I got an email one busy November day from a man who was looking for Pin Up photos for his girlfriend. I was so excited to earn the honor to do such a fun photo shoot! I haven't done a Pin Up session since I've moved to Tampa. It'd funny because I've told many of my friends how I had always had a vision of doing a fun, spunky shoot with a bombshell in red lipstick in Ybor City. It was just something I wanted to do, but was too busy to put together. Well... when our guy asked for suggestions my only thought was, "Let's do a Pin Up session in Ybor City!" I was thrilled when he said yes!
Jon wanted to surprise Diane for her birthday by gifting her with a day of glamour & pampering. She's huge into the Pin Up scene here in Tampa and she loves all things vintage! All the outfits belong to her and are 100% vintage era clothing. I knew this photo shoot needed a make up artist that would be an expert in the vintage look. I immediately contacted one of my dearest, sweetest friends- hair and MUA extraordinaire Carrie Mallonee of Bella Bombshells By Carrie.
Look #2 was this 60's inspired vintage one piece tweed dress with an adorable pink belt attachment. Diane had the CUTEST pink purse to match which, while not fitting for the Pin Up era- was demanding to be included in the session. It was perfect when we were running around 7th Avenue ducking into shaded outdoor bars and under awnings. However, there was STILL something missing once we got into the sunshine of Ybor city. The big, Jackie-O inspired sunglasses! That was it!! They were a last minute touch borrowed from Carrie, the hair & make up artist who was doubling as our lighting assistant.
Oh, the green dress... OMG. Probably the best part of doing this Ybor City Pin Up session was the fact that I was doing what I love in a photographic gold mine- and the dress! The green dress was my favorite because it was a 1940's original, and it really brought out Diane's beautiful skin and the bright red highlights of her hair. The colorful murals of the city, and the atmosphere of the cool local establishments really came together to make this part of the shoot a dream come true. I half expected a WWII soldier to burst through the doors of the bar and sweep her off her feet!
As we made our way down the main drag of Ybor City, we came to Gaspar's Grotto. This is a cute little bar with a large outdoor patio. The 1950's Tampa memorabilia, and cheeky pirate decor- brought the perfect old school vibe for us. When Diane emerged in her final ensemble, I was blown away. She looked adorable in her tied up shirt, old school high-waisted shorts, and classic red bandana. This woman rocked her shots!
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