about pin-up workshops and Mike Long

Thanks for dropping by my brand new pin-up photography training site! Here's a little about me, my business and how this all came to life.

Born just south of London in the early 70's, I spent much of his childhood roaming the Kent countryside. Early attempts to document this fun with a family Kodak Brownie Fiesta were predictably childlike, and I lost all interest in photography.

Fast forward to the late 80's; my work with digital imaging re-lights the spark for photography, and the passion begins.

My working career has included running the digital post-production studio for a major UK publisher; during this time I was involved in transforming the company onto the Mac platform and introducing Photoshop- the first publisher in Europe to do so.

Always adventurous, I have sought out challenges in all aspects of photography; from high pressure weddings, to high volume rock concerts to high octane motor racing - the use of photography to tell a story has always been my goal.

During the summer of 2005, I made the move over the Atlantic, and initially settled in San Francisco with my wife and cat. A later move up the coast to Portland, and two sons later and I am now enjoying the Pacific North West, when not traveling the World teaching pin-up photography, my new passion.

Portland Pin-Ups, my own pin-up photography business started to take off for me a couple of years ago. Soon after I got together with a friend and fellow photographer, Andy Armstrong, to present a workshop in Portland. This was the first one I'd ever lead, and I loved it! I discovered that as well as enjoying shooting pin-ups, I also enjoyed teaching the skills I've learned to eager photographers. Thus a new career was added to my photography and retouching.

Since that first workshop, I've presented seminars at the NoBS Inferno twice, spoken to the PPOC National Convention in Canada and also presented my own workshops around the country. Several more are planned for this year, as well as a trip downunder to Australia. 2011 is going to be a huge year...stay tuned!

Recent work has included shooting Sandy Puc' for her 2010 and 2011 tour promotion, and her Animoto ad.

Like most photographers, I hate having my photo taken, so these are rare...enjoy them! ;)

 

 

The ONLY decent shot from a recent self portrait session....

Presenting a previous workshop and offering hands on coaching

 

 

And some recent ones from my Canadian tour, 2010: