Securing a place in history for both of them with her ability to coax the best out of her, Bunny Yeager was the first female photographer to give us Bettie Page.  While a model in her own right, it was Yeager’s study of classic pin-up models and poses that gave her the confidence and control she had over the camera.  She was also the first to spotlight amateur models and capture moments that otherwise may have never been seen by the public eye.  

A former beauty queen and model herself, Bunny was able to understand that her subjects wanted to be more than just sex objects or bathing beauties—they wanted to create both an individual impact and cultural identity. Due to her dual-roles as photographer and muse, she was uniquely positioned to convey this vision.

Photo courtesy of Bunny Yeager

Dita Von Teese says in the forward of Mason’s book, “As a woman, I know personally the different feeling of being the subject of a woman’s vision as opposed to a man’s. Whether we are in front of or behind the lens, women share an inherent understanding of how we desire to be portrayed. Yes, it’s lovely and sweet that men adore us for all of our flaws. But there is an unspoken code among women; we are acutely cognizant of what makes us all feel confident and beautiful.  This safe zone is what allows us to be captured by the lens in a moment of authentic beauty, to show her vulnerability, strength and confidence all  at once.”  Perhaps it is the familiarity and vulnerability that can only be achieved through the bond between two women that makes Bunny Yeager’s photographs so special-a bond that allows for the portrayal of atypical beauties in a softer light.

​Photo courtesy of Danielle Bedics

​Photo courtesy of Bunny Yeager

​Photo courtesy of Bunny Yeager

As a more risque Ask Abby, Bunny Yeager wrote numerous instructional guides on how to photograph yourself, and took endless self portraits to demonstrate. Her didactic tips and “how-to” columns became quickly sought after. The things she expressed left housewives confused about everything from how they should angle their leg to what shade of beach towel to lay upon. But now as we see in Darkroom, her self-taught tips have been put to use and showcased in her images. Yeager captured women at their best because she simply saw their potential to become more beautiful, and then told them how to do it. 

​Photo courtesy of Bunny Yeager

Bunny Yeager’s Darkroom is now available from Rizzoli.

Written by Lauren Smith