Erin Shephard is a multi-talented, TEXAS based, pin-up shutterbug! I was lucky enough to nail her down for an interview!
Tell us about yourself and how you got into pin-up photography?
Greetings! My name is Erin Shephard. I was born and raised in Central Texas where I live with my husband and our two Great Danes. I have always been a creative person and knew from a young age I wanted to be a graphic designer. I went to school for Digital Media Design and worked professionally as a graphic designer and photo retoucher for several years. To indulge my artistic side, I decided to start Lone Star Pin-up as a hobby. I have always been fascinated by the beauty and glamour of pin-up artwork and movie stars from the 1920’s through 1950’s. I knew this would be the style I had to recreate! Lone Star Pin-up has since grown into a full-time job and I have recently opened a studio in Killeen, Texas.
What do you think the draw pin-up holds for so many 21st century gals?
Pin-up girls are the epitome of perfection. They hair is perfectly coiffed, makeup always applied, skin flawless and of course, their figure divine. What else would you expect from a drawing? The lure, I find, is to know that regular women CAN look just as amazing. The styles are classic and women feel beautiful being a part of something so timeless and elegant.
Pin-up has become popular with the punk and goth subcultures as well. Do you think it’ll continue to grow and reach more people?
One can only hope! Pin-up has taken many forms and derivations throughout the years. Just like any beautiful art
What photographers influenced you?
One of the first photographers who inspired me was Beth Cocuzzi of Pussy Cat Pin-ups. I recently discovered, via Retro Lovely Magazine, the absolutely fabulous pin-up photographer Celeste Guliano. Another favorite, and one I hope to shoot with myself one day, is Viva Van Story.
How about pin-up artists?
In addition to the original pin-up artists we all know and love, I am awed and inspired by the modern artwork of Nathalie Rattner, Angelique Houtkamp and Olivia de Berardinis.
Any models you’d like to work with?
I would absolutely love the opportunity to work with Jessica LaBlanch, Sabina Kelley, Mosh and Dita Von Teese!
Give us an idea of what Lone Star Pin-up is about?
Lone Star Pin-up is about taking everyday women and transforming them into fabulous pin-up bombshells. Most of our clients have never done a photoshoot before, much less as a vintage pin-up girl. We hope to give them an experience they will always remember, through pampering during their session, encouraging during their shoot and allowing them to let their beauty be captured on film. We absolutely love to hear that our sessions have boosted someone’s self esteem or made the best present someone ever received. We cannot stress enough that ANY woman can be a beautiful pin-up, regardless of age, size, color or anything else they may feel is standing in their way.
Any upcoming projects you’d like to plug?
We will be hosting a burlesque competition on February 25, 2011 at The Music Vault in Harker Heights, TX. All experience levels are encouraged to participate and the grand prize winner will receive $500 cash, a free shoot with Lone Star Pin-up and publication in an upcoming issue of Retro Lovely Magazine!
For more of her work, check out her site!
