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Slim Aarons
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Slim Aarons

United States • 1916 - 2006  414 followers
Bestsellers
Masterpieces

Photographing attractive people who were doing attractive things in attractive places. 

Biography

Aarons, a legendary American photographer, gained prominence for his unique approach to capturing the glamour and allure of Hollywood and celebrity life. Aarons' work remains a significant influence on celebrity photography and continues to be celebrated in exhibitions and retrospectives around the world. Recently, in December 2024, Vogue featured a curated selection of Aarons' après-ski photographs, highlighting his ability to capture the elegance and leisure of the Alpine lifestyle. These images continue to inspire fashion and travel enthusiasts, reflecting the enduring appeal of Aarons' work.

Enlisting in the U.S. Army at 18, he began his career as a photographer at West Point before serving as a combat photographer during World War II, where he earned a Purple Heart. Reflecting on his experiences, Aarons famously stated that combat had taught him that "the only beach worth landing on was decorated with beautiful, seminude girls tanning in a tranquil sun."

After the war, Aarons relocated to California, where his photography career flourished. He became renowned for his celebrity portraits and captured some of Hollywood's most iconic figures. His most celebrated photograph, Kings of Hollywood (1957), shows Clark Gable, Van Heflin, Gary Cooper, and James Stewart lounging at a bar on New Year's Eve, dressed in formal attire. His work appeared in prestigious magazines such as Life, Town & Country, and Holiday.

Aarons became known for his authentic, unstyled approach to photography, preferring to photograph "attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places." He never used a stylist or makeup artist, allowing his subjects' natural beauty to shine through. A prime example of this style is his 1970 Poolside Gossip photograph at Richard Neutra's Kaufmann House, which features Nelda Linsk, the house's owner, as one of the models.

In a 2002 interview with The Independent (London), Aarons shared, "I knew everyone. They would invite me to one of their parties because they knew I wouldn't hurt them. I was one of them." His relationships with his subjects were key to his success and candid approach. His personal influence even extended to film; the apartment in Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window (1954), where Jimmy Stewart's photographer character resides, is said to be based on Aarons' own apartment.

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Nationality

American artists

Categories

Photographers, Printmakers

Artistic movements

Aerial Visual Artists, American Icons

Themes

Everyday life, Landscape, Architecture
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All artworks

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Print
Photography, Harbour Island, Bahamas, Slim Aarons

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Slim Aarons

Photography - 76.2 x 101.6 cm Photography - 30 x 40 inch

$3,725

Photography, Skiers at Gstaad, Slim Aarons

Skiers at Gstaad

Slim Aarons

Photography - 152.4 x 101.6 cm Photography - 60 x 40 inch

$4,399

Photography, South Africa Swimming Pool, Slim Aarons

South Africa Swimming Pool

Slim Aarons

Photography - 76.2 x 76.2 cm Photography - 30 x 30 inch

$3,725

Photography, Soho Waiters’ Race, Slim Aarons

Soho Waiters’ Race

Slim Aarons

Photography - 76.2 x 101.6 cm Photography - 30 x 40 inch

$3,725

Photography, Skating Waiter, Slim Aarons

Skating Waiter

Slim Aarons

Photography - 152.4 x 101.6 cm Photography - 60 x 40 inch

$4,399

Photography, Porto Ercole Beach, Slim Aarons

Porto Ercole Beach

Slim Aarons

Photography - 152.4 x 101.6 cm Photography - 60 x 40 inch

$4,399

Photography, Porto Ercole, Slim Aarons

Porto Ercole

Slim Aarons

Photography - 152.4 x 101.6 cm Photography - 60 x 40 inch

$4,399

Photography, Porto Ercole, Slim Aarons

Porto Ercole

Slim Aarons

Photography - 101.6 x 152.4 cm Photography - 40 x 60 inch

$4,399

Photography, Porto Ercole, Slim Aarons

Porto Ercole

Slim Aarons

Photography - 152.4 x 101.6 cm Photography - 60 x 40 inch

$4,399

Photography, Poolside Reflections, Slim Aarons

Poolside Reflections

Slim Aarons

Photography - 76.2 x 76.2 cm Photography - 30 x 30 inch

$3,725

Photography, Andros Island, Slim Aarons

Andros Island

Slim Aarons

Photography - 101.6 x 101.6 cm Photography - 40 x 40 inch

$4,399

Photography, Campbell Falls Picnic, Slim Aarons

Campbell Falls Picnic

Slim Aarons

Photography - 101.6 x 101.6 cm Photography - 40 x 40 inch

$4,399

10/15

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What happened to Slim Aarons?
Slim Aarons, renowned for his glamorous photographs of high society, continued working until his death in 2006 at age 89. His iconic images remain influential in contemporary art and photography.
Are Slim Aarons prints valuable?
Slim Aarons prints can be valuable, especially vintage or limited edition prints with provenance. Their value depends on factors like edition size, condition, signature, and subject matter, with some fetching several thousand dollars at auction.
Where are Slim Aarons photos taken?
Slim Aarons' photos were mainly taken in glamorous locations such as the French Riviera, Palm Beach, Capri, and Hollywood, capturing the lifestyles of the rich and famous. He often photographed luxury resorts, private estates, and exclusive parties.
What is Slim Aarons photography style?
Slim Aarons' photography style is characterized by vibrant, sun-drenched images capturing the glamorous lifestyles of the elite, often in luxurious settings. He focused on candid, yet carefully composed scenes that exude elegance and leisure.