It was a perfect day! Dixie changed into another retro styled dress, I brought out the old 1950s camera as a prop, and off to the park we went to shoot even more pinup and retro!
Pinup Photography at Carondelet Park
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1950s
Step back into the 1950s, a decade captured in vivid vintage photography, classic pinup poses, and mid‑century fashion. This collection preserves authentic slides and snapshots of everyday life, from California landscapes and vintage cars to military scenes and beauty contests. Explore how post‑war optimism, evolving beauty standards, and advertising shaped the era’s style and culture. Each image offers a nostalgic window into 1950s history, modeling trends, and the golden age of American glamour.
1950s-1960s feathered hat Audrey Hepburn style
This elegant black and white feathered hat, dated to the late 1950s or early 1960s, beautifully captures the charm and sophistication of mid-century fashion. Its soft, fluffy texture and “mod” aesthetic evoke the timeless glamour of icons like Audrey Hepburn. Perfect for adding a touch of vintage elegance to your wardrobe, this hat is a wearable piece of history that bridges the transition from 1950s femininity to the sleek lines of early 1960s style.
1950s Father and Daughter with Vintage Car
I should really save this slidescan for Father's Day. It's seriously, one of my favorite old Kodachrome slides. I don't know what kind of car it is, but it has 1954 California plates, and the dad looks SO happy as he's holding his smiling daughter...
1950s Soldier Picture
This is one of my favorite old soldier photographs that I've scanned so far. He's an airforceman, in uniform, sitting on a brick wall with mountains in the background. I don't know who he is, or where he's at... only the rough date of 1954 on the...
Picture of guys sunbathing in the 1950s at a hotel
Here’s a vibrant kodachrome slide scan from 1954, showcasing two men sunbathing outside a hotel. This snapshot perfectly captures the carefree leisure of 1950s Americana—a time of post-war prosperity, fashionable swimwear, and the growing culture of outdoor relaxation and travel. A true treasure of mid-century nostalgia!
Landscape photos From a Mystery slide box dated June 1954 – where is this at?
I'm not sure if these 1950s landscape pictures are all of the same place, or where they were taken at? Looks like old castles, the old West, and old cathedrals... [gallery link="file" columns="2" size="large" type="divi"...
World War 2 Soldier Picture
Tucked in with a stack of 1950s slides, I found a little time capsule from the 1940s: a WWII soldier in uniform, standing beside his wife, who’s clearly over the moon and wearing what look like classic victory rolls in her hair. It’s more than just a pretty vintage photo—it’s a tiny, frozen moment of World War 2 home-front history, preserved on film and forgotten in a box for decades.
1950s Hearst Castle Pictures
I just did some research and found that the famous Hearst Castle is in San Simeon, California. Below are more slide scan pictures of the Hearst Castle, dated 1959: [gallery link="file" columns="2" size="large" type="divi"...
San Simeon 1959
I found these old KodaChrome slides in a pack titled "San Simeon, 1959". I imagine that they drove there in their flared up brand new car (leave a comment if you know what kind it is), took in the beauty of the landscapes, and luxuriated at the...
Old Southwest Mountain Photos Slide Scans
I imagine this woman climbing to the top of a mountain, looking around, and taking the landscape pictures with her Brownie. I think maybe she took the picture of the road sculpture on her drive up. In with the old parade slides, I assume that these...
Photos from our Classic Car Photography Workshop – 2013
This was such a fun photography workshop to organize with Joann of Clean Cut Creations Vintage Auto Repair. I have always wanted to put together a “shoot out” event, after having attended several on the coasts. The fact that we chose a vintage theme and were able to round up some classic cars, made things extra awesome.
I provided all the authentic vintage dresses, hats and wardrobe, I applied all the period styled makeup on the models, and guided their hair styles.
1959 Parade through Kodachrome Slides
Step back in time with our vibrant collection of Kodachrome slides from the 1959 Parade. Experience the joy and community spirit of a bygone era through the rich colors and timeless quality of these historical photographs.
History of Beauty Contests and the Ideal Female Measurements of the 1950s
Discover the ideal female measurements of the 1950s, a decade that set distinct beauty standards through beauty contests and societal expectations. This article delves into the historical context and cultural significance of the 1950s beauty ideals, offering insights into how these standards influenced fashion and shaped the perception of female beauty during the era.
Vintage car advertisements: Apperson, Chandler, Buick, and Caddillac
Early 1900s car advertisements for Chandler Motors, Cadillac, Buick, and Apperson. Illustrated with details about the Chandler automobile.
The future of the pinup model
Where was modeling going in the 1950s, and what would future fashion trends hold? The main point of this article seemed to point out the sheer diversity of pinup models and beautiful women. An interesting picture was one of Rita Hayworth without makeup, and then made up. One of her movies, “An Affair in Trinidad”, was chosen by the National Photographers Association as “the sexiest and most provocative motion picture still ever made”.
History of the Covergirl pinup model
By the early 1950s, beauty and publicity had become almost ridiculous, as evidenced by the crowning of Potato Queens (Marilyn Monroe), National Soybean Queen (and Miss Missouri), Sourkraut Queen, Queen Pickle.
A brief history of Women in Sports
This first article about the history of women in sports seems to claim that women are 2 inches taller (in 1953) than they were in 1850 because they’re free to exercise and play sports!
Dancing, Singing, NightClubs, and 1950s Stripper Stars
Wow. What a cool series of pinup and burlesque star history!
I’m not sure if there’s much of a point to the words in these pages, but the pictures show the history of fashion and burlesque with pictures including
Cheesecake Pinup Pics in Daisy Duke Short Shorts
i transformed model June Ann into a 1950s greaser girl for this playful cheesecake pinup photoshoot, complete with Daisy Duke short shorts and a striking red vintage car. Drawing inspiration from midcentury pinup culture, the styling paid homage to icons like Bettie Page while adding a cheeky modern twist. From dramatic cleavage (thanks to a borrowed bra!) to the vibrant palette and playful poses, this shoot captures the rebellious spirit of vintage pinup charm.
Happy July 4th!
To celebrate Independence Day, I'm posting this picture circa 1959 of AirForce women and men in uniform. If anyone can tell me anything more about the badge (picture enlarged below), I would totally appreciate it. I don't know that much about...
16mm home video film about The San Diego Zoo in the 1950s
This was my first time attempting to digitize film with my iPhone and run a 16mm film projector. To test it, I bought the cheapest 16mm film that I could, which was labeled “16mm Film – Car Stunt Driving San Diego Zoo 1950s? Found Footage Incredible Rare”. Enjoy this old zoo and family vacation film footage, and let me know any info in the comments… or tips on running a 16mm projector and digitizing the films (I’ve since bought another one, a vintage Bell and Howell Specialist 550 Filmosound projector).
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