1920s images for character portraits and book covers

One of the things I'm most excited about regarding my novel — well, besides the novel itself — is the images.

A few weeks ago, I had the idea to look for authentic 1920s photographs as representations of my characters.  Originally my idea was to use them solely for my own inspiration, so that I'd have a visual of my characters to help me in creating them and their world.

But when I actually started looking, I was having a hard time finding real photographs that I liked.  Then I ran across a few old French postcards, showing couples together in romantic poses.  Some of the poses were very risque, and I started thinking about what great book covers they would make, if I just Photoshopped in some teeth and blood.

On Etsy I found sellers who sold scans of postcards, instead of the postcards themselves, and I became intrigued with the idea.  I contact one seller, FrenchKissed, and told her what I was looking for.  Next thing I knew, she was sending me proof sheet after proof sheet of 1920s postcards!  I found the perfect images for my characters, as well as several for book covers — such as the one that is the header on this blog (and the cover for the first book, which you can see on my books page).

Finding a "sheik" for my star vampire, on the other hand, proved to be a bit of a challenge.  A lot of the men pictured alone on these cards are awfully girly — why I don't know — and that just was not the look I wanted for Victor.  Trishia (FrenchKissed) finally found him for me in an old photograph.  I'll unveil him soon — he's somewhat of an exception, since the photograph is coming to me and then I'll have to scan him — but I have to tell you, I'm already half in love with him myself!  Ruby ought to appreciate everything I do for her!

Like I said, I'm really excited about these images.  They've given me to-die-for (literally) covers, not to mention a way for my readers to see the characters for themselves.  Plus, I think the great 1920s images lend the entire story a feeling of authenticity.  I can really feel the aura of seduction and danger surrounding my characters, even more so than I could before I found these images.

What do you think?  Are you in love with all of these images as much as I am?