June Ann and The Red Vintage Car pt 2

Sometimes, when editing pinup pictures or photos that I think are pretty good, my eyes and judgment start to give out. I sometimes find myself viewing self-similar images as equally good, leading me to show them all. The challenge in this process is trying to anticipate what others might find appealing. Truth be told, if two pictures look equally good to me, I’ll often post them both! While I’ve heard that posting too many similar photos can discourage clients from purchasing and models from sharing, I find it’s worth offering a variety. After all, different details can resonate with different people.

In this retro-inspired pinup photo set, we worked with St. Louis model June Ann, who brought her unique flair and personality to the shoot with a truly authentic vintage wardrobe. Her outfit—a red checkered top tied neatly above the waist paired with high-waisted short shorts—is a classic nod to the popular pinup trends of the 1940s and 1950s. This was an era where pinup art and photography emerged as a cultural phenomenon, blending female empowerment with patriotic imagery.

The outfit June Ann wore is reminiscent of the “Rosie the Riveter” style—functional yet feminine. During World War II, women across the United States adopted similar high-waisted pants, tied blouses, and practical workwear as they entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers. Pinup styles of the era, however, gave this utilitarian aesthetic a glamorous twist, portraying women as both strong and seductive. June Ann’s styling pays homage to this tradition, embodying the confident and independent spirit that pinup photography aimed to celebrate.

As for the props, the vibrant red vintage car in this photoshoot adds yet another level of nostalgia. Cars during the mid-20th century were designed with curves that mimicked the streamlined aesthetics of airplanes and trains. They emphasized luxury, style, and craftsmanship—important post-war values that tied into a sense of optimism and progress. A red car, symbolizing passion and confidence, serves as the perfect complement to the boldness of June Ann’s look.

The origins of pinup imagery date back to the late 19th century, with illustrations of “Gibson Girls,” but it truly hit its stride in the 1940s and 1950s. During World War II, pinup photos, often of women in playful poses wearing swimsuits or work-appropriate outfits, were distributed to soldiers as morale boosters. Pinups, therefore, became not only a form of artistic expression but also a piece of American cultural history, reflecting the nation’s struggle, hope, and recovery during turbulent times.

Fast forward to today, and retro-inspired photography is a way to recapture that vintage charm. Through images like this, we channel our appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance of the past. June Ann’s vibrant personality and expressive poses brought this photoshoot to life in a way that stays true to vintage aesthetics. Whether you’re a fan of the style or simply here for inspiration, these images are a fun throwback to a time when glamour, function, and history were seamlessly combined.

So as you browse through this set of pinup photos, I hope they transport you back to the golden age of vintage styling. While editing these, I found myself blurring the lines between the historical and the personal, and I’m happy to share this part of my creative process with you.

What’s your favorite aspect of vintage photography or pinup styling? Let me know in the comments below!