Mark Shaw
American, 1921 - 1969
Mark Shaw was an acclaimed American photographer, best known for his iconic images of the Kennedy White House, as well as his groundbreaking work in fashion and celebrity photography. A disciple of Alexey Brodovitch, Shaw contributed to leading magazines including Harper’s Bazaar, Mademoiselle, McCall’s, Ladies Home Journal, Vanity Fair, and LIFE.
Born Mark Schlossman in New York City, Shaw initially studied engineering before serving as a decorated pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, flying alongside British forces in North Africa and briefly serving as personal pilot for Russian General Georgy Zhukov.
Shaw’s career spanned portraits of some of the 20th century’s most celebrated figures, including Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Pablo Picasso, Yves Saint Laurent, and Elizabeth Taylor. His most notable work came in 1959 when LIFE commissioned him to photograph Jacqueline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy during the presidential campaign. Shaw became the unofficial “family photographer,” capturing candid moments that helped define the Camelot era.
In fashion, Shaw’s innovative photography included striking images of Chanel-clad models on the streets of Paris and daring lingerie campaigns for Vanity Fair, earning repeated recognition from the Art Directors Club. By 1965, Shaw expanded into film direction, creating award-winning commercials and consulting for film directors, further demonstrating his versatility as a visual artist.
Today, vintage Mark Shaw photography remains highly sought after for its historic, cultural, and artistic significance, capturing both the glamour of mid-century fashion and the intimacy of American history.
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