No cost for the shoot, must be willing to sign a model release.
• Location – This project takes place in your home or other environment significant to your life. I don’t care if it’s a trailer or a penthouse. The point is that it exemplifies you.

To apply to model for the project go to http://stlucky.com/projects/

The reason I got into pinup photography was because I saw an opportunity. There wasn’t anyone in town doing what I wanted to do. I felt like there was great potential to make money doing something that I enjoyed. Oh… and the whole thing about photographing scantily clad women wasn’t a bad bonus.

It’s been a while now and somewhere along the way my primary motivation shifted. It became about bringing joy to people. Financial success and everything that goes along with running a business is still important. It has to be but what really feeds that part of my work is the happiness that it brings to clients.

It’s true that what we do won’t change the world but I have heard from clients that it’s a life changing experience. Some see a different side of themselves and it motivates them to make more positive choices in their life. Some see that they truly are beautiful. Some simply escape from their hectic lives for a few hours. Many have gone on to pursue their dream of becoming a model or used the photos to help them pursue other dreams.

Whatever it is, I’ve become a bit of a joy junkie. I love to hear from people after their shoot and I’m grateful that I chose to walk down this path in life.

What are your thoughts?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we decided to get involved this year. It really is a great cause and we’re excited about being able to help raise money to continue to find a cure.

So, what are we doing you ask? We’re donating $25 from every shoot booked in October to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

If you’ve been on the fence, now would be a great time to schedule a shoot. Not only will you get an amazing experience, you will also help with the struggle to rid the world of this cancer.

Go to http://luckypinup.com to learn more and contact us.

End Date: 8/21/10
Contact Us: (404) 669-6074 or info@luckypinup.com

Schedule your shoot by 8/21/10 and receive free prints and edits. That doesn’t mean you need to shoot by the 21st, but you must have your deposit in by then to be eligible for this special offer.

That’s it! Just let us know that you want your free prints when you book your shoot.

Last year's Winner

Here’s how you enter:

1. Send the 1 photo that you want people to vote on to info@luckypinup.com. Your photo must be submitted by August 6th at 11:59 PM Eastern time.
2. We will upload the submitted photos to our Facebook fan page on August 7th.
3. The person with the most “Likes” by Friday August 13th at 11:59 PM Eastern time will win. Tell all your friends and family yo come vote for you!

You can start submitting your photos right now! Tell all your friends! Must be 18 or older to enter.

Below is a copy of the latest newsletter. If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter, go to http://luckypinup.com/index.php and sign up in the upper right corner of the page.

New Affiliates Program

We just started our new affiliates program and are very excited about the possibilities. People who have worked with us know that we are a small business with only two full time employees. I had a realization that I spend A LOT of my time getting the word out about the services that we provide. As a result I decided to create the affiliates program and give you the chance to make some cash and free up more of my time to do what I love, take pictures. If you apply and become an affiliate you will be paid (anywhere from $50 – $320 per shoot) for referrals you make that result in a paid shoot. See all of the details and apply here.

We Are Branching Out

• Notice the new logo? I sincerely enjoy pinup and plan to always offer that service but I also want to offer our clients different options. I want you to know that we can turn you into art. We can collaborate with you to create something unique and special with you as the centerpiece.
• Couples – We are starting a new service for couples within the next few weeks. To quote one of our Facebook fans “That could get interesting!”
  
• New project – I’m starting a new project called “Uncommon Beauty”. The focus will be photos of unconventional beauties in unexpected environments. You can see the beginnings of the gallery at http://luckypinup.com/galleries/PhotoGallery4/index.php. I am looking for 1 or 2 more models for the series so contact me if you’re interested.

All the best,
Brent Walker
http://luckypinup.com
info@luckypinup.com
404.669.6074

The full length podcast will be up in 2-4 weeks at http://www.mordantworld.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/MordantWorld. I had a great time with Mordant and Suzanne.

If you can’t see the video, go to http://luckysblog.com/wordpress/2010/05/24/vlog-with-mordant/

Vlog #2. Choppy but still getting better Great shoot today with two great ladies.

May not be perfect but damnit I got through my first ever vlog and it only took 5 takes. I promise, these will get more entertaining as time goes on full of more interesting things than my mug on camera.

Happy Birthday Johnny! (26 February 1932 – 12 September 2003)

Johnny Cash is one of my personal heroes. He was authentic and truly didn’t care what the establishment thought about what he did. He always looked out for the underdog because more than a few times in his life, he was one. He recognized drugs and alcohol were killing him and he did something about it.  He came out against the Vietnam war when it wasn’t popular for a country singer to do so.

He was one of the greats both on and off stage so here’s to you Johnny! RIP brother.

This song says it all

If you can’t see the video click here.

A few things have changed here. Obviously I have a new look to the site and new functionality. Oh… and a new name. Changed from the Naked Gypsy to Lucky’s Blog. I like it better. The Naked Gypsy’s ship has sailed. I’m also going to be putting a little more focus on the pinup work. I know its what people want to see more of and well its my business so, there ya have it.

If you receive this in your inbox, you probably got nailed with a huge email of many many posts at once. Sorry about that. I guess its because I switched from Blogger to Worpress. Hopefully it won’t happen again!

Our new address is http://luckysblog.com. Bookmark it!

Pictures from the Holiday shoot are coming soon. Thanks to everyone who came out for it and the crew who pulled it off flawlessly!

