Meet Betty, Photographer and Mentor

Betty is a retro pin up and modern boudoir photographer based in the Tampa, FL area since 2009. She is the owner of Bodacious Betty Pin Up Photography, which specializes in glamor portrait photography from the 1940-50s era. Betty believes any woman can be made to both look and feel gorgeous. Her mission is to bring out the pin up starlet in every gal!

Publication credits include the cover of Pin Up America magazine, Retro Lovely Kat Club Holiday edition 2014, Latina Pinups, Delicious Dolls, Surreal Beauty magazine, Cat's Pajama magazine, and the 2014 and 2015 calendar for Strickland Vintage Watches.

Recently, Betty had the pleasure of being interviewed by Marie Grace Berg for Today's Leading Women, as well as P.K. Spearman for Living Large.

1. How did you first become interested in pursuing photography as a career?

I became interested in pursuing photography as a career after I had my own pin-up photos done. I was felt so empowered and confident that I wanted other women to experience the same feelings.

2. What inspired you to specialize in retro pin-up work?

I've always loved the look of women in the 1940s and 50s. They were so feminine and seemed so glamorous and polished.

Also, the pin ups of that time period were sexy, without being salacious. There was a playfulness in them.

3. What are some of the things that you do to create a unique and comfortable experience for a woman who hires you to shoot a series of pin-up photos?

I like to consult with my clients before the session, either in-person or over the phone, to get an idea of what they envision for themselves. We talk about themes, wardrobe ideas, and what she may be insecure about body-wise.

When she comes in for her session, she is able to relax while getting hair and make-up done and then I am able to guide her into poses that are the most flattering to her.

4. Would you tell us a little bit more about your coaching program for photographers?

Over the years, I've developed friendships with quite a few other photographers, and many of them either struggle to make a living, or have a day job to pay the bills because they don't how to adapt to an industry that has been radically changed by the introduction of the affordable DSLR camera.

I developed a comprehensive plan to help struggling photographers work less for more money, and help them educate their clients about photography. All photographers know that good photography requires more than just a good camera, but they don't know how to attract clients that understand that as well.

I do offer a free consultation in addition to a free report with ideas to give photographers a jump-start on making changes that will start bringing in more income without adding to their workload. It can be found here: http://www.bodaciousbettyfl.com/makemoremoney.

5. I think that it's always a challenge to pursue a career in the arts in our society! What is some of your advice for other artists who want to develop a career that reflects their artistic interests and abilities?

This probably applies to anyone looking to start their own business, but I'd say, above all, be persistent. If something isn't working, brainstorm and try other methods.

And second, make a list of the skills you are good at and think of ways you can utilize your talents and skills to bring in money in multiple ways. For example, a photographer is not just a photographer, but also a photo editor. A photographer looking to bring in additional income during downtime can edit photos as a service to other photographers looking to outsource that part of their job.

Thanks, Betty!