What props for your pinup pictures?

Looking back at all the great pinup artists from yesteryear, a common theme emerges quickly: the girls are all ‘doing something.’ You never see a model standing or laying around—they are always busy. It can be something as simple as enjoying an ice cream cone, or as crazy as trying the ‘latest’ exercise fad, and this is where props really make the difference. For an inexperienced pinup girl, props also help to give them direction in the shoot.

Be careful not to over-accessorise if you have so many cool props

Finding props

Props can make or break a pinup photograph. There are lots of photographers trying their hand at the pinup style, but using new or reproduction items as props can really make your shots stand out. If you’re looking for suitable pieces some of the best places to search are flea markets or antiques stores. Give them a visit and the chances are that you’ll find something that will work well. One word of advice, though: don’t overdo it, as having too many props in a single shot will just look like you’re photographing a kleptomaniac!
Retro jiggle-machine, anyone?

Luggage

If you’re starting out, then one of the most versatile props you can own would have to be a great set of vintage luggage. If you need to start small, you can begin with one suitcase and gradually build up an entire matching set. This means that you can shoot ‘travel’ type pinup photos in the studio (or on location), simply by having the model stand or sit with the cases. Or you can position the pinup girl in one of the pieces of luggage, or use the clothes she brought with her to the shoot to make it look as if her suitcase has exploded. In each case, the same prop can be used.

Smaller props

Small, handheld props are also very inexpensive and easy to find. Having a selection of ‘faux food’ items in your studio—everything from fake cupcakes to fake milkshakes—as well as great items such as old telephones, kitchen mixers, books, and vintage cameras makes a great addition to your photos. Vintage books are always a great prop, with lots of potential for humour. Try an old sex-ed book that was written early last century, for example. Open it to a random page and tell the model to start reading: the information in the book is so wacky that she is guaranteed to make a funny expression!
Find old books that have interesting titles. Make sure the facial expression matches!

Furniture

Vintage furniture is another must-have item for any pinup studio. Retro chairs that allow different poses are a super idea, but when buying antique furniture, always make sure it’s solid; there’s nothing worse than a pinup girl lying on the floor of your studio because an old chair collapsed! It would make for an amusing photograph, but a not-so-amusing insurance claim.

Coca-Cola props

When talking about pinup props, it is difficult not to mention the classic Coca-Cola coolers, and the Coca-Cola pinups have a following of their own. The old picnic-chest style of cooler makes a fantastic prop as they are sturdy enough for the model to sit on or to pop a foot onto, but you can also have your model sitting on the ground and lounging against it.
Old beverage coolers are versatile and fun. Remember all those vintage advertisements?

Bigger props

If you can, you might want to think about bringing larger props into the studio. Can you lay your hands on an old motorcycle? Vintage scooters and bicycles are also great fun, so see what you, your friends, or your family have that could be used as a prop for your pinup photographs.
Shoot Sexy is Ryan Armbrust’s guide to creating alluring pin-up-style photos, whether you’re shooting professionally, or just for fun. From working with models to props, to lighting, to post-processing, he has you covered!

Shoot Sexy, by Ryan Armbrust
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