Photos might seem easy enough to take, but remember, camera phones are a very recent invention. Back in the day, photos required a lot of setting up. While photography is an art, these photos are some of the most famous ever taken.
World Famous Photos From Life Magazine And The Stories Behind Them
The photographers hit all the fundamentals, plus they were in the right place at the right time. Read on to see some of the most amazing historic photos LIFE magazine has ever published.
Gender Reveal, 1954
While many gender reveal parties have ended up being disasters in the modern day, here is perhaps the first ever gender reveal caught on camera. In it, Jane Dill is told that she is having a girl, and the photographer Wallace Kirkland was there to catch the moment with a split-second reaction.
Gender Reveal 1954
Her reaction is truly priceless. The location was a lab in Illinois that helped many by revealing the gender of their unborn children.
A Kiss, 1945
This is an extremely famous photo that is often referenced in pop culture. In it, we see a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square after the end of World War II. Alfred Eisenstaedt was there to catch the moment.
A Kiss 1945
Apparently, he followed that sailor around as he kissed various women until he got the perfect photo. In a twist that sullies the photo, many of the women did not actually want to be kissed.
Jackie Robinson, 1955
Here is a piece of civil rights history. It’s Jackie Robinson photographed by Ralph Morse as he rounds a base to hit the home base and win the World Series for the Dodgers in 1955. He was the only African American on the team.
Jackie Robinson 1955
He was heavily criticized, and many feared he would be assassinated. One teammate joked that they should all wear the same number, then any assassins wouldn’t know which player was him.
FDR’s Funeral, 1945
At Franklin D. Roosevelt’s funeral, Navy Chief Petty officer Graham Jackson played the accordion. He always did this when the president would pay visits to Warm Springs. He was honored yet saddened when he was asked to play for FDR one last time.
FDRs Funeral 1945
The photo was taken by Ed Clark and captured the emotion in Officer Jackson’s eyes as he played the instrument. It was FDR that helped lead America through the Second World War.
Hells Angels, 1965
Back in the 60s, the Hells Angels were at their height and often misunderstood and feared by the public. Photographer Bill Ray decided to spend a few weeks with the biker gang and eventually got this photo.
Hells Angels 1965
Ray had taken many more, but the editors of LIFE didn’t want to publish them because they believed that no one would be interested. They certainly couldn’t have been more wrong, as we now know in today’s world.
General Douglas MacArthur Lands On The Beach, 1945
While photography is hard, being a photographer during a war is even more grueling. You’re a photographer during the quiet moments and a solider when things get loud. In a sense, you never stop shooting.
General Douglas MacArthur Lands On The Beach 1945
The photographer of this picture was Carl Mydans, who was captured by the Japanese sometime after taking this photo and was a prisoner of war for a brutal two years. The Japanese were notorious for the cruelty displayed to prisoners.
Frank Sinatra 1964
Frank Sinatra was a living legend in his time, and nothing has changed. Back in 1964, photographer John Dominis caught up with him and spent four months documenting him for LIFE Magazine.
Frank Sinatra 1964
In this photo, Sinatra is in a steam bath after a long night of drinking. He wasn’t exactly drunk, but he just felt like detoxing a little and working off some of the alcohol by sweating it out. A real music super star.
Robert F. Kennedy, 1968
Here we have the last photo of Robert F. Kennedy that would ever be taken. Photographer Bill Eppridge snapped the shot as RKF spent the morning on an Oregon beach along with his dog.
Robert F Kennedy 1968
It was a short few days later when RFK was assassinated by a Jordanian national. This photo served as the cover for a memorial issue of LIFE magazine dedicated to RFK. Bill Eppridge got a truly once in a lifetime photo.
Sugar Ray Robinson, 1950
Walker Smith Jr, AKA Sugar Ray Robinson, is pound for pound the greatest boxer in world history. His career rand from 1940 to 1965 and this very photo was taken at the height of his career.
Sugar Ray Robinson 1950
The photographer Ralph Morse caught the perfect shot while Robinson was training, catching him in the air over eight inches off of the floor. A truly stunning photo and one worthy of the boxing legend, that is for sure.
