Slim Aarons worked mainly for society publications, taking pictures of the rich and famous both before and after serving as a photographer for the US military magazine Yank during World War II. His work has been included in the publications Town and Country, Holiday, Venture and LIFE. He was known for the positive portrayals he gave to the people he photographed and was invited to high-society gatherings for exactly this reason. His subject matter covered American and European society as well as nobility and both minor and major stars of the day.

There is something alluring in the endless summer holiday photos that he has taken. The theme remains very similar (mainly poolside glam) yet each photo is so different. You feel like Sean Connery is about to step on set and ask for a Martini, shaken not stirred. Ursula Andres, could be one of the beautiful women on the loungers. Jackie O, could be behind a pair of oversized shades. The gliterrati of the 60s and 70s, tanned, with enigmatic smiles and perfectly coiffed hair are forever impressed upon Slim's negatives.

My personal favourite?

THIS Grace Kelly photo.

And the one with girls bathing on the top of a rooftop swimming pool (the Takis Kanelopoullos penthouse) with views of the Acropolis in Athens in 1961.

Slim Aaron's style has been mimicked heavily especially in advertising and with renewed interest in his work of late it's only reasonable to see limited edition prints cropping up in art auctions all over the world.

You can find his work on Surface View.

#art #photography #iconicdesign