Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Riddle.
Hi Erin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Central Texas native with a background in graphic design and photo retouching, and I’ve always had a deep love for dressing up and theatrics, but I found a creative outlet for these in my love of classic pin-up art and vintage aesthetics. In 2008, I started Lone Star Pin-up as a fun way to share my passion for retro glamour and timeless beauty with a few friends. What began as casual photo shoots in my garage quickly exploded online and through word of mouth, and by 2010, I had moved into my first commercial studio space.
From the start, my vision has been rooted in recreating the elegance, charm, and confident sensuality of pin-up artwork from the 1920s through the 1960s. There’s something about the styling, poses, and glamour of the era that continues to resonate with people today. I love helping clients step into that world and see themselves in a completely new light. What began as a passion project has grown into a full-time studio where I get to celebrate beauty, empowerment, and vintage artistry with thousands of amazing women.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey overall has been relatively smooth. There is always a market for amazing experiences that leave people feeling not only good about themselves, but about the art they have created that will last a lifetime and beyond. Our biggest struggle was probably in 2020 when in-person businesses were not allowed to meet due to the pandemic. It was difficult not being able to do the job I love.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Lone Star Pin-up, I specialize in vintage-inspired makeover and portrait sessions that capture the timeless glamour of the 1920s through the 1960s. My work blends photography with styling, hair and makeup, detailed posing direction, and often custom artwork to create fully immersive pin-up experiences. Whether a client is channeling a Golden Era actress or recreating a vintage pin-up illustration, I strive to capture the elegance, confidence, and fun of classic pin-up art while ensuring each session feels personal and empowering.
I’m immensely proud of the atmosphere we’ve created in the studio. It’s a space where our clients, many of whom have never done anything like this before, can feel safe, beautiful, celebrated, and seen. Watching someone light up when they see themselves transformed is incredibly rewarding. I take pride in the fact that many leave feeling more confident than when they arrived.
I feel our commitment to authenticity and attention to detail sets Lone Star Pin-up apart. I’m personally involved in every step of the process from planning the look to perfecting the final images. My goal is to create artwork that feels like it could hang alongside classic pin-up illustrations, but with a modern and inclusive twist that celebrates each individual’s beauty.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My most important piece of advice is to find your niche and commit to it wholeheartedly. When I first started exploring vintage-style photography, there were plenty of people who told me it was too specific, too limiting, or that there wouldn’t be enough interest. But I’ve found the opposite to be true. By focusing exclusively on vintage pin-up, I’ve become a specialist in something that most photographers overlook, or just aren’t passionate about.
Staying true to my vision has allowed me to build a studio experience that’s unique, intentional, and deeply rooted in what I love. That passion comes through in my work, and it’s what draws clients from across the country (and even internationally) to my studio.
If I had tried to be everything to everyone, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. Lean into what makes you different, and don’t be afraid to carve out your own space even if it goes against conventional thinking.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lonestarpinup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonestarpinup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lonestarpinup
Image Credits
Lone Star Pin-up