Audrey Hepburn, 1953
Mark Shaw’s career as a photographer got off to a roaring start when he had the opportunity to photograph actress Audrey Hepburn. She was just 24 years old at the time, and Shaw was able to spend the whole day with her.
Audrey Hepburn 1953
She was still enjoying the boost in fame her first major film had given her and dressed in a simple white shirt to enjoy a relaxed day with the photographer. A stunning image.
James Dean, 1955
Gone too soon, James Dean was an American actor who was much loved. This photo was taken by Dennis Stock and would end up being one of the last photos ever taken. The brilliant photo depicts Dean walking through Times Square as it rained in 1955.
James Dean 1955
That very same year, James Dean would die in a car crash in California. Many say that the refusal to use an umbrella captured his rebel spirit quite perfectly.
A Parisian Puppet Show, 1963
Another photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt. In this one, he happened to walk past at the right time to catch a group of children watching a puppet show in a park in Paris.
A Parisian Puppet Show 1963
The children reacted in a variety of ways, giving Eisenstaedt a wide range of expressions to capture. Eisenstaedt was adept at identifying the perfect moments to capture on camera and was lucky enough to find them. Many things make a truly great photographer.
Richard Nixon On The Trail, 1946
Richard Nixon used to be an attorney who operated in the state of California. This particular photo was taken in 1946 while he was campaigning to be president. At the time, it wasn’t that remarkable because Nixon was just one hope among many.
Richard Nixon On The Trail 1946
Its value jumped when he won the presidency, and the jumped again after Nixon’s exit from office. The Watergate scandal meant that any good footage was in high demand for print publishing.
Audrey Hepburn And Grace Kelly, 1956
Allan Grant captured a rare instance of two beloved actresses together. In this case, it was Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. Despite both their popularity, they had never starred in a feature film together.
Audrey Hepburn And Grace Kelly 1956
This photo was taken at the Academy Awards as both of them waited for their moment to go on stage. We must say that they both look as elegant as ever in their gowns. Grant did a fantastic job capturing them.
Post-World War II, 1946
Eugene Smith was a prolific photographer known for capturing some of the most harrowing photos of the Second World War. He threw himself into danger to get the best shots. He was injured in the Battle of Okinawa.
Post World War II 1946
Following the war, he dedicated his craft to more peaceful subject matters. In this photo are his children, Juanita and Patrick. It’s a photo that is clearly optimistic about the future, one of hope for the world.
Marilyn Monroe, 1962
Marilyn Monroe is perhaps one of the most photographed actresses in the premodern era. She is a pop culture icon, even if few are alive who may have seen her in person.
Marilyn Monroe 1962
This photo is taken by Bill Ray and shows her at Madison Square Garden, where she sang happy birthday to John F. Kennedy. The actress and the president are said to have had a sordid affair, and both of them died quite young.
John F. Kennedy, 1960
John F. Kennedy, often called JFK, became president at 43, which means he was the youngest president the USA has ever had. This photo was taken in 1960 in West Virginia and was taken by Hank Walker.
John F Kennedy 1960
JFK was known for giving rousing speeches, and that’s just what he’s doing here. Security wasn’t as tight back then, so you can see JFK standing alone without any bodyguards to shield him. It’s almost a prophetic photo.
A Plane Over Manhattan, 1939
Margaret Bourke-White dedicated all of her time to taking photographs from high vantage points. She was fascinated with capturing a bird’s eye view of everything. This 1939 photograph was taken of a Douglas 4 airplane flying over the island of Manhattan.
A Plane Over Manhattan 1939
It’s what could be called a signature photograph. If you see a prominent photo from back then taken from a high point, or focusing on a high subject, it’s likely that it was Margaret.
The Paramount Theater, 1958
The Covid-19 pandemic brought drive-in theatres back into popularity, but for a while, they were out of style. Back in the 1950s, though, everyone was going to them. Here’s a shot of one at its height of popularity.
The Paramount Theater 1958
The film showing is the classic Ten Commandments. Photographer J.R. Eyerman caught the perfect shot as Charlton Heston played Moses and dramatically parts the Red Sea. We wouldn’t mind these coming back into style for good.
