Article by Mike at Glamour Photographers

For most people, Bunny Yeager is best known for her photography work involving Bettie Page. Bunny has many tasteful collections of many other models she’s photographed, but most don’t know she started herself as a model for US Camera and it wasn’t long before she decided to go on the other side of the lens.

In 1956, Hollywood glamour photographer Danny Rouzer had written this regarding Miss Yeager: “One of the finest pin-up photographers is Bunny Yeager, who is highly successful because she knows exactly what the procedure is for profitable pin-up work. A former model herself, she makes her own bikinis and pin-up costumes, but she gives her models the opportunity to select a costume that doesn’t conflict with their personalities. Bunny is a pin-up photographer who goes so far as to create something new in the way of costumes for every girl she photographs.”

I assume this kind of high compliment coming from a fellow glamour photographer would not be that impressive, apart from the reality that merely 4 years previous, Bunny Yeager had been a glamour model with very little practical experience behind the camera. She had only just recently begun taking a photography class right after watching a friend develop and print the pictures he’d taken of her. She was fascinated with the entire process, and wanted to learn, partially since it was relevant to her own work as a model. When Roy Pinney, a photographer she’d worked with the year before, learned that she was taking the class, he recognized it would make for a great photo write-up which he could submit to a magazine. The resulting article, featuring Bunny shooting a model on the beach, came out in a magazine supplement to a large number of nationwide and local newspapers, and she became famous over night. A similar write-up came out in U.S. Camera in Aug. 1953, in which she was announced “The World’s Prettiest Photographer”. Soon, she was receiving offers from several agencies, and after selecting one, sold her very first photo to Eye magazine, for their March 1954 issue. Her first photograph sale as well as her first magazine cover being a real pin-up photographer!

In an incredibly short time, Bunny had perfected the technical elements of photography, lighting, and had quickly obtained the professional photographic equipment she’d need. 1954 also was the year in which Bunny met Bettie Page, and the photographs they produced collectively were destined to become legendary glamour images. That same year, she took pictures of a Christmas themed pin-up of her new model, intending to submit it to a calendar company. Not knowing where to find one, she chose to send it to Playboy instead. Hugh Hefner immediately grabbed it up and released it in the January 1955 Holiday issue. In under 2 years after being thrust into the position of a glamour photographer, Bunny had photographed her first Playmate of the Month, where there were more to come:

Lisa Winters (Miss Dec. 1956)

Myrna Weber (Miss Aug. 1958)

Joyce Nizarri (Miss Dec. 1958)

Cindy Fuller (Miss May 1959)

Sandra Settani (Miss April 1963)

Bunny’s fast achievements might have been partly as a result of her previously being a model first. She undoubtedly knew posing and the ways to get the best from her models, but regardless of being hesitantly pushed into the job of photographer, she also had a great artistic eye and sense of style. She was obviously a born photographer if ever there was one. Actually, in Rogue magazine she was quoted as stating “I took up photography because I’m a frustrated painter who was never good enough to be the best, and photography is the closest thing to being an artist”. You can only hope if she had not been prodded by Roy Pinney, she’d have realized this goal on her own. When Bunny was initially starting out, two of her big influences were Andre de Dienes and Peter Gowland. Bunny, nevertheless, had launched a style like no other. With the sunny beaches of Miami among her backdrops, she uncovered and captured images of among the most gorgeous  models in south Florida. She famously approached one young woman who’d turn out to be her second Playmate, Lisa Winters, on a Miami bus, and after a little coaxing, persuaded her to pose. Miss Winters turned out to be among the list of favorites with the readers with the then three year old Playboy magazine, as well as one of Hef’s as well.

One of the numerous photographic skills that Bunny had at her fingertips was the cabability to get the proper backdrops for her glamour photos. She’d often get approval to photograph in glamorous bachelor residences, and even utilized the model’s own apartments, whenever she believed they had the appropriate style. Constantly in search of new and interesting backdrops, she got permission occasionally to use the home of well-known Miami sculptor Sepy Debronyi and created some extremely eye catching photographs there.

