Tara Robertson Photography: Art of the Pin-Up
Exalting the Female
By Julie Horner
Tara Robertson is a born and raised Santa Cruz County photographer who sees beauty all around. “There is something special about freezing that moment in time,” she said, “a moment that will never happen again.” With an eye for shooting breathtaking landscapes along the coast, she has in the last decade developed a unique gift for curating glamorous pin-up portraiture, a style that became popular in the 1940s that idealizes the female form. From Marilyn to Farrah, Bettie Page to Betty Grable, the photography celebrates natural beauty and soft sensuality.



Working with local women posing in iconic settings around the Santa Cruz Mountains and Santa Cruz, Tara created a series of art calendars and greeting cards called the Santa Cruz Pin Ups Collection. “Most of the models in this collection are moms,” she said. “I work with both professional models and local women who have never modeled before in their life. It is absolutely rewarding showing my clients how incredible they look through the camera lens and seeing their eyes light up with pure delight and newfound confidence!”


You can find Santa Cruz Pin Ups Collection calendars and cards at the Brookdale Market; American Gas in Boulder Creek; CaliStyle and Cruise Coffee in Scotts Valley, andon Tara’s website.
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Photos above top row l to r: Felton model Heather Noel: “I’ve always loved Pin Ups! I’m a local mom. I also enjoy gardening, reading and spending time with my son.” Scotts Valley model Cathy: “When I’m not posing with classic cars while flashing a vintage smile, my passion is reading. Never stop learning!” Ben Lomond model Candy: “It was such a pleasure to be part of this experience! I have never done anything like this before. I feel honored to be featured in the calendars and greeting cards.”
Photos second row l to r: Boulder Creek model Adrienne Ryan: “I feel blessed to be surrounded by all the beauty that is the San Lorenzo Valley.” Davenport model DebraLee Andersohn: “I’m a Boulder Creek resident and I am the lead singer for the band Redwood Groove.”
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Julie Horner is Co-Founder and Editor for the San Lorenzo Valley Post. Julie lives and works in Boulder Creek and is an active participant in the county's vibrant music scene. She loves the outdoors and is the go-to expert on Santa Cruz Mountains hiking trails.