An Overcast Arizona Sky, 1947
Photographer Andreas Feininger was acclaimed for taking brilliant photos of architecture. That was until he took a shot of Route 66 during an overcast day in Arizona.
An Overcast Arizona Sky 1947
The photo really does talk for itself. It shows a quiet place as clouds drift across the sky. This is the first modern photo of what can be called the American West aesthetics. It found its way onto numerous posters and many other sorts of popular consumer items.
The Village Of Deleitosa, 1951
Between Portugal and Madrid, you can find the village of Deleitosa. It was here that photographer Eugene Smith spent a lot of time taking wonderful photos for LIFE magazine. This picture is perhaps the most famous of the set.
The Village Of Deleitosa 1951
He called it simply “Spanish Village,” and it shows the difficult circumstances in which the villagers lived. The civil guards were an ever-present threat, watching over everyone and maintaining law and order by any means necessary.
Mickey Mantle, 1965
To be at the top of your field as an athlete, you have to stay in top condition and consistently produce results. Unfortunately, it appears Mickey Mantle could not do this. He was a legendary center fielder, but his career steadily collapsed.
Mickey Mantle 1965
As can be seen at the time of this photo taken by John Dominis, Mantle’s frustration was already clear in 1965. It’s interesting how much more profound a photo can be with context.
Kim Novak, 1956
Often times when a room is packed with men, and a woman enters, she becomes everyone’s focus. This is something of a social phenomenon, but photographer Leonard McCombe managed to capture such a moment perfectly.
Kim Novak 1956
The woman pictured is Kim Novak at a 20th Century dinner sitting among men in suits. The photo clearly shows the hold she has over them. It certainly is an interesting picture with the context, and a great photo too.
Salvador Dali, 1948
Salvador Dali was an illusive and eccentric artist, and would never settle for anything less than perfection in his artwork. This photo was taken 28 times. That may not sound like much, but back then it required a lot of set up.
Salvador Dali 1948
Photographer Philippe Halsman commented that the team was tired and wet after struggling to get the best shot. That’s not to mention how traumatized the poor cats must have been after it all.
Ernest Hemingway, 1959
Ernest Hemingway is an American legend. A writer well known for many books, but also embodying stereotypical American masculinity. He once complained of being kept away from a battlefield by the government.
Ernest Hemingway 1959
The photographer John Bryson got this shot back in 1959, as Hemingway wondered about the property. Hemingway is quoted as saying it’s the best photo ever taken of him. It was just two years after this that Hemingway died by his own hand.
A Bride, 1962
This photographer is of a bride as she looks out a window, and it perfectly demonstrates pre-wedding jitters, which many people who are about to get married experience, Michael Rougier worked as a photographer at this wedding in 1962.
A Bride 1962
This candid shot ended up being the most popular of the lot, as rather than focusing on grandiosity, it caught a very human moment. Because LIFE is about life, the magazine was glad to publish it.
Small Players, 1954
These young players are dressed in their uniforms and ready to play. This photo was taken in 1954 by Yale Joel, and what’s interesting is that not everyone on the team is wearing the complete uniform.
Small Players 1954
It’s messy and incomplete, but what the photo does show is that it’s all about the sport. The other things don’t matter as much at all, and it seems only kids really understand this. If only adults could too.
The Fight Of The Century, 1971
The fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier is legendary, and will always be remembered in boxing history. It took place in march 1971 and was dubbed the Fight of the Century. Frazier won and defended his belt.
The Fight Of The Century 1971
This photo is of a lighter moment as Ali sneaks into Fraizer’s room. John Shearer was there to capture the moment during the big event. Even in the biggest moments, levity and some humor can be found.
A Photo In Ann Arbor, 1950
This is another photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt, while he was in Ann Arbor. In this case, he was documenting a drum major in full uniform as he practiced high kicks that would be used in a march.
A Photo In Ann Arbor 1950
During the practice, a group of children gathered around to get a closer look and learn more about the major’s moves. With dedication and curiosity like that, we bet they ended up going far in their performance future.
Bill Cosby, 1969
This photo is iconic, and anyone could recognize who it is by simply looking at it. It’s an uncharacteristically moody shot of Bill Cosby smoking a cigar.
