WWII WAC Uniform on Zizi

Zizi V. completely embodied the look of the 1940s in the WWII WAC uniform during this photoshoot. As my third and final model to wear it, this particular shoot carried a sense of both sentimentality and historical significance for me. The Women’s Army Corps (WAC), originally part of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), was officially established in May 1943 by the U.S. Army. Women serving in the WAC were pioneers, blazing the trail for future generations of women in the Armed Forces. They took on roles in supply, administration, and other supportive military work, which had historically been reserved for men. The uniform Zizi wore allowed an opportunity to not only highlight authentic 1940s fashion but also honor the contributions of these trailblazing women.

Looking back, my first retro photoshoot featuring the uniform—with Anita as the model—came with all the nerves and awkward moments that come with a “first” anything. In hindsight, those imperfections gave that session raw, authentic emotion. By the time of this third shoot with Zizi, I had gained more confidence in my approach. I ventured beyond the walls of the studio and explored outdoor settings with an eye for how natural light could transform the vintage aesthetic. And what a difference it made. This time, the photos captured an almost uncanny resemblance to 1940s-era snapshots and candids, particularly those taken by soldiers or family members cherishing personal moments amidst the turbulence of war.

Zizi portrayed the spirit of the WAC women so effortlessly, getting every detail right, down to her stockings and garters beneath the skirt. She embodied not just the uniform but the era. We worked to make sure the makeup adhered strictly to what would have been worn in the 1940s: soft red lips, defined brows, and minimalistic shadowing around the eyes. Every element was carefully orchestrated to ensure the look was as authentic as possible, and Zizi fully embraced the role.

What stood out during this session was how the sets came alive. Whether we were arranging props in the studio or stepping outside into the perfect outdoor lighting, it felt like recreating moments frozen in time. The outdoor setups lent themselves to creating photos that appeared as if they were from a soldier’s keepsake album—a mix of posed shots and unplanned candids. The attention to small details—like Zizi’s stance, an era-appropriate hairstyle, and the faded tones reminiscent of wartime Kodak releases—brought these scenes to life. The focus was heavily on retaining a natural yet striking historical vibe, something that went beyond costume photography and felt like visual storytelling.

The Women’s Army Corps uniform was a symbol of women’s growing independence and an acknowledgment of their vital contributions during WWII. Before the establishment of the WAAC in 1942 (later transitioned to the WAC), women largely filled nursing or civilian support roles. With the introduction of WACs, they were officially allowed to serve alongside men in non-combatant roles and took up positions in communications, logistics, and technical support. These women laid the foundation for gender equality in military service—a legacy that, by photographing Zizi in the uniform, we worked to honor in this shoot.

Beyond the narrative and emotion tied to this project, the technical aspects of this shoot marked a turning point for me as a photographer. Re-editing these from 2011 gave me a fresh perspective. I focused on subtle edits to bring out the story the uniform told all on its own. Minimalistic touches, such as a faint Kodachrome effect or a Kodak Portra-like adjustment on the black-and-white shots, brought the era’s aesthetic to life. I’ve come to believe that over-editing can sometimes overshadow the organic beauty of vintage-styled photography. Here, the understated edits allowed the colors, emotions, and styling of the shoot to shine in their true form.

It was difficult to choose my favorite images from this session; each frame felt like its own time capsule. Zizi gave a standout performance, helping turn what was initially an experiment in retro styling into a purposeful tribute to history and the resilient women who fought for their place in it. It’s rare to find a balance between authenticity, artistry, and storytelling, but I think this series achieved just that.

These women’s contributions during the war paved the way for the gender equality movement that would continue for decades to come. Capturing Zizi in the WAC uniform reminded me how powerful a photograph can be—a means of documenting the past while inspiring the future.

We played with the sets even further, contrasting the high-polished WWII uniform with the imperfect, weathered elements of vintage furniture and natural light outdoors. Zizi’s poise and commitment to embodying the era brought these moments to life in ways I hadn’t predicted. This entire shoot, from the wardrobe details to Zizi’s confidence in front of the camera, transported me back to that critical era when women rose to unexpected challenges and proved their worth alongside men.

I hope these photos not only capture the nostalgia of vintage styling but also pay a lasting tribute to the women of WWII. Looking at them, I am reminded of the enduring strength and versatility of the women who took those first steps to break barriers. It was truly an honor photographing that legacy.