I want to discuss a huge new thing in the pinup community, the number of publications available for both models and photographers. Coming from the old school days of just a few choices, I am so happy to see the genre continue to expand and grow.
With so many options out there, I often get asked “Which publication, should I send my images to?” The short answer is “It is your choice, I can’t make that choice for you”.
What are some of the publications we recommend!! (Pinup specific)
We are a partner studio with the amazing Rocket Magazine!! Why did we choose Rocket to partner with? This is the easiest answer, Quality, Quality, Quality. Back to being an old-school pinup, this publication reminds me so much of my time long long ago (7 years ago to be exact) LOL. Articles, Bio’s, Event coverage. It is just not a picture book (there is nothing wrong with picture books), I just prefer a little more when I am purchasing a publication. I love the layouts, my fellow partner photographers, the editors. Just everything about this publication makes my heart happy. Oh, and did I mention the quality!! Teehee
Now, there are many more options out there. Bombshell (International Publication), RetroLovely, and all of their side brands (ran by an amazing group that is helping revive the pinup culture), Pinup Kulture (this was my first big publication as a model, so it is near and dear to my heart). And we cannot forget about some of the new up-and-coming titles we love. Chica Boom, (adorable and well put together, super impressed), RetroMan ( another well put together publication). If you are pushing for the risqué side, there is Bachelor Pad Magazine (no tattoos), or Delicious Dolls (with Tattoos).
Somethings to consider when choosing a publication!
Make sure your images are the right fit. You generally don’t see too many cheesecake pinup images in high fashion magazines. It is easy to decide, just look at their social media content. It will tell you everything you need to know.
Consider the end audience, who is the one purchasing this publication besides the contributors. Some publications are a little more risqué, including nudity. Many publications are just cute cheesecake or modern pinup with implied nudity/lingerie.
What is your goal with the publication? Do you have a personal goal to be in so many publications or certain publications? Do you strive for a cover or a feature? These are all things you should think about and even discuss with your photographer, (trust me, we -the photographers- know what certain publications prefer, so we know what and how to photograph it).
Themes- Many publications put out a list of issue themes in advance. This gives you time to plan out a shoot so you are not crunching and rushing to get the session done in time. Yes, Gem City does offer custom sessions, besides the special sets we offer, so just ask and we can make it happen!
Why should you try for publication?
I have never been a publication chaser, both as a model or photographer. But in this day, exposure is a great way to gain a following. Also, it is exciting to be able to say, “I’m a published model”. LOL
It is a fun way to share your excitement for your images. Everything looks great in print. SO DO IT!!
How do you get published!!
Find a publication that fits what you are looking for, read all the rules and expectations for your images to be considered. Consult with the photographer, as they will be required to fill out a portion of the release. Have a small Bio at the ready, this can be the same one used for other publications. (Just a short paragraph telling us about yourself). Why the Bio? Trust me, publications love to add content to photos, and it makes the images more personal when the reader can learn more about you. (Don’t worry, I will have a write-up soon on Bio’s). Many publications do not require a Bio, but if they offer the option, DO IT!! Last but not least properly send in your submission via email or however they request, (a great idea is to CC the photographer, this will speed up the process if they publication, has any questions).
Will you do my submission for me?- Short answer “No”, unless this is discussed ahead of time. Why? The number 1 reason I do this is because I want you the model to be confident in the choices, you choose the images, the publication, the wording all of it. I being a model back in the day have been unpleasantly surprised by a publication I didn’t want to be part of, I vowed from that point to never do the same to any client/model. (Side note, yes I do submit to Rocket as a partner studio if requested and I feel the images are a good fit. I do not abuse my guaranteed publication status. If this is something you are interested in, please discuss it before or during your session)