Bill Cosby 1969
While he was once regarded as the grandfather of the sitcom, in recent years his reputation isn’t so stellar, following multiple allegations of abuse. One must wonder if this photo does not now take on a slightly different meaning in light of what truths came to be known.
A Multitude Of Hats, 1930
Here we have the photo that served as the first-ever cover for LIFE Magazine. It’s one by Margaret Bourke-White, who absolutely loved taking aerial photographs.
A Multitude Of Hats 1930
Here we can see a top shot of men in hats walking through New York City’s Garment District. Did you know that Bourke-White was the first credited female photographer to capture footage of the Second World War? She was also the first woman to go on an aerial combat mission.
A Killer In The Sunset, 1966
This photo was taken during an eight-month trip that John Dominis was sent on by LIFE Magazine. His task was to capture interesting photos of African wildlife. This is perhaps the best shot he took while there, although there were many great photos in the set.
A Killer In The Sunset 1966
In it, we see a leopard with a fresh kill in a tree, as the sun sets in the background. Truly a beautiful composition, and something powerful to behold.
Gunhild Larking, 1956
Gunhild Larking was a Swedish high jumper, and here she was photographed by George Silk during the Olypmpic Games in 1956. That year it was the city of Melbourne in Australia that was hosting.
Gunhild Larking 1956
Larking was just 20 at the time, and she waits for her turn. George Silk was a veteran photographer that worked for LIFE Magazine for over three decades, and most of his career. He covered wars as well as civilian life.
Escaping, 1947
While LIFE Magazine included many photos of famous people, some of its most memorable shots were slice-of-life pics about what average people when through. In this one, Ralph Crane captured a sad photo of a young boy running away from an orphanage.
Escaping 1947
As sad as it is, it does give viewers some insight into an often neglected sector of society, and perhaps raises some awareness too. Definitely, one of the most profound photos LIFE published.
Liz And Monty, 1950
Here the photographer Peter Stackpole managed to immortalize an intimate moment between Montogomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor. This was after a number of romantic scenes in the film, A Place in the Sun.
Liz And Monty 1950
Following the production of the film, the two actors became good friends. While the photo looks incredibly natural, actors are trained to pose for the camera, so it’s possible they can it just a little bit of natural flare for some fun.
The Beatles, 1964
In their first trip to Miami, The Beatles were photographed by John Loengard. While they appeared to be enjoying the sunshine and water, the pool was actually freezing.
The Beatles 1964
You can tell by looking at Ringo’s face. In order to take their mind off the water, Loengard asked them to sing a few songs so he could photograph them in a comfortable state. It looks like it worked to a degree, as they all seem happy.
An Early 3-D Movie, 1952
When a 3-D movie came out in the 50s, nobody would miss it. Now we have real 3-D tech and IMAX, but back then, it was red and green classes. This is a photo of audiences watching the first color 3-D film called Bwana Devil.
An Early 3 D Movie 1952
It almost appears as if the audience is posing, with how excited they are as they all look in the same direction. A shot for the ages, to be sure.
In New York City, 1943
Pennsylvania Station is an icon in media, and it used to be called the heart of New York City. The iconic building featured in this photo was eventually demolished in the 60s to make way for Madison Square Garden.
In New York City 1943
Photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt took a photo of this waiting room, ensuring that no one would ever forget the architecture and the swell of the massive crowds that would pass through its grand halls every single day.
A Country Doctor, 1948
In Kremmling, CO, Dr. Ernest Ceriani was the only doctor to call within a 1,200-square-mile. Back then, that was a blessing because of how scarce doctors were. This picture was taken by Eugene Smith and is called “Country Doctor.”
A Country Doctor 1948
The photo was taken at 2 AM after a dramatic operation in which a mother and her unborn child perished. It is indeed a somber photo, but all aspects of human life must be recorded.
The Lindy Hop Dance, 1943
The Lindy Hop was a dance, and here we can see the dancers Leon James and Willa Mae Ricker doing it together, as photographed by Gjon Mili. The photo is one that captures art in motion and does a great job of it too.
The Lindy Hop Dance 1943
This style of dance started out in the late 20s in the halls of Harlem. One of the moves was named in honor of Lindbergh’s fantastic flight over the Atlantic Ocean.