Right after being prompted by her agent, Bunny authored the first of her numerous photography books in 1957 (Photographing the Female Figure). This became not just a showcase for her glamour photos, but also an informative tome for all those thinking about pursuing a similar career. Additional books followed, including:

Bunny Yeager’s Photo Studies (1960)

Bunny Yeager’s Art of Glamour Photography (1962)

How to Take Figure Photos (1962)

How I photograph Nudes (1963)

How to Photograph the Figure (1963)

How I Photograph Myself (1964)

Bunny Yeager’s ABCs of Figure Photography (1964)

Bunny Yeager Photographs Famous Models (1965)

100 Girls (1965)

Bunny Yeager’s Camera in the Caribbean (1965)

Bunny Yeager’s New Photo Studies (1966)

Bunny Yeager Photographs 50 New Models (1967)

Bunny Yeager’s Camera in Mexico (1967)

Bunny Yeager’s Camera in Jamaica (1967)

Bunny’s Honey’s (1996)

Bunny Yeager’s Pin-up Girls of the 1950s (2002)

Photographing Girls in Jamaica (2003)

Bunny Yeager’s Bikini Girls of the 1950s (2004)

Striptease Artists of the 1950s (2007)

Bunny Yeager’s Pin-up Girls of the 1960s (2007)

Bikini Girls of the 1960s (2007)

Bunny Yeager’s Flirts of the Fifties (2007)

Femmes Fatales of the 1950s (2008)

Bunny Yeager’s Bouffant Beauties (2009)

Bunny had been the topic of two semi-documentary films by Barry Mahon entitled Bunny Yeager’s Nude Camera (1963) and Bunny Yeager’s Nude Las Vegas (1964). Even though films are in no way a true portrayal of her photography because of the setups and lighting being controlled by producer/director/cameraman Barry Mahon (who seemingly had very little understanding of motion picture or still photography lighting), it’s still a pleasure to be able to watch Bunny work together with a few of her models, which includes an uncredited Lisa Winters in Nude Camera.

As the title of one of her books in the above list indicates (How I Photograph Myself), Bunny frequently merged her talents and took glamour photographs of herself, as well as her lovely models. It was this particular book that got the interest of the producers of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and she was asked to appear on the program as a guest in the mid 1960s.

Camera gear used by Bunny in those years included her Rolleiflex (with the Zeiss Tessar 75mm f/3.5 lens), a 4×5 Speed Graphic, and her Burke and James 8×10 camera which she used to shoot her Playboy centerfolds. For b&w medium format (her Rolleiflex), she used quite a lot of Tri-X and for medium and large format color, It looks like she used Ektachrome transparency film.

Apart from her work with Playboy, Bunny’s photos were presented in numerous other men’s magazines for the day. One of the higher quality magazines that frequently used her work had been Rogue.

Bunny Yeager

Bunny Yeager

Bunny Yeager

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We have 3 books and 1 DVD we would like to show you…

If you’re looking for  more tutorials on Rockabilly and Pinup Hairstyles, or you want to know how to do your own Rockabilly and Pinup Makeup, or you’re going to do some pinup modeling for your boyfriend, then go no further. We’ve go the list of Books and Videos for you right here for you to get your best looks for that rockabilly/pinup model look.

Rockabilly Hairstyles and Pinup Hairstyles are basically the same, and so is rockabilly and pinup makeup, the question is, can you do them? If you find it hard to do we have several books and a video for you to look at, which we think you will benefit from.

The first Book we have to show is:

Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles with Step-by-Step Techniques – $24

Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles with Step-by-Step Techniques

There was something very special and beautiful about women in the early- to mid-20th century. The way they dressed was elegant and the way they wore their hair was feminine.

This book shows how to re-create so many of those hairstyles by taking hairstyles from the 1930s, 40s, 50s, and 60s and breaking them down into simple, easy-to-follow instructions. It uses brand new photographs and detailed directions. Not only a manual, it is also fun to read.

The Finished Styles chapter of the book contains coffee table book quality images of models with their finished hairstyles. Sprinkled in introductions and throughout the book are interesting facts about the history of hairstyling, origins of styles, and information about starlets and performers who made the styles popular.

This 200-page full-color book has 6 main chapters. The book begins with the basics of styling and works its way back to advanced techniques. It also provides information on makeup, nails, and accessories for a finished look.

Available at Amazon.Com

The Second Book we have to show is:
Retro Makeup: Techniques for Applying the Vintage Look – $24

Retro Makeup: Techniques for Applying the Vintage Look

About the Author

Hair and makeup artist Lauren Rennells works in the photography and film industry. She freelances providing unique designs for advertisements, films, television and private clients. Her passion for beauty of the past led her to write Retro Makeup: Techniques for Applying the Vintage Look and Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles with Step-by-Step Techniques.

Available at Amazon for $24

The next item is a DVD:

How to be a Pinup Model – Release your Inner Bombshell! – $15

How to be a Pinup Model

This DVD is great! It has Makeup How-to’s, Pinup/Rockabilly Hairstyles, and How to pose for a pinup photo shoot and why. Even if you don’t want to be a pinup model this DVD will help you with your hair and makeup for a rockabilly night out

How to be a Pinup Model – Release your Inner Bombshell is a unique instructional program celebrating female curves, positive self-image and playful spirit with two outstanding stars of vintage/alternative modeling and burlesque artists go-go Amy and Bettina May.