Photo Direct News (PDN) reported yesterday that NORML (the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), is useing this image of President Obama in a poster to promote their organization. NORML is doing this without consent from the photographer Lisa Jack or the agency who licenses the photo, Getty. Below is a quote PDN obtained from Getty:

“Getty Images is committed to protecting the intellectual property rights and livelihood of the artists whose work we license. NORML is engaging in unauthorized use of Getty Images photographer Lisa Jack’s photograph of President Obama. Despite our requests, NORML continues to exploit the image without any license or permission of the copyright holder. Ironically, they even post a copyright notice on their infringing poster. We reject their position that this use is protected as fair use, as it is neither parody nor satire, and their fair use position is particularly troublesome given that NORML stands to profit from selling the posters. This unauthorized commercial use of the photograph constitutes copyright infringement, and Getty Images will aggressively pursue this matter as the copyright representative of the artist.”

In my humble opinion, the leaders over at NORML need to lay off the ganja when making crucial decisions. There is no getting around the fact that they are using this image for a commercial endeavor. Fair use does not apply to how this image is being used. A few questions to my bong smoking brothers and sisters:

a) do you really want to piss off the artistic community?
b) do you want to piss off the President who could possibly help your cause.
c) do you want to tangle with Getty Images? They have seriously deep pockets and it sounds like they are willing to go all the way on this one.

The decision to use this image was stupid. The decision to not cease using it is beyond moronic and offensive to people who try to make a living with their art.

“I have walked this earth for 30 years and out of gratitude want to leave some souvenir” – Vincent Van Gogh

In my case it’s been 38 years as of today. Since I heard this quote about a week ago I’ve been thinking about it.

I am grateful for my life. It hasn’t always been easy and still isn’t at times. And to be perfectly honest I’ve felt less than grateful lately which is one of the reasons I’m writing this today.

I have a beautiful daughter who is wise beyond her years. I have a mother that embodies unconditional love. I create art and on good days I don’t care what anyone thinks about it. I’ve experienced more than my fair share of amazing people in my life. I’ve lived much longer than I ever thought I would. The upside to being me far outweighs the down.

So what do I leave? I don’t know really. Maybe it is a masterpiece. Maybe it’s small things like teaching my daughter through examples, good and flawed. Being kind to someone that doesn’t receive a lot of kindness. Whatever it is, I’m more open than I’ve ever been to what life has in store.

All the best,
Brent

I was looking at Lucky Pinup about a week ago and discovered that the site I once loved I now didn’t like anymore at all. Part of it is because I see it constantly but part is an evolution. All businesses that thrive go through it. What once was perfectly kitchy and fun had grown old and tired.

It needed a face lift and so last weekend in the midst of being pretty well booked I redesigned it. It’s taken me a week or so to get the kinks worked out but finally here it is.

Drum roll please!

Hopefully a much better user experience all around and a better way to present my work. Check it out here

I resisted the urge to get involved in yet another form of social networking but since all the cool kids are doing it I figured what the hell. I’ve been on Twitter for about 10 days now and I’m hooked. It’s a great way to get quick bits of info from friends, other people I follow (mostly related to art and photography.)It also helps me get the word out about deals. events, shows or really anything. A great little tool!

So… join me on Twitter. I’d love to hear what you have to say in 140 characters or less.

http://twitter.com/nakedgypsy

Everyone looking for ideas for your Lucky Pinup shoot, here you go. Some good old school classic pinup all still as beautiful today as ever.

Or… Google Gil Elvgren. My personal favorite.

Brent
info@luckypinup.com

I came across an interesting video via my subscription to the Horse Think Blog about distorted body image due to models being retouched to death in Photoshop. It’s becoming such an issue that there are countries like France that are trying to pass laws against it or require disclaimers.

Obviously, as someone with a pinup photography business, I do a lot of retouching to make women look better than they normally look. On the flip side I have a 12 year old daughter and see what it’s like for girls to try to live up to that image. I’d love to see us as a society move away from this unreal image of women. It’s healthier and in my opinion honesty IS beautiful.

What do you think?

Nothing makes me happier than creating amazing images. Hearing from a client about how excited they are about the pictures we took is what its all about for me. So… I’ll make a deal with you… we’ll do our part if you’ll help out a little. Here’s a few tips:

• If we have scheduled a makeup artist for you it’s best to come to the shoot without makeup on. A completely clean face is best for the makeup artist to start with
• Bring the best you possible to the shoot. Sleep well and take care of yourself the night before. A lot of things can be retouched but there is little that can be done about a hang over.
• Bring more wardrobe than you think you will need. I can’t tell you how many times a client has said ” I wish I would have brought X with me”. I would recommend bringing a suitcase if we are shooting multiple hours.
• We have a lot of props at our studio but if you have anything you think will work for the shoot, bring it for sure. The right props can really bring an image to the next level. We can also talk about props in our initial consultation. We can purchase any specialty props for you prior to your shoot.
• Research what you want to capture. It really helps to have a firm understanding of the types of images we want to capture prior to the shoot. We will always think of other scenarios on the day of the shoot but it’s good to have a rough idea at least. If you can find pictures that are similar to what you want to capture then share them with me. It really helps to ensure that we will get exactly what you want and it will help me gauge the amount of time needed to pull it off as well as props and wardrobe you will need to bring.

If you have any questions, contact me and I’ll answer them.

Brent
Owner/Photographer