A Wolf In The Artic, 1986
In the North Candian wilderness, Jim Brandenburg chased after a wolf in order to get the best photo of it possible. He certainly succeeded. This picture shows the wolf jumping across patches of ice.
A Wolf In The Artic 1986
Brandenburg focused on the arctic and served to show the struggle those that live there must endure, from a harsh landscape to bitingly cold winds. His work is a treasure trove of beautiful natural photos. Check some more of them out.
John Glenn, 1959
In the 1950s, Mercury 7 was going to be launched into space, and so LIFE magazine sent Ralph Morse to capture it in the form of a photograph. For several weeks Morse spent time with the astronauts and was around so much that they decided to jokingly call him the eighth.
John Glenn 1959
It was John Glenn who came up with the nickname. Thanks to Morse’s photo, John Glenn became the face of the US space program.
The War Effort, 1944
LIFE photographers were renowned for their bravery. One such photographer who, among others, spent time photographing soldiers in close quarters while the action was underway was W. Eugene Smith.
The War Effort 1944
This photo, in particular, was taken during the Battle of Saipan. Look over his shoulder, and this soldier appears steadfast but weary of the battle. It was almost as if he was reassuring the viewer that they would get the job done and come home soon.
Mahatma Gandhi, 1946
Also known as The Great Soul, Mahatma Gandhi was a civil rights leader who believed in equal rights for Indians and fought against British colonial occupation. In this photo, he is standing next to a spinning wheel, upon which he would often work.
Mahatma Gandhi 1946
Margaret Bourke-White captured the photo, and it is by far one of the most famous photos ever taken of him. Gandi advocated for a nonviolent form of protest and action called satyagraha.
Mark Spitz, 1972
Co Rentmeester was once an Olympian before he dedicated his life to photography, and here he has photographed another athlete, Mark Spiz, during training. This photo was taken in the run-up to the 1972 Olympics which were in Munich.
Mark Spitz 1972
Spitz would go on to win seven golden medals, which was an immense record to set. This photo clearly demonstrates his physical fitness, showing that he is at the top of his game and swimming career.
A Newborn, 1965
Here we truly have a piece of history. It’s the first ever photo taken of a fetus that is still in the womb. Photographer Lennart Nilsson documented the entire pregnancy and detailed every stage of the baby’s growth.
A Newborn 1965
His work was meticulous, and it contributed much to the understanding of how human beings develop. Her fetus is just 17 weeks old. The copies of this issue sold out in only four days. It was popular.
An Abstract Photo, 1954
Something a little more avant-garde, here we have Ralph Morse’s Jet Age Man, an artistic shot in which Morse used light and shadow to create something interesting to look at.
An Abstract Photo 1954
The subject of the photo is an air force pilot, and it was taken in 1954. It was at this time that warfare and aviation began to enter the modern era, and so this is a very fitting photo with which to mark it with.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn, 1981
This photo illustrates the freedom that Russian writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn felt when he finally made it to the United States. He was exiled to Vermont, but this was hardly a punishment, as you can see by the look on Solzhenitsyn’s face.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn 1981
Back then the Iron Curtain was still thick, and so many who lived behind it wished to make it to the West so they could live a freer life. An epic photo for sure.
JFK And RFK, 1960
This photo was taken by Hank Walker, and it’s of two figures we’ve already seen before. It’s John F. Kennedy, and his brother Robert. F Kennedy, in a hotel room in Los Angeles.
JFK And RFK 1960
At that point, the Democratic National Convention was happening, which is why they were staying there. At that point in time, JFK was still just a senator, but would go on to be president, and take RJK on as a presidential advisor.
Ingrid Bergman, 1949
Here is a photograph by Gordon Parks of the film star Ingrid Bergman, while she was filming the film Stromboli in Italy. The motion picture was directed by Roberto Rossellini. It turned out later that this starlet and the director were having a sordid affair.
Ingrid Bergman 1949
It might have remained secret had Bergman not fallen pregnant. The way the three women are staring down at the actress would end up taking on new meaning later on.
