Slim Aarons
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Slim Aarons

United States • 1916 - 2006  413 followers

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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Photography, Marbella Club, Slim Aarons

Marbella Club

Slim Aarons

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

€3,480

Photography, Staying At The Carlton, Slim Aarons

Staying At The Carlton

Slim Aarons

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

€3,125

Photography, Saint-Tropez Swimmer, Slim Aarons

Saint-Tropez Swimmer

Slim Aarons

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

€3,690

Photography, Haiti Holiday, Slim Aarons

Haiti Holiday

Slim Aarons

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

€3,690

Photography, Villa Vera, Slim Aarons

Villa Vera

Slim Aarons

Photography - 50.8 x 61 cm Photography - 20 x 24 inch

€3,420

Photography, Beach At Saint Tropez, Slim Aarons

Beach At Saint Tropez

Slim Aarons

Photography - 40.6 x 50.8 cm Photography - 16 x 20 inch

€2,850

Photography, Saint-Tropez Beach, Slim Aarons

Saint-Tropez Beach

Slim Aarons

Photography - 40.6 x 50.8 cm Photography - 16 x 20 inch

€2,850

Photography, Saint-Tropez Beach, Slim Aarons

Saint-Tropez Beach

Slim Aarons

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

€3,990

Photography, Saint-Tropez Beach, Slim Aarons

Saint-Tropez Beach

Slim Aarons

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

€3,990

Photography, Sunbathing In Barbados, Slim Aarons

Sunbathing In Barbados

Slim Aarons

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

€3,490

Photography, Sunbathing In Capri, Slim Aarons

Sunbathing In Capri

Slim Aarons

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

€2,960

Photography, Snorkelling Holiday, Slim Aarons

Snorkelling Holiday

Slim Aarons

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

€2,960

Photography, Swimmer and Sunbather, Slim Aarons

Swimmer and Sunbather

Slim Aarons

Photography - 76.2 x 50.8 cm Photography - 30 x 20 inch

€2,650

Photography, Villa Nirvana, Slim Aarons

Villa Nirvana

Slim Aarons

Photography - 50.8 x 40.6 cm Photography - 20 x 16 inch

€2,850

Photography, Villa Vera, Slim Aarons

Villa Vera

Slim Aarons

Photography - 50.8 x 76.2 cm Photography - 20 x 30 inch

€3,710

Photography, Villa Vera, Slim Aarons

Villa Vera

Slim Aarons

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

€3,990

Photography, Villa Vera, Slim Aarons

Villa Vera

Slim Aarons

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

€3,990

Photography, Harbour Island, Bahamas, Slim Aarons

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Slim Aarons

Photography - 40.6 x 50.8 cm Photography - 16 x 20 inch

€2,850

Photography, Poolside In Kenya, Slim Aarons

Poolside In Kenya

Slim Aarons

Photography - 76.2 x 50.8 cm Photography - 30 x 20 inch

€3,710

Photography, The High Life, Slim Aarons

The High Life

Slim Aarons

Photography - 50.8 x 76.2 cm Photography - 20 x 30 inch

€3,710

Photography, The High Life, Slim Aarons

The High Life

Slim Aarons

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

€3,990

Photography, Poolside In Kenya, Slim Aarons

Poolside In Kenya

Slim Aarons

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

€3,990

Photography, Saint-Tropez Beach, Slim Aarons

Saint-Tropez Beach

Slim Aarons

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

€3,550

Photography, Poolside Service, Slim Aarons

Poolside Service

Slim Aarons

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

€3,690

Photography, Yacht Holiday, Slim Aarons

Yacht Holiday

Slim Aarons

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

€3,690

Photography, A Colourful Crew, Slim Aarons

A Colourful Crew

Slim Aarons

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

€3,690

Photography, Andros Island, Slim Aarons

Andros Island

Slim Aarons

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

€3,690

Photography, Saint-Tropez Beach, Slim Aarons

Saint-Tropez Beach

Slim Aarons

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

€3,690

Photography, Monte Mano, Slim Aarons

Monte Mano

Slim Aarons

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

€3,125

Photography, Marisa Berenson, Slim Aarons

Marisa Berenson

Slim Aarons

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

€3,690

Photography, Sunbathing In Antibes, Slim Aarons

Sunbathing In Antibes

Slim Aarons

Photography - 121.9 x 182.9 x 0 cm Photography - 48 x 72 x 0.001 inch

€5,800

Photography, Villa Nirvana, Slim Aarons

Villa Nirvana

Slim Aarons

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

€5,140

Photography, Harbour Island, Bahamas, Slim Aarons

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Slim Aarons

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

€5,140

Photography, A Nice Spot For Lunch, Slim Aarons

A Nice Spot For Lunch

Slim Aarons

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

Sold

Photography, Bahamas Speed Week, Slim Aarons

Bahamas Speed Week

Slim Aarons

Photography - 50 x 40 cm Photography - 19.7 x 15.7 inch

Sold

Photography, Desert House Party, Slim Aarons

Desert House Party

Slim Aarons

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

Sold

Photography, Nice Pool, Slim Aarons

Nice Pool

Slim Aarons

Photography - 100 x 100 x 0.5 cm Photography - 39.4 x 39.4 x 0.2 inch

Sold

Photography, Pantz Pool, Slim Aarons

Pantz Pool

Slim Aarons

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

Sold

Photography, The Prince Of Capri, Slim Aarons

The Prince Of Capri

Slim Aarons

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

Sold

Photography, El Venero, Slim Aarons

El Venero

Slim Aarons

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

Sold

Photography, Olimpia Hruska, Slim Aarons

Olimpia Hruska

Slim Aarons

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

Sold

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Need to know more?
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.