Modeling in Focus

Pinup Queen go-go Amy Leads Workshop on Vintage Artform
by Elias AllStar OMP Member #10270

There is a resurgence in pinup modeling these days, and go-go Amy is one of its main proponents. Burlesque performer, stylist, and pinup model extraordinaire, go-go Amy ( OMP Model #153537) recently led her second Pinup Workshop at the OMP Studio (OMP Member #11). By the end of the weekend, models and photographers alike learned invaluable lessons from this vibrant, intriguing woman.

She defines pinup modeling as "vintage-inspired photos based on artwork from 1930-1950," and her portfolio is filled with nostalgic nods to yesteryear. Her personal preference is the work of Gil Elvgrin.

"His work portrays the perfect balance of innocence and sex appeal. I love that all his paintings tell a story of a damsel-in-distress who, when you really think about it, is an intelligent vixen who knows exactly what she's doing!"

The Seattle, Washington resident got her start as a model in NYC.

"I was a go-go dancer in New York. I was asked to be on some flyers for one of the bands I was dancing for, then in an ad for a club, and so on an so on... I never decided to be a model. It just happened, really."

She was drawn to pinup modeling because she realized it would be a perfect fit for her.

"I'm only 5'7" so I'm one inch too short to be a runway model. Also, I'm a naturally curvy girl so fashion modeling is out of the question. So I figured I could either sit around the house hating myself for not being tall or skinny enough, or I could just look around and find an audience who likes girls who look like me. 'Finding your audience’ is important for any model to consider. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So I say if you're not feeling beautiful don't beat yourself up about it, find people who will appreciate your specific look. Not that there's anything wrong with being a fashion model. I just think that confidence is the sexiest thing a person can have, and it's easier to achieve if you accept who you are first."

Go-go Amy feels that recent renewed interest in pinup art is not a surprise.

"No art ever really goes away, but I do think that Pinup is having a rebirth in this day and age. In a world saturated with overtly sexual imagery, people are becoming more interested in the tease. I also think that the last big movement in alternative fashion and music was the punk grunge movement, where everyone looked as if they'd just rolled out of bed. It's a logical reaction for people sick and tired of this style to turn to a more glamorous type of look."

She collaborated on the OMP workshop with Michael Colanero of UNCOMMON Stock (OMP Member #91273).

"A fan of mine in Florida had be asking me for almost three years to pose with his T-Bird. I finally booked some shows with the Brothers Grim Sideshow in the area, so the timing was right to take the pictures. I put the word out online to see if anyone wanted to do the shoot, and Michael responded. Coincidentally, I had been going through photographers’ profiles on One Model Place to shoot with while I was in Florida, and I bookmarked Michael but just hadn't gotten around to emailing him yet. So I guess you could say that it was meant to be. During that shoot Michael mentioned that I was really good at posing and needed almost no direction at all, to which I responded 'Well, I ought to know what I'm doing since I teach a class on this kind of modeling.’ This statement led to a rather lengthy conversation, which then led to the decision to do the workshop together. I had taught it mainly as a modeling class before, but Michael suggested that we try it as both a modeling and photography workshop."

The crimson-haired beauty is planning future workshops at the OMP Studio, and hopes to reach out to other models interested in the genre.

"I strive to make the workshops very fun and informative. Models learn about vintage hairstyles, makeup and wardrobe, pinup-style posing, photo shoot etiquette, how to get a job as a pinup model, and how to read and understand model/photography releases. I also let them know that it's cool to be who they are, that they can look how they want to look and have a good time doing it.

"Photographers also learn a lot from the workshops. They can learn about hairstyling, makeup and wardrobe which is essential to a good pinup shot. They get a chance to meet and work with a lot of great up-and-coming models. I also think it's good for the photographers to come to the class and see the world through a model’s eyes for a while. It helps them relate more when we finally get to the photo shoot portion of the workshop. And it's a great opportunity for models and photographers interested in the genre to meet and network."

For models and photographers who want to learn more about pinup style art, go-go Amy relates,

"The best advice I can give is to do your research. Look in books and online and find photos that you're drawn to and try to recreate them. You don't have to get too artsy about it. Just try to copy the examples you have found and it will come out perfect. If you're a photographer and it's your first time shooting pinup-style photos, try to work with a model who's experienced in the genre. She should be able to help you since she's familiar with the requirements. If you're a model who's shooting pinup for the first time, make sure that you're styled correctly. It would be a good idea to hire a hair and makeup artist who understands the look of that period. There's nothing that ruins a pinup shot more then bad hair!"

To find out more about go-go Amy and when she may be appearing in your area, visit her OMP profile or check out her website at www.gogoamy.com.