The Windsors, 1959
Here’s a shot of a former King of England who lasted less than a year, because he abandoned the throne to be with his wife. The royals managed to hush that up, as they have many things.
The Windsors 1959
For example, Windsor isn’t their original surname, it’s actually Sax Coberg and Gotha, but they changed it to avoid any association with Germans due to them being responsible for both World Wars. Many still remember too well, however.
The Freedom Rides, 1961
In the 60s during the height of the civil rights movement, a group known as the Freedom Riders fought against segregation. They had to endure physical violence and intimidation, and yet they pushed on.
The Freedom Rides 1961
Here is a photo of Julia Aaron and David Dennis, by Paul Schutzer. Here a National Guardsman is actually protecting them, although they were sure to face discrimination by authorities down South. The acts of the Freedom Riders were truly invaluable.
The American Contrast, 1937
This image is almost satirical. Margaret Bourke-White spotted a moment of irony and captured it perfectly. We see a line of African-Americans who had their lives destroyed by flooding in Louisville, standing in line to receive some dry clothes and food.
The American Contrast 1937
Right above them is an advert touting the joys of America, and claiming that it has the world’s highest standard of living. These days folks are less inclined to believe this very bold claim.
Pablo Picasso, 1949
Pablo Picasso was a world-renowned and highly influential artist. This photo is the result of a collaboration between him and the photographer Gjon Mili, who visited him in his French studio.
Pablo Picasso 1949
Back then photo editing didn’t exist, so they collaborated to create a long exposure work utilizing light. This photo was taken all the way back in 1949 and is considered by many to be one of the best LIFE ever published. It is remarkable.
The Man Himself, 1941
The British Bulldog, Winston Churchill was the prime minister of Britain during the Second World War. Here he was photographed in a dramatic fashion by Yousuf Karsh.
The Man Himself 1941
Karsh wanted to take a bold photo that showed Churchill as a powerful and imposing figure, and his use of light and shadow certainly achieved that to great dramatic effect. It’s a stellar photo, and perhaps the best one that was ever taken of Churchill. A masterpiece shot.
Georgia O’Keeffe, 1966
Georgia O’Keeffe was a highly acclaimed American painter who was at the forefront of modern art. Here John Loengard captured her as she had just turned 80 years old.
Georgia O Keeffe1966
It’s a fitting location for the shot too, seeing as O’Keeffe made the landscapes of New Mexico a frequent subject of her paintings. O’Keeffe’s work can be found in galleries across the world to this day. You should certainly look for a chance to see one.
Funny Man Charlie Chaplin, 1952
Charlie Chaplin can perhaps be regarded as the oldest comedian to be captured on film and photo, seeing as the height of his popularity coincided with the invention of modern filming techniques.
Funny Man Charlie Chaplin 1952
Here we have a photo by W.Eugene Smith of Chaplin at 63 years old as he practices expressions in the mirror. This is certainly a rare intimate shot of a man that was so well documented. A very remarkable photo for sure.
Nazi Propagandist Joseph Goebbels, 1933
Oftentimes, a photo can say much more than words, and this one does just that. It’s by Alfred Eisenstaedt, and it is the second photo he took of Nazi Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels.
Nazi Propagandist Joseph Goebbels 1933
In the first photo, Goebbels smiled at him, before he found out that Eisenstaedt was Jewish. Then he scowled. He essentially let his mask slip, and so it was the perfect way for Eisenstaedt to capture the real him on film.
When Smoking Was Cool, 1949
It might be hard to believe now, but back in the day, smoking was considered sophisticated and cool. Everyone who was anyone in high society used to smoke. Smoking for adverts often made it look even cooler.
When Smoking Was Cool 1949
Here we have a photograph of Clarence Hailey Long as the Malboro Man. Malboro had some of the best marketing around, but today the advertising of cigarettes is severely restricted. It is falling out of vogue for sure.
Holocaust, 1945
During the liberation of the concentration camp, Buchenwald, Margaret Bourke-White was present. She photographed the dire scene in detail because she knew it was something that could not afford to be forgotten.
Holocaust 1945
This photo was taken to show the public what the allies had been fighting against and to indicate that it was finally over. It is a very harrowing photo, but it serves to remind viewers of the great evil out in the world.