Ryan Armbrust, the man behind the camera of BoudoirLouisville photography, sent me some of his favorite shots. They are playful, colorful, fun to look at and most of all beautiful! I would say Alice in pinup land, kind of atmosphere. Does his pictures say something about this artists personality? Let’s find out.
Who are you Ryan?
I’ve been a photographer for 5 years now, 3 professionally. I was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 3 years ago. As a result, I decided to quit my day job and do something I wanted to do instead of working for the man!
I’m also a bit of a Good-Time-Charlie!
Can you tell us about the path you took to become a professional photographer?
I am 100% self-taught! I started shooting Pinups as a fun little side project. Something to break up my editorial and commercial photography business, www.SniperPhotography.com. As I started posting images from the pinup shoots, people started emailing wanting to know what I charged for this sort of thing! After 6 months or so, I decided to start a separate business for the pinups and boudoir, www.BoudoirLouisville.com.
BoudoirLouisville.com
Which one item of equipment would you say is the most important to you?
My Camera? Wait, that was kind of a smart ass thing to say… Can my assistant be referred to as a “piece of equipment”? If so, I would say that Britt is my “can’t live without” piece of equipment. She hooks garter belts, poses the gals and keeps them laughing on camera. WOW, guess who’s gonna get a big head now?
How do you decide on locations & subjects?
Most of the locations we just stumble upon. I’ll be driving around and find some great alley or old building and think, “This would look nifty on camera”! Same thing happened with the carnival midway. Last year as I was walking through the fair, I thought it would be fun to snap some pinups on the Tilt-a-Whirl. This year, I contacted the right people who arranged to have the Tilt-a-Whirl set up a day or two early and provided me with a closed set to shoot.
BoudoirLouisville.com
As far as girls to use as pinup models, well, here in Louisville we do not have a huge pinup culture. I have to work with what I have. Kentucky ain’t no California! I’ve got a great in-house hair and makeup artist. His name is Scooter! He does a great job transforming girls into bombshells!
In general, during a session, how many pics would you say you take to find “the right one”?
During a normal “On-Location” pinup photo shoot I average around 100 – 150 pics. Of these, I edit 20 or so. With an on-location shoot, you can have your lighting and camera settings spot on, but then there are sooooooo many other variables that can goof up your shot!
During an in-studio pinup shoot, I’ll snap around 350 pics. Of these 75 get edited and given to the client.
What is the ONE lasting impression you want to leave in your photos?
That I am a GOOF BALL! That I have a great sense of humor.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I’M LIVIN’ IT! I shoot pictures of pinup girls for a living!
Best piece of advice you have been given?
Don’t let your meat loaf. I took this to heart and try to stay as busy as I possibly can!
What are you scared of?
Hmmm. I guess I’m scared of being boring! I never want to end up in Dullsville!
Favourite escape?
I like to travel, get me outta this damn place!
What is your motto?
Don’t worry about things that are out of your control.
Is there something you want to say to pinup models who read this interview?
Girls, if you have been thinking about shooting pinup, find yourself a good photographer. Read reviews! Jump on PinupLifestyle.com and see what people are saying about the person that wants to shoot with you.
Hey, you can ALWAYS visit Louisville and shoot with us! It’s lovely here this time of year!
