For a while back my mom was interested in pin-up. Since I can remember she has always kept around knickknacks and doohickies that serve no purpose than to be a prop. Small collections of porcelain cats, cupcake shoes, lipstick chairs. You name it, my mom has probably owned something similar. It wasn’t too much of a surprise that she was getting pin-up photos done. What was surprising to me was getting invited to join her, having just turned fifteen and not having professional pictures done since I was around seven.
When the time rolled around, the day after Easter, my mom left early to make sure we got there on time. When we got there we had a small screening, (and I was offered complimentary snacks,) and were shown the clothes we were allowed to try on. The selection was great for anyone of any size, with a whole rack of shoes to choose from. Even though I am awful at holding still and not blinking, the makeup was flawless. We got to take before and after videos, TikToks, as well as the actual pictures. Both Christi and Lela were so easy to get along with and chat with (even if I was anxious.) The entire studio felt like a safe space. I felt special and free to express myself the entire time.
I’m really glad to have had this experience. Sometimes I have a hard time feeling comfortable being myself and being happy with how I look. On this day I wasn’t worried about either of those things!”
