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!
This was such a cute pinup photo set to shoot of Dixie! I filled her arms with old Famous Barr hat boxes, and we strolled down South Broadway and pretended to shop. We stopped in doorways and wherever inspiration took us. Needless to say, we got lots of attention from passersby!
I had such a fun time photographing Dixie Dupree, a pinup model in St. Louis, styled in her vintage pink dress and her whimsical homemade ice cream cone high heels! This modern pinup photoshoot captured the playful essence of vintage glamour, nodding to a time when fashion was fun, quirky, and full of personality. The session—a collaboration with Sherrie from Studio 281 Photography—celebrated the timeless charm of mid-century style and the creativity of retro-inspired photography.
What a lovely cape! I am sure the woman who originally wore this in the 1930s must have loved it. It was wool and extra large. I posed the retro model outdoors in a variety of settings, because it was so pretty! I especially love the pictures of the green cape against the green brick. I think these photos make for a timeless fashion editorial spread.
Step back in time with this stunning photoshoot of a black French lace Edwardian dress, inspired by the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Captured in Carondelet Park, these timeless images showcase the intricate beauty of vintage fashion against one of St. Louis’ historic landmarks. From the Carondelet Boathouse to the fishing dock, this shoot highlights the opulent elegance of turn-of-the-century design, making every photo feel straight out of the Edwardian era.
This exquisite French lace dress, believed to have been worn at the historic 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, is a rare glimpse into the elegance of Edwardian fashion. Its intricate lace design reflects the sophistication of Belle Époque style, and though the seams are fragile with age, the garment still exudes timeless beauty. Captured in stunning studio photography, this dress offers a fascinating look at vintage craftsmanship and the cultural glamour of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition.
These hats belonged to the Carondelet Historical Society. The pink dress was from the 1980s and we got it for $2 at the thrift shop next door. The green cloak she’s wearing is from the 1920s.This mixed wardrobe was perfect inspiration for some very emotive, classic, portraits.
This stunning golden yellow wool skirt suit is a pristine example of early 1940s wartime fashion. Photographed as part of my project documenting the clothing collection at the Carondelet Historical Society in St. Louis, this “1942 street suit” embodies the practicality and elegance of WWII-era style. Captured on South Broadway, a historic area in St. Louis that thrived in the 1940s, the ensemble reflects the era’s tailored designs, featuring padded shoulders, a modest skirt length, and careful attention to detail. Styled with vintage nylon stockings, pearls, gloves, and a period-perfect hat, this outfit brings history to life in an authentic setting.
I didn’t bother to re-edit these 1910s style photos. Anita was tiny enough to model this Edwardian lace dress without a corset! I wish we’d had one, just for the look. The details on this lace dress were pretty amazing. I posed her with an interior design book from 1912, which I should scan before I sell.
Zizi V. brought the 1940s to life in the WWII Women’s Army Corps (WAC) uniform during this meaningful shoot. As my third and final model for this outfit, we explored outdoor settings and natural light to evoke the essence of wartime photography. Paying homage to the trailblazing women who served in the WAC during WWII, every element—from Zizi’s makeup to her era-accurate stockings—captured the authenticity of the 1940s. This series highlights both the emotional legacy of these women and the timelessness of their contributions.
It’s interesting to see how many ways the WAC Uniform was modeled by the models I shot in 2011! Besides the WAC uniform, I also photographed Jaslene wearing a feathered hat from the 1960s, and in a traditional costume that she’d brought along to our shoot. It was fun and good times. I really like the 1960s hat best, her expressions totally made it sparkle.
This is another cute retro set from my 2011 archives! Classic, cheesecake pinup in a swimsuit. We had a ton of fun shooting this happy series with the old radio and American flag on the sheepskin rug. The model did her own makeup and it was just as wholesome as apple pie.
Rediscover the timeless elegance of 1920s bridal fashion through this historical wedding dress photoshoot at the Carondelet Historical Society. Featuring a delicate vintage gown and veil that perfectly represent the roaring twenties aesthetic, this shoot captures the defining simplicity, intricate details, and transformative styles of the Jazz Age. Explore the evolution of bridal fashion during this era of liberation and creativity, complemented with era-appropriate hair and makeup for an authentic glimpse into the past.
Back in 2011, I captured the essence of history with a photoshoot featuring an authentic WWII Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAC) uniform borrowed from a local historical society. Featuring the redesigned jacket and skirt introduced after critical feedback of earlier versions, this uniform showcased style and functionality unique to the era. Paired with vintage photography effects to evoke the 1940s, the series highlights not only the garments but also the profound stories of women in wartime history.
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.
Step back into the 1880s with this breathtaking historical fashion shoot at Carondelet Park in St. Louis. Featuring a beautifully preserved Victorian bustle dress, this “going away” outfit from the mid-1880s evokes the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. Set against the vintage charm of the park’s boathouse and pergolas, the photos bring this iconic 150+ year-old piece of St. Louis history to life.
I almost forgot that I took these 1800s styled photos, back in 2012. The first dress is an 1880s-ish tea gown, and it was fun enough to take pictures of… but the second dress, with the attached note saying that it was Miss Meroe’s “Going Away Dress”… was just incredible! I wish we’d had a proper corset, but luckily my model Tiffany was petite enough to fit into it….
Here are the last of the unposted pics from my retro styled photo shoot with pinup model Rebekah Leigh a few years ago. She’s wearing her own vintage wardrobe and posed next to a green vintage Chevrolet. Although these photos are retro inspired, they could easily be modern fashion.
When more than one person is photographing a model at the same time, it is always difficult to get great photos. If the photographers are at different angles, the model doesn’t know who to pose for, and if the photographers are shooting close to each other, they end up with very similar images. It was very challenging to shoot any model in this situation.
Dive into a nostalgic photoshoot featuring St. Louis-based pinup model June Ann, styled in her own vintage-inspired wardrobe and retro makeup, as she poses with two iconic vintage cars—a black Chevrolet Bel Air and a vibrant green Chevrolet. Against the muted tones of a grey spring day, the shoot captured the vibrant colors of the cars and wardrobe, embodying timeless 1940s and 1950s pinup glamour. A perfect fusion of retro fashion and classic American automotive design!
In this retro-inspired photoshoot featuring St. Louis model June Ann, we explore vintage pinup style with a bold red checkered top, high-waisted shorts, and an eye-catching red vintage car. Drawing inspiration from 1940s pinup fashion and the cultural significance of WWII-era photography, this session brings nostalgic charm to life. Perfect for fans of retro aesthetics and pinup art history!
The red skirt, shoes, and matching blouse and accessories in these pinup pictures really pops against the drab background. St. Louis pinup model Rebekah Leigh is wearing her own wardrobe and did her own hair and makeup. This set is from a few years ago, and I realized that I never posted any of these pictures…
