Marilyn in pink scarf, 2012

Bert Stern   Famous Artists

Bertram "Bert" Stern, born on October 3, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, was a pioneering American commercial photographer renowned for his iconic portraits of celebrities and his groundbreaking contributions to fashion photography. Growing up in Brooklyn as the son of Jewish immigrants, Stern's early exposure to photography came through his father's work as a children's portrait photographer. Despite dropping out of high school at 16, Stern landed a job in the mailroom at Look magazine, where he began his journey into the world of photography.

His talent quickly emerged, and Stern became the art director at Flair magazine, where he honed his skills in developing film and capturing images. By the 1950s, Stern was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Japan. It was during this time that his passion for photography flourished, laying the groundwork for his future career.

In the 1960s, Stern's career reached new heights as he became one of the foremost photographers of his time. He gained international recognition for his work with Marilyn Monroe, particularly the legendary series known as "The Last Sitting." This collection of 2,500 photographs, taken over three days in 1962, just weeks before Monroe's tragic death, remains one of his most celebrated achievements. Published in Vogue magazine, these images captured Monroe's essence with unparalleled intimacy and vulnerability.

Beyond Monroe, Stern's portfolio encompassed an array of iconic figures, from Audrey Hepburn to Madonna, Elizabeth Taylor to Drew Barrymore. His ability to capture the essence of his subjects, combined with his innovative approach to fashion photography, revolutionized the industry. Stern's dynamic and standalone images reshaped the landscape of advertising and editorial photography, setting a new standard for visual storytelling.

One of Stern's most famous images includes the inverted reflection of the Giza pyramid in a martini glass, which he created for his work on Smirnoff vodka advertