FIVEBPINUPS.COM

Steve DeMent of Silver Screen Pinups is a glamour, boudoir and (of course) pinup photographer in Austin, TX. He has worked with the Texas Rollergirls and many local performers shooting both live events and studio portraits. As a huge fan of burlesque, he has also taken on a personal project photographing the Austin/Central Texas scene.

After successfully running his own business for the last two years Steve decided to team up with Austin’s FiveB Beauty Ambassador, Wendy Sanders, to create Silver Screen Pinups. Because of the pair’s enormous talent, Silver Screen Pinups’ first photo special sold out and opened a second day to accommodate demand. The team has also opened up an additional special catering to those wanting Halloween shoots and Dia de los Muertos photos.

So, Steve, what inspired you to start your business?

Honestly, I didn't pick up a camera until a few years ago. I was working at a job that wasn't very satisfying, and I was in the middle of a deep depression. My parents and some of my friends got together and helped pay for me to go to San Diego Comic Con. While I was there, I had this epiphany. I spent four days surrounded by artists and fans who loved doing something creative and had found an outlet for it. Even if they only sold a half dozen prints or copies of their home made comic, and on Monday went home to a crappy job, they were doing what they loved, and they were willing to put themselves out there. So I decided that I needed to find that creative spark in myself and no matter what it turned out to be, and even if I sucked at it, I would nurture it, grow it, and do my best at it. I took a bunch of classes - drawing, pottery, dancing, and ultimately, I ended up taking a camera class in UT's Informal Class program. I went home and did my first assignment, and it literally clicked. It was like a cog that had never been there suddenly fell into place, and the machinery started working properly. I haven't looked back, and I can't imagine my life without a camera in it.

To you, what is the definition of the term "pinup"?

To me, pinups are about creating a sexy, flirtatious sense of fun. A good pinup absolutely adores the women who are its subjects, and that passion shines through even in the dark, gothy versions. The thing I really like about pinup is that it works on girls of all shapes, sizes, colous, and stripes. It doesn't have an age limit. It's an attitude in the model. There's a distinct sense of empowerment through sensuality.

Where do you find the inspiration for pinup shoots?

My biggest inspiration has to be from comic books. I got into them when I was really young, like 1st or 2nd grade. I remember finding a bunch of Betty Page comics drawn by Dave Stevens around the time I was starting junior high. I couldn't get enough. I bought everything I could find on her, and I had this little collection that I still hold on to. Dave Stevens led me to other artists along the same lines - Adam Hughes, Jim Balent, Frank Cho, Adam Warren, and they led me to Gil Elvgren, Alberto Vargas, Alphonse Mucha, Jim Silke, George Petty, Coop just to name a few. I have their works up on my walls, and tons of their old comics laying around. I'm also a huge fan of Trevor Watson, Steve Diet Goedde, Octavio Winkytiki, and Howard Schatz. And let's not forget Elvgren, Vargas, Petty, Coop, Mucha, Silke, and the other masters of the style.

To get in touch with Steve DeMent for booking or general inquiries you may contact him directly at stevedphoto@gmail.com or visit his site at stevedementphotography.com