Alluring vintage pinup girl looks are now at the fingertips of any woman fortunate enough to lay her hands on this treasure chest of hair and makeup tutorials, modeling tricks, styling ideas, and inspirational guidance.

To quote our instructors, ‘Pinup modeling is a body-positive experience. Glamour has no age, height, or size requirements. All you need is a good attitude and a little glitter.’

So, go ahead, add sensual vintage flair to your everyday look or try an amazing pinup makeover for special occasions!

Creating your own pinup look is addictive!…. it is an experience of emotional discovery, bringing you closer to your truly feminine, always hopeful, ageless, resourceful, and down-to-earth core.

You will be amazed at the volume of detail in this program: The vintage-look lore, grandma’s secrets, and the spot-on helpful modern advice generously offered by Bettina May and go-go Amy, as well as the authenticity of their material, the depth their historical awareness and their inventiveness in blending retro and modern techniques. This video guide covers Vintage/Rockabilly/Pinup hair styles, glamour Pinup/Rockabilly makeup, posing for photography, sexy body language, and maintaining an optimistic spirit.

Bettina May instructs in the techniques of setting curls (different angles and configurations of rollers result in different looks!) and curl styling to echo the image of your favorite pinup icon or retro movie star, and in creating your own unique modern style with a retro twist.

Go-go Amy delves into the elusive techiques of vintage makeup: She brings new hope to all of us who attempted a ’40s diva cat eye or a retro lip shape but were defeated by crooked lines and hideous smudges generated by uncooperative pencils and eye-liner from hell.

Rediscover simplicity: ‘This is how grandma did it, and grandma was always right.’

Short hair? Short bangs? Learn how to seamlessly incorporate features of your personal hair style into an authentic retro look.

Body shape concerns? First of all, get over it. (It’s all about CURVES, remember?) But, to be on the safe side, learn to trick the camera!

Bettina May and go-go Amy take you on a journey through a dynamic inventory of modeling tricks and flattering body angles used by movie stars and models in front of the camera since silent movie days.

The girls will also teach you totally doable tricks to achieve those innocent and always surprised wide-eyed ingenue pinup girl facial expressions.

This beautiful-in-spirit, supportive and highly entertaining program is a perfect gift for yourself or a friend, and can also be the centerpiece for ‘a girls night in’ party. This DVD is Great!

Available at Amazon.Com

The next Item is another book:

Plain Jane to Pinup Queen: Pinup Modeling Workshop in a Book – $30

Plain Jane to Pinup Queen

Do you think you are just not photogenic or that you don’t have the right body type to look good in pictures? Do you cringe every time someone pulls out a camera at an event?

Bombshell Betty has good news for you… Anyone can learn to be more photogenic! It’s all in learning the secrets to visually sculpting your body through posing techniques and learning how to express your personality vibrantly in front of the camera. Believe it or not, these skills CAN be taught! This book is your key to finally having the flattering pictures that you want. No previous modeling skill or experience is required.

Whether you are looking to get started as a professional pinup model, or you simply want to dazzle your loved ones and shock your enemies with your fabulous new self, this one-of-a-kind book will transform you into the living, breathing pinup queen you’ve always wanted to be!

With this book, you will learn everything you need to know to get gorgeous pinup photos, demonstrated step by step with stunning photographs:

• Why the camera adds 10 pounds and how to avoid this effect * Tricks fashion and pinup models use to “sculpt” their bodies
• Traditional pinup poses for an authentic, retro look
• Photo movement and effective prop use
• Personality projection and how to “make love to the camera”
• Photo styling
• Step by step styling instruction for 1920’s-1950’s hair and makeup
• Practical modeling basics like finding and working with photographers and how to pack and prepare for a photo shoot
• Plus much more!

Available at Amazon.Com

Sample Chapters:

Pinup Modeling

Pinup Modeling

Pinup Modeling

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Pinup Models and Pinup Modeling

A pin-up model specializes in provocative poses, however, pin-up photography is not pornography. It features fully-clothed women in playful and suggestive stances. Traditional pin-up art never shows nudity and prefers to leave a lot to the imagination. The women in these photos, often times smiling and friendly-looking, suggesting the “girl-next-door” look, in contrast to the more overtly sexual expression in porn. Pin-up girls are also known as “Cheesecakes.”

