MISS BEA ROCK in Pin Up Originals
by ADAM RAMIREZ
April 1st 2011 marks the 1 year anniversary of the release of Pin Up Players. While gearing up for our first anniversary, I thought it would be fun to touch base with all the Pin Up Originals models for a quick recap and see where the future lies for these up-and-comers.
Back in 2009, while searching for the 5th and final girl for the project, I came across the portfolio of native Orange County New Yorker Miss Bea Rock. I was instantly drawn to her look, not only for the retro themes explored in her portfolio, but also for certain natural characteristics that can not be staged or faked. Her features evoked a specific beauty as seen in the golden age of cinema and again in the birth of Pin-up. Bea's physical prowess and natural beauty was exactly what we needed to round off the group I had gathered, offering an authenticity that gave Pin Up Players/Originals something familiar for old time fans of Pin-up photography.
I sat down with Bea to ask a few questions about her involvement in Pin Up Players/Originals, her passion for Pin-up and how her past year has been since it's release.
AR: Hello Bea! Well, it's been about a year since we released Pin Up Players/Originals. Can you tell us a little bit about how you became involved in the project and what attracted you to it?
BR: I was super excited when I was asked to be a part of his project! I adored the thought of being on a deck of cards because it reminds me of the little pieces of history and vintage art that some of my close friends collect. I was the last girl to shoot for the project so I was able to see Zar, Mary Leigh Maxwell, and Crystal Lynn's sets for reference, and I thought they all looked so sultry and fabulous. It was the first project I worked on with other models. Even though we didn't physically shoot together, it was really cool to celebrate the project together.
BR: I was super excited when I was asked to be a part of his project! I adored the thought of being on a deck of cards because it reminds me of the little pieces of history and vintage art that some of my close friends collect. I was the last girl to shoot for the project so I was able to see Zar, Mary Leigh Maxwell, and Crystal Lynn's sets for reference, and I thought they all looked so sultry and fabulous. It was the first project I worked on with other models. Even though we didn't physically shoot together, it was really cool to celebrate the project together.
AR: You were the last girl shot for the project and I remember you being a bit shocked at how fast we got it done. I chalk that up to your professionalism and my preparation. Do you prefer to have a certain goal on set or to keep the spontaneous nature of impromptu photo shoots?
BR: My goal on set is always glorious images... the end justifies the means, whether strict or silly. A lot of time, energy, and in most cases, funds are involved in a shoot and all that is worthless unless everyone is done justice by the final product. That being said, it's important to always have fun. I do this because I love it. If you run into problems on set, you just have to laugh, make sure you didn't get lipstick on your teeth, and be flexible to finish the job.
PHOTO: VARGA PHOTOGRAPHY
AR: Pin Up Players had 2 solo shows, received write ups in independent magazines and was promoted all over the Tri-State area. Was the project helpful to you as far as promoting your work?
BR: Oh, definitely. The deck itself and the promotional postcards and prints we received were gorgeous and high quality. It was really cool to hold a pile of my work since so much of the industry is digital now because of social networking and online portfolio websites. Plus no one else was doing anything like it at the time, and I think it attracted a wider variety of fans and supports because it was pinup, vintage art, tattoos, and pretty girls all at the same time.
AR: I noticed when we started you were no stranger to retro style photography. How long have you been modeling and how did you get involved in Pin-up?
BR: I have been modeling for about three years. I have always been enamored, no obsessed, with pre-1960's culture, I think because a lot of my school teachers seemed to be. When my fiancee and I first met, he was re-building a 53 Chevy. I spent a lot of late nights flipping through various hot rod magazines floating around his shop, and ended up following a few of the photographers online.
When Roy Varga was offering shoots at Bombshell Pinups in Philly, I saved up my money and went for it. I was so nervous but he is down to earth and really straight-forward so I ended up having a blast, and learning a ton. I really naively posted some of the images on some sites he told me about hoping for the best because I knew I just had to do it again.
AR: I felt playing cards were a neat way to capture the novelty and nostalgia of Pin-up. Tell us a bit about some of the print work you've done with Pin-up themes?
BR: I did a calendar for Chaos Cycles in Long Island, several magazines, and advertisements for some of my friend's businesses (Forsaken Ink in Bloominburg, NY and Gillin Custom Design in Middletown, NY). I also did another deck of cards called Dollys for Troops, which was completely conceived, styled, shot, edited, and produced by models as a fundraiser.
AR: Aside from Pin-up, are there any other genres or themes you like to explore with your modeling?
BR: My day job does not condone see-through, high-waisted panties or big false eyelashes and I simply refuse to live without those things publicly. I love art, makeup, and boobs and I won't say no to a great idea, no matter what style it classifies as.
AR: Aside from Pin-up, are there any other genres or themes you like to explore with your modeling?
BR: My day job does not condone see-through, high-waisted panties or big false eyelashes and I simply refuse to live without those things publicly. I love art, makeup, and boobs and I won't say no to a great idea, no matter what style it classifies as.
PHOTO: ERIN KEEGAN
AR: Tell us about your past year since the release. I know personally it's been a huge year for you.
BR: On Halloween I had a little baby boy, DeAngelo. The pregnancy, although interestingly timed, was a really smooth and healthy one. I spent most of the year napping, and doing yoga. I did a really amazing maternity shoot at 38 weeks with Erin Keegan in front of a car that was built for my son. The whole experience altered my perception of shape and beauty but also rendered me completely shameless. Feeling good about yourself is really the first step to modeling, and nothing makes you feel more like a goddess than waking up to the giant grin of a beautiful baby boy that you made. I'm still in Orange County NY and I'm proud to be working with people who are hell bent on putting it on the map for something other than moustaches and motorcycles, and will be back this summer!
AR: Finally, what's next for Miss Bea? Do you have any new sets or print work planned for 2011?
BR: I am currently gracing the pages of Retro Lovely Magazine No. 4 and April 2011's issue of Car Kulture Deluxe. I am booking a lot of hair and makeup work right now, and will be shooting again soon (I'm actually booking...shhh!). I have some amazing sets I'd like to get done, but if I told you, I'd have to tie you up with some cuban-heel stockings and leave you there! ♦
BR: I am currently gracing the pages of Retro Lovely Magazine No. 4 and April 2011's issue of Car Kulture Deluxe. I am booking a lot of hair and makeup work right now, and will be shooting again soon (I'm actually booking...shhh!). I have some amazing sets I'd like to get done, but if I told you, I'd have to tie you up with some cuban-heel stockings and leave you there! ♦
As you can tell, Miss Bea Rock powered onto the market with promotion, print work and Pin-up credibility completely covered. All this means this girl has been busy in the scene, and is on the way to retro-fashion stardom. Check out Miss Bea as she rocks her way into your heart as the embodiment of the Diamonds suit.
BIG THANKS to Miss Bea for the catch up time.
We still have very few Limited Edition Prints in the Pin Up Players SHOP. Get 'em while you still can!
Adam Ramirez © 2011
