Retro Style Photography: Bringing Vintage Charm Back to Life
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of hosting a good friend and fellow photographer in my studio for a special project—a pinup-style photoshoot featuring the stunning Sarah. It’s a collaboration that’s become a regular occurrence between us over the past decade, and this time, we were capturing some truly timeless moments. Despite the differences in our individual photography styles, we share a lot in common when it comes to our approach, especially when it comes to vintage-inspired aesthetics.
My friend’s work is deeply rooted in the glamorous pinup photography of the 1950s and ’60s, but with a seductive, almost dreamlike twist. There’s a distinct sense of nostalgia in his shoots, and his signature style brings that retro allure to life. One element we both love to incorporate into our work is stockings, though he prefers the traditional style—especially the classic "gutters" look, where stockings and garter belts are prominent. It’s an aesthetic that pays homage to the golden age of pinup photography while adding a layer of fantasy to the images.
For this particular shoot, he was working on a promotional concept for a stocking brand called Secrets in Lace—a brand that embodies the same vintage-inspired, seductive vibe. The process is always a collaborative one when we work together. He brings his vision to the table, and I help bring it to life—whether it’s by setting up the lighting, adjusting the camera settings, or simply letting him focus on the subject while I fine-tune the technical details.
In the months since that shoot, I’ve been following his work closely. He’s been posting his images frequently, and I’ve found myself inspired by his unique take on retro photography. His ability to capture that vintage charm has had me reflecting on my own shots from our past shoots, wondering if I could replicate that same nostalgic vibe in my own style.
As someone who’s always had a passion for color grading, I decided to challenge myself. Could I take my existing work and infuse it with the same vintage feel—one that looks as if it were shot in the mid-20th century? It was an exciting idea, and I dove in with a sense of curiosity and creativity. I played around with tones, lighting, and post-production techniques to create a look that felt both nostalgic and fresh.
The result? A series of images that evoke the timeless glamour and sultriness of the retro era, while still maintaining my unique touch. It’s amazing what a little color grading and a shift in perspective can do—what was once a modern shot transformed into something that could just as easily belong in a magazine from the 1950s.
Check out my results below and let me know what you think. Retro style photography isn’t just about capturing the past—it’s about reviving that old-school magic and giving it new life for a whole new generation to appreciate.