History of Pinup Modeling

Pin-up models became popular during the end of the nineteenth century. It was the end of the Victorian age, where women and sexuality were severely repressed. During the twentieth century, especially during the swinging 1920s, western culture began to rebel against Victorian repression and started celebrating sensuality. The first pin-up models were painted or illustrated. During the 1930s and 1940s, photographers started capturing pin-up models on film. These images converted into calendars and posters and were marketed to the masses. Posters were particularly popular with soldiers during war time, who took these posters and calendars with them overseas. The most popular pin up models were Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe and Joan Crawford, to name a few.

Types

In modern times, pin-up models are used in photography. Before photography was a popular medium, pin-up models were often the muse in illustrations. Even after the advent of photography, pin-up models were employed to model for paintings, drawings or other art work. Many people think Betty Boop, a very popular cartoon in the 1930s, was a caricature of various pin-up models during that time.

Features

The most successful pin-up model is one who can balance sexual innuendo with a deliberate innocence. Modern pin-up models are often stylized in a retro-1950s appearance. Hair is polished and reminiscent of the pin curl, or wave look. Makeup is bright, especially featuring red lips and defined eyes with heavy mascara. Clothing is also retro-inspired, in keeping with the WWII era, where fashion dictated tight bodices, pantyhose and high heels.

Misconceptions

Pin-up is not porn. It is also not a fetish. Many aspiring pin-up models are confused on the history of pin-up modeling, and believe that anyone dressed up in a retro style is a pin-up model. A true pin-up photograph leaves more to suggestion than it ever reveals.

Any model looking to get into pin-up or any other niche of modeling must be at least 18-years-old. It is necessary, for the liability of the photographer and the company that purchases the photos. Although pin-up models are fully clothed, it is sexually provocative and vulnerable minors should never be in a position of evoking lust.

Models: Jennifer, Sandee Betty and Heidi from Fresno

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Ink -n- Iron 2009, will you be there?

So Ink -n- Iron 2009 is quickly approaching us, in fact it’s just days away, 2 1/2 to be exact, but who’s counting right? I’m one of the Official Photographers for the event this year. I have been assigned to photo the 12 finalists for the Pinup Pageant this year, and I am looking forward to spending a bit of time with each of the ladies. My Job is to photo each one for a calendar that Ink -n- Iron will be putting out, in their classy dress up regalia for the event. Now when I say classy, I mean tasteful, nice looking outfits, not some skimpy questionable outfit that you might find walking down the boulevard. Last year I was in attendance as usual, and the pageant seemed a bit uneventful. In so much as there was no tension in the crowd, there was no exciting competition between the contestants and when it was over, it was…well…over. That’s it, all done, like a bad ending to a movie that could have been done way better. You know, you’re watching a movie and it’s pretty good but then it’s done, theres no climactic ending, and your left sitting there asking yourself “That’s it?”. Yeah, that’s the way it was. Wow,That’s It? Yep. The year before, 2007, was very exciting and had a very climactic ending. One little lady that I really felt should have placed and didn’t, other than being a finalist, was Bombshell Frenchy. Frenchy had everything that I felt was classic pinup. Stance, posteur, attitude, outfit and SMILE. 2007 Ink -n- Iron Runner Up, Bombshell Frenchy. There was nothing trashy about this lady at all and she had the

Ink -n- Iron 2007 Pinup Pageant Runner Up, Bombshell Frenchy

classic pinup look down pat! I felt she should have at least placed but didn’t.  Anyway to make a long story short, last year there were a couple ladies from the previous year that didn’t win and were trying again, not to mention a number of faces I had never seen or heard of. To me a pinup pageant is or should be won based on talent, look, poses attitude and outfit. 2008’s pageant didn’t have many of those aspects and seemed to be more of a battle of the booty. Outfits that barely covered or didn’t cover parts, outfits that were not classy or classic at all. It was as if they were trying to win on the merit of their bodies and not their talent or ability. Where were the poses, the posteurs, the smiles and attitudes that are classic pinup? I didn’t see much, if any at all.  I am hoping this years contestants took some notes from last year, and polished up their poses, smiles and attitudes, because as I said before, last years pageant seemed to be anti-climactic. I want to be excited to see who wins, I want to see the contestants really working for their victory and showing us those  classic poses, posteurs, smiles and attitudes, not tasteless outfits, fake smiles and catfight mentality. One thing that is THE hallmark of a good pinup, if you look at any good pinup art, picture or painting, she looks happy, is smiling and looks like she is having FUN. There is nothing phony or contrived about it, it is however over the top in many aspects but it is a believeable over the top. Know what I mean? Anyway, I am really looking forward to this years pageant and I wish all the ladies good luck and knock ‘em out!

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