You’ve seen the image. The star-spangled bottoms, the golden eagle across the chest, and that defiant, hands-on-hips stance. It’s a visual that has been burned into the collective consciousness of pop culture since 1975. Honestly, when people search for pictures of Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman, they aren't just looking for a bit of nostalgia. They’re looking for the definitive version of a legend.
The 1970s was a weird time for superheroes. Most of them looked like they were wearing pajamas. Then came Lynda Carter. She didn't just wear the suit; she inhabited the spirit of Diana Prince in a way that felt—and still feels—utterly real.
The Evolution of the Suit Through the Lens
If you look closely at the different pictures of Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman across the show's three seasons, you'll notice things changed. A lot.
Season one was a period piece. Set in the 1940s, the photos show a very specific "Golden Age" comic book aesthetic. The eagle on her bodice was more intricate, and the colors had a patriotic, almost muted saturation compared to what came later. Diana Prince was a WAVES secretary, hiding behind thick-rimmed glasses and a tight military bun.
Then the show jumped to the "modern" 70s for seasons two and three.
Everything got brighter. The hair got bigger. In the 1977 publicity shots, Carter’s hair is often a voluminous, curly wig—very much of its time. By the final season, she’d ditched the poof for a sleek, straight look that feels much closer to the modern "warrior" vibe.
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More Than Just One Outfit
Most people only remember the main costume, but the photography archives are full of specialty gear.
- The Diving Suit: A blue, slick bodysuit with a matching cap.
- The Biker Gear: Complete with a golden helmet because, apparently, even Amazons need to follow DOT safety regulations.
- The Skateboard Outfit: Yes, there are actual photos of Lynda Carter on a skateboard. It’s exactly as glorious as it sounds.
The "Gold Poster" and the Power of a Pose
In 1977, a specific promotional poster changed everything. It’s often called the "Gold Poster" because of the warm, shimmering backlight. Lynda Carter is standing there, lasso at her side, looking directly into the camera. It didn't just sell well; it actually outsold the legendary Farrah Fawcett red swimsuit poster for a period.
That’s a big deal.
It proved that a woman could be a sex symbol and a symbol of raw power at the same exact time. In those pictures of Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman, there’s a nuance in her expression. She isn't snarling. She isn't "gritty." She’s smiling, or at least looking peaceful.
Why the "Spin" Photo is Iconic
The transformation spin was actually Lynda Carter’s idea. She was a dancer and suggested the ballerina-style twirl as a way to change costumes without expensive special effects. The resulting photos—blurry, white-light-filled captures of her mid-spin—became the visual shorthand for the character’s magic.
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Behind the Scenes: The Human Side of the Hero
The polished studio portraits tell one story, but the candid set photos tell another. There are shots of Lynda hanging from a helicopter—a stunt she actually did herself because she wasn't happy with how the male stunt double looked in her costume.
Think about that.
She saw a guy with a hairy chest in her star-spangled shorts and basically said, "Move over, I’ve got this."
The Struggle with the "Look"
It wasn't all glamour. Carter has spoken openly in recent years about the physical toll of those photos. The corset was incredibly tight. The "Feminum" bracelets were essentially heavy pieces of metal that clinked and scratched.
In many pictures of Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman, you can see the sheer physicality required to make the costume look effortless. She was 5'9" but in those boots, she loomed over everyone. She had to project "goddess" while essentially wearing a stiff, uncomfortable swimsuit in the middle of a Los Angeles heatwave.
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Why We Are Still Searching for These Images in 2026
We live in an era of CGI and $200 million movie budgets. Gal Gadot did a fantastic job, and the new DCU will eventually cast a new Diana. But Lynda Carter’s photos remain the gold standard for a reason.
Basically, she brought a sense of "kindness" to the role that is often missing from modern superhero takes. You can see it in her eyes in the 1975 pilot stills. There’s no cynicism.
Actionable Takeaway for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to find high-quality versions of these images, don't just settle for grainy Pinterest reposts.
- Check the Archives: The ABC and CBS Getty Images archives hold the original negatives.
- Look for "Thought Factory" Prints: These were the high-end posters from the 70s and are the most color-accurate.
- Museum Collections: The Smithsonian actually has one of her original costumes, and their archival photography is the best way to see the "real" colors of the suit before 50 years of fading took place.
Ultimately, these photos aren't just about a TV show. They represent a moment when a woman proved she could carry a franchise on her own shoulders. Lynda Carter didn't just play Wonder Woman; for several generations, she was Wonder Woman. And honestly, looking at those pictures today, it’s hard to argue otherwise.
To truly appreciate the history, look for the season two "New Adventures" promotional kits. They contain the most diverse range of her "undercover" Diana Prince outfits, which are a masterclass in 70s fashion.