Everyone loves high-quality glamour, boudoir, and pinup imagery, but most people have trouble seeing themselves posing for their own fancy photo shoots. It's probably because the average person feels that professional shoots - outside of the usual graduation and wedding pictures - are only for "real" models, or secondarily, women of a certain age and body type.

As Marilee's diverse clientele attests, nothing could be further from the truth! Just about everybody has some insecurity about getting in front of the lens, but there's no reason to let that stop you from jumping in and having fun at your own photo shoot!

Age really is just a number...

In an era when major magazines feature gorgeous cover models in their 80s, it's safe to say that photogenic appeal lasts well after you exit your 20s. Some people get even more photogenic as they age. This may be due to genetics, or it could come from the confidence that comes with experience. Either way, "older" models are great models, and Marilee's over-35 clients are proof.

I'm a couple of years shy of my 50th birthday and didn't get on the pinup bandwagon until my later 30s. I learned pretty quickly that the right lighting, makeup, poses, and wardrobe can make anyone look like a million bucks. For those who are self-conscious about wrinkles or the condition of their skin, don't worry! Retouching is industry standard, and Marilee will make sure that you look like the best version of yourself - no Uncanny Valley Photoshop here! 

Size doesn't matter!

Seriously, you don't have to commit to a diet or exercise plan or wait until you reach your happy weight to make the most out of your photo shoot. 

A big reason why I love the pinup hobby is because it helps me normalize my body (and bodies like it) for myself and for others. Even if I'm not feeling so great about myself, photo shoots totally help. I've been wearing plus sizes for most of my adult life, ranging in weight from 135-400 pounds. I have never had a classic "model" body, and I constantly struggle with body dysmorphic disorder even when I'm on the thin side. 

One time I said to Marilee, "I didn't shoot anything for years because I didn't feel great about how I looked." She responded, "That's the time when you should be shooting!" And she was 100% right. Professional makeup and hair plus a pretty outfit helps me feel like "ideal" Catherine is still there, even if I'm bloated or I've gained some weight.

At the end of the day, Marilee's professional lighting, pose coaching, makeup, hair, and retouching make a huge difference, and that goes for everyone regardless of their weight or shape. Whether you feel you're "too thin" or "too big", Marilee can make you feel wonderful about yourself!

No need to be "model tall"...or "tiny cute"!

Not 5'9"? Perfect! Height doesn't matter in pinup.

Marilee has clients who range from under 5' to over 6', and all of them look amazing. If you're concerned about looking too short or too tall in your photos, don't worry; Marilee knows how to pose you to get a harmonious shot.

Got a unique feature that you don't always like? Not a problem...

Marilee finds uniqueness beautiful. But if you have a physical feature you don't like, she can light, pose, dress, and retouch you in ways that minimize it.

I have a lipoma on my upper left arm that I hate, for example, but Marilee easily poofs it away with Photoshop.

You don't have to be great with makeup, hair, or fashion

If you're not a makeup and hair pro it's okay - Marilee is, and her styling services are available with most packages. She's also got a studio wardrobe full of accessories, shoes, costumes, lingerie, nightwear, and dresses of all description that you can wear for your shoot, through size 3x!

Even if you're providing your own wardrobe, she can advise you on what to bring, and help style you on shoot day with things like shoes and accessories.

Camera shy? No modeling experience? No problem!

You don't have to have any modeling experience to shoot with Marilee. She's a great pose coach and loves to work with people who are new to the medium!

If you're nervous, rest-assured that you're in good hands. Marilee's great at putting people at ease both before and during a shoot. There's never any rush, and you'll never have to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Go for it!

In short, don't let your insecurities hold you back from having a blast shooting beautiful photographs! If you're ready to be bold and make wonderful memories and pretty pictures, get in touch with Marilee to schedule a shoot!