*NEW* Vintage Dream Girl Boudoir Set | Minneapolis Pinup + Boudoir Photography

We've got a new set just perfect for the vintage inspired boudoir style! Not quite full color, not quite sepia...a perfect blend of both.  Channel your inner 60's sex kitten on our amazingly soft fuzzy rug!

Jim's Calendar Girls - Part I | Minneapolis St. Paul MN Pinup Photographer

When I first heard about Jim and Jennie Gorbunow, it was through a budding pinup model I had become friends with. Their story is like many who struggle with illness and the need for a transplant. 

[From the National Transplant Foundation's site for Jim]

"The month before his 7th birthday, Jim was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes. Thankfully, he was able to grow up without experiencing many issues related to diabetes, but as he grew older, the effects of being a lifelong diabetic were becoming more obvious. 

In 2000, he went to the ER with what he thought was heart problems. While he was thrilled to learn his heart was in good shape, he received the shocking news that his kidneys had stopped working; he was in end-stage renal failure. Doctors said a kidney/pancreas transplant was critical to his survival. This was a frightening time, but Jim was overwhelmed by the support from his loved ones. Eight wonderful people in his life were tested in hopes of being his kidney donor. 

Jims friend Jeremy was a perfect match. The transplant date was set, and somewhat miraculously, the night before the scheduled a surgery, a pancreas donor was found. 
Life changed dramatically for Jim after his successful kidney/pancreas transplant! He met and married his wife, Jennie; they purchased a home and began a life together. While they were grateful for his new lease on life, they also understood that other transplants may be in his future. In 2006, Jim required a second pancreas. Now, his donated kidney is slowing down, and they know a second kidney transplant is necessary. 

Jim and Jennie embrace the gift of transplantation, as they realize it’s all about the quality of life that can be achieved after receiving a new organ. They look forward to overcoming this transplant, so they enjoy many more blessings in the future. But right now, they need your help.

The average kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000. Even with health insurance, which will cover the cost of the transplant itself, he still faces significant medical expenses related to the surgery. He will need a lifetime of follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. These medications are very costly, and they’re as important to his survival as the transplant itself."

This past winter, Jim and Jennie used the snowfall to raise awareness by building a giant snow kidney in their front yard. (video here)

I have become quite good friends with Jennie, Jim's wife, and together we are creating a wonderful pinup calendar for 2015 to help raise money for their family.  She even stepped in front of the camera herself (and did a fabulous job, I might add)!

Below are the first few gals to participate.  I cannot wait to show you the rest (coming soon!). Information on how to purchase a calendar will also be made available as soon as they are ready.  Enjoy!

Cherry Dollface Pinup Hair and Makeup Tour - Tuesday May 13, 2013 | Minneapolis and St. Paul Pinup Photography Studio

What did you say? You love Cherry Dollface, watch her Youtube channel religiously and want to meet her?

Ok, done.  No, seriously, she's coming to our studio.  I'm not even a little bit joking.  On Tuesday May 13th, 2014, she will be in our studio, teaching her pinup hair and makeup techniques to you!  

Now, all YOU have to do is sign up.  It's that easy.  No hoops to jump through, no contests to sign up for and win.  You just have to sign up!  

Email Cherry HERE to secure your spot and have the opportunity to learn from and meet one of my favorite pinup gurus!

Spaces are limited so do not wait to sign up!

Winter Wonderland Pinups | Minneapolis Pinup Photography

*** Happy New Year, everyone! ***  

We've been busy with some really fun projects (a new studio is one of those projects, which I will blog on later).  Just before the holidays, we shot some really fun festive pinups and played around with a new editing style.  Enjoy!

Studio Betties Presents: Kustom Kittens - Heels + Hot Rods Pinup Mini Sessions | Saint Paul + Minneapolis Pinup Photographer

Last week, a friend of mine (the lovely Dagmar Dee) and I ventured out to Ham Lake to visit Route 65 Classics. We had the pleasure of shooting with the most beautiful, cherry-red 57' Chevy, compliments of one of their employees and we both swooned over it's lines and the perfect shade of red (we're both classic car junkies). We had so much fun!

Want to get in on this fun? We're having a Pinup Mini Session Marathon on Saturday August 17, 2013. There are only 3 slots left so book now before they are gone! Email Jenn at jenn@studiobetties.com to get in on the Hot Rod action!

Miss Gina - Part 1: Minnesota State Fair Inspired Pinup | Minneapolis and Saint Paul Minnesota Pinup Photographer

If you're a Minnesotan at heart, you know all about how epic the Minnesota State Fair is. We look forward to "The Great Minnesota Get-Together" all year round, making lists of the must-see attractions (Butter Heads and Giant Slide, anyone?) and the must-eat foods. We're known for putting just about anything on a stick!

Gina came in with the idea of paying homage to this summer event and we knocked it out of the park!

Everyone loves a Summer Pinup Sale!

Hello lovlies!  Summer is (sort of) upon us and despite the repetitive rainy days we've been experiencing here in MN, that doesn't dampen our spirits!  We're full steam ahead with some really fun projects!!  One of those projects is the addition of an office and dressing room at our studio!  It's going to be quite a fun summer!

So, we want to include you in the celebration with our "Last Chance" sale on our Pinup Mini Sessions!  

After the end of the summer, we'll be shifting the pricing and right now is the best time to take advantage of the

current mini session price of $99!

Here are the details:

Giant Feather Fans | Wednesday Wishlist

One of my favorite burlesque acts, performed by Nicky Ninedoors, is a magnificent fan dance combined with her singing live, accompanied by Brother Keys on the piano. Hauntingly beautiful and ridiculously talented, the duet performed at the Midwest Burlesque Festival this past January.

The fans she used during her performance were made by the delicious Catherine D'lish and I've got a little fund started for a custom set from her!

I found this amazing image of Nicky (Photo by Shimona Henry, custom feather fans made by Catherine D'lish) on the blog of Pandora and The Locksmiths.  Just confirms that I really do need a set of these magnificent fans in my arsenal!!  Can you imagine the sheer awesomeness of the showgirl photos I could create with these beauties?

Who wants to be the first one to be photographed with these when they arrive at the door of my St. Paul studio?? Tee hee!!

Miss Rosario | Maternity Pinup | St. Paul + Minneapolis, MN

Wow, wow and more wow! I am thrilled beyond belief at how this session turned out and I'm forcing myself to step away from the computer after just two edits for a sneak peek so I don't end up editing all night! SQUEEEEEEE!

Miss Nikki | Maternity Pinup | St. Paul + Minneapolis MN Photographer

I love me some maternity pinup! Nikki has the most infectious smile, we had so much fun during her session :)

This will be boy #3 for her! She definitely enjoyed the "girly time" in the studio, playing with all the fun, pretty things!