Nothing says glamorous sophistication like pinup artwork. These gorgeous, hyper-feminine icons have been around for decades, blending fantasy and reality into a pop-culture phenomenon. Take a cue from the bombshell beauties and tap into your inner diva by starring in a pinup-inspired photo. Boudoir photography is a growing trend among brides-to-be, as they let their partners get a peek at their passionate side in sensual shots. Plus, an album full of intimate photography makes the perfect wedding gift that any wife would love.
Carlo Pieroni, an internationally celebrated fashion and pinup photographer, recently moved from his home country of Italy to Charlotte, N.C. He has an impressive portfolio, having photographed the likes of Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Nettles. He has also worked with popular publications like Vanity Fair, GQ, Cosmopolitan and luxury clothing companies such as Kiton and La Perla, as well as with the hit TV channel VH-1. His work is a combination of photography and digital manipulation where he “paints” each image to create a timeless vision.
Although he’s a photography sensation, Pieroni loves to photograph everyday people who aren’t used to being the center of attention, especially for special occasions like weddings.
“I love shooting non-professional models equally as much as I enjoy shooting famous actresses, singers and comedians,” Pieroni says. “Usually, the non-professional models have had very few opportunities to be in the spotlight, to be a diva for a day. They’re so much fun and full of enthusiasm.”
Although the art is traditionally female, anyone can be a part of a pinup photography shoot. Gender and age doesn’t matter, as Pieroni focuses on attitude and body language to capture the iconic pinup spirit. He transforms both men and women into beautifully themed images with bits of eroticism, playfulness, joyfulness and flirtation.
“My hope is that my images make people smile and laugh and remind everyone that love is universal and all-inclusive,” Pieroni says.
Pieroni’s first pinup photo shoot was in the 1990s, after he was already an established fashion photographer, but says his love of pinup imagery began when he was a young boy in Italy.
“I grew up in a home where music and art were an integral part of our daily conversation,” Pieroni says. “It did not hurt that my father also owned and operated a cabernet theater that showcased variety shows and featured burlesque performers once a week in the San Frediano area of Florence. I would sneak in and watch the shows as a kid without anyone noticing.”
Pieroni says he found the women mesmerizing, and gathering inspiration from the likes of Gina Lollobrigida, Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe and Claudia Cardinale, he decided to pursue the universe of pinup conceptual art. The easily recognizable icons are as popular now and it was in the WWII era.
“Pinup art continues to capture the hearts of men and women around the world because the pinup is the embodiment of timeless glamour,” Pieroni says. “The intrinsic sex appeal, joyfulness and elegance of the pinup is as relevant and sought after today as it was when pages of pinups were being torn out of Esquire magazine in the 1940s and 1950s.”
If you’re not stoked about stepping into the spotlight, Pieroni also sells prints of his past work. The classic imagery is a timeless way to incorporate strong, fearless beauty into the wedding.
