Elmer Batters

What is it that attracts and holds the eye of the male? What are the qualities essential to feminine allure? Let me give you a hint. It begins at the tip of the toes and runs to the top of the hose... legs and feet. I tried to cast a spell of enticing charm with my photographs. The posing of a woman's legs is as important to glamour photography as seasoning is to a tossed green salad! And, incidentally, stockings without seams lack allure. Seams emphasize the curve line.

In my photographs I accentuated the curve-line of long graceful legs formed by the woman's calf and ankle. I almost always concealed the front shin bone line. This meant that it was necessary to shoot from the side or three-quarter view and never from the front. That is the secret of leg appeal'. If one doesn't emphasize the curve line, they will take on the appearance of a high fashion model - straight, thin and bony. Ugh!

I made magazines devoted to one thing - legs, legs, legs and more legs. I was a successful leg lensman, but at the time, I felt that people almost saw me as un-American for not mooning over large mammaries. Back then everything was breast size. Not for me. It was my task to make the beautiful women that came to my house aware of their legs. There are thousands of absolutely lovely legs walking this earth whose owners aren't in the least aware that legs can be exciting because they are so busy trying to be 'chesty'. Many of my models were stuck on their bust line, the shine of their hair or the fullness of their derrière, but once I sold them the idea that their legs could talk a far more stimulating 'conversation' than could their hair or their gluteus maximus, they became interested in seeing what could be done.

Ironically, many of my models would have preferred to have posed full-figure nude than in black silk stockings, garter belts, etc. Somewhere they had picked up the idea that a classic nude is artistically acceptable while lingerie pin-ups were an invasion of privacy. But it is annoyingly artificial to pose nude so that certain areas are hidden from view. To me, it's much more natural to have her wear the normal concealments given by tastefully afforded lingerie.

The most photogenic part of a woman’s legs is the bottom of her foot. That's why so many of my photographs are taken from a low angle. Of course, that affords an up-the-skirt photograph at the same time, and there's nothing wrong with that. While there are no two leg men alike, I found there were generally two types of models - those that were less than physically perfect and were eager to take their clothes off in front of a stranger (me) I think it excited them to be visually 'raped' by my camera and then the model who knows she is beautiful and is hesitant to take her clothes off.

Where do I find my models? Everywhere. Men have brought me their wives and girlfriends and asked me to shoot them in black silk stockings. Perhaps they wanted to share with the world their good fortune. It's probably an ego thing. They wanted to be envied.

Sometimes mothers would bring me their daughters to be photographed but I found that legs don't develop until they are eighteen or nineteen years old. Before that, they are chubby legged with baby fat or too skinny without any curve line.

Legs are the most important attribute a model must have next comes personality and an eagerness to pose. I never enjoyed fighting with a model about how much she was or wasn't willing to show to my camera. My goal was to have the model relaxed and self-confident. Often, I'd shoot at the model's home where she would feel familiar or at my home with my wife, Anne, in close proximity.

I never was a sneak as so many photographers were back then. The model always knew where the camera was and whether I was using a close-up lens or not. Flattery was an important tool in my photography. I wanted the model to feel that she was beautiful. Whenever I felt unsure about a new pose, I'd preface it with "You're wonderful - but let's see if we can't make you look even better."

Long, shapely legs clad in the sheerest of black silk stockings held up snugly by a feminine garter belt make a very pleasing sight to the man who really appreciates the beauty of a nicely turned pair of legs and a flash of white thigh! Another invaluable hint. Have your model point her bare toe. It does wonders to the shape of the leg.

I believe the first thing most men notice about a woman are her legs. Don't forget, legs can be viewed coming or going unlike several other regions of the female anatomy. I've also noticed that most men prefer seeing a gal with her shoes off. And to me, seamless hose is possibly the world's most useless invention. Seamed stockings emphasize the gentle swell of a woman's calf.

Back when I was taking photographs, I detested Levi's and didn't care for a woman in pants. Add flat-heeled shoes to my hate list. I prefer a woman in plain black patent leather shoes with a four-inch heel. But then again, bare legs never excited me either. I never liked coloured nylons - just black sheer silk or nylon stockings. Oh, I almost forgot, open mesh opera hose are just disgusting.

I'm a leg man. Not a fetishist. No six-inch heels, leather, or miniskirts for me.

And then there is one special person who means the most to me. I can still picture her big brown eyes staring at me over the seat of the train we met on over fifty years ago. Anne, it was love at first sight, and not for a minute have I lost sight of that love. Thank you for being there always. Thank you for all those hours you spent in front of the camera modelling patiently as I learned my craft, for the hours you spent helping with other models or waiting for me to finish a shoot, through all the tough times and good times, for raising our children and keeping me company. Thank you. Oh, and one more thing. Beautiful legs will always be with us. So, here's to legs, legs, and more legs.

Elmer Batters – (November 24, 1919 – June 25, 1997)

Publications

Man’s Favorite Pastime – Edward Kelly Publisher, Elmer Batters Editor - (1957)

Black Silk Stockings – Batters Publications – (1958 - 1959) I think just 7 issues.

Sheer Delight, Leg-O-Rama and Nylon Doubletake – (1959 - 1960)

Tip Top – American Art Agency – Elmer Batters as Advisory Editor (1960)

Elmer Batters publications were often plagued with financial problems and though popular, would only last for a short time and run to just a few additions before collapsing or being taken over by more established publishing houses. As far as I am aware, there were no subscriptions, with all books being bought over the counter. These early publications are now in short supply and very collectable, fetching high prices when they do become available.

As ever, some of this information comes from my own research and the magazines I have encountered. Please contact me if you are able to add to or correct any of it.