Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Taking the Photos
Pick a concept. A concept organizes your ideas and makes your calendar feel unified. If you are doing a fundraiser for a specific organization, you might use that as your guide. For example, use fireman costumes and props for a fundraiser for the firehouse. Or, if your calendar is a gift for a friend, pick a theme related to one of your friend's hobbies or interests. Gardening, surfing, video games, hiking---just about any activity could be a playful focus for your calendar. Don't be afraid to be outrageous or absurd---humor is a key element of a successful male pin-up calendar.
Find models. This step could be easy or difficult depending on who you would like to include. Professional models are effective but costly. If you're recruiting volunteers, explain your project in detail. Some men of a variety of shapes and sizes are natural exhibitionists, or they simply like goofing off in front of a camera. Others may feel shy or insecure about their bodies. If your calendar's theme is humorous and you intend to include silly props and costume elements, emphasize this to those who seem interested but uncertain. You can also take photos of those who are excited to model and show them to those who need a little more information before deciding. Do not try to convince people who are not interested to be in your calendar.
Pick a setting. Outdoor settings provide natural lighting and atmosphere. Bring a model with you when you evaluate potential locations. Take sample photos to test the lighting at various times of day. Try framing shots in a variety of ways. Later, compare photos to pick your favorite settings for your calendar.
Collect appropriate costumes and props. If you are doing a fundraiser and your models are all in the same profession, consider using props from that profession---farmer hats, construction belts, library books, etc. If your theme is more outlandish, invite models to find their own props, or try thrift stores and garage sales to collect what you need without spending much money.
Create the right lighting. For outdoor settings, this means choosing a time of day for your photo shoot that provides the mood you want, whether it's sunset on the beach or beneath a streetlamp with plenty of shadows for a film noir effect. Again, test a few shots with a model and compare them in advance.
Take the photos. Music can help your model relax and get into the spirit of showing off his body---whether it's ripped with muscle or big and bearish. Fans can add a sense of motion to your images if you use models with long hair. Take plenty of photos from a variety of angles to ensure that you have plenty from which to choose. Talk to your models while they pose to tell them exactly what you want to see. Try at least 5 or 10 poses per model---seated, lying down, jumping, looking over the shoulder, close-ups---so that you have many choices when it is time to assemble your calendar.
Making the Calendar
Save the photographs to your computer or develop your film. Look through the photos selecting your favorites to include. Pick a range of poses and settings for a stimulating variety.
Design your calendar. If you have a calendar-creating program, arrange your images by month, following your program's instructions. You may also take images to a copy shop where calendar services are offered, or to a professional printing press. Businesses who offer this service allow you to select from various alternatives in a range of prices.
Print your calendar. Some computer programs allow you to submit the final project over the Internet and will mail you as many copies of the calendar as you request. Others allow you to print the results on your home printer. But, in most cases the quality will be lower, and making multiples can be expensive and impractical. For higher-quality results, use a copy shop or professional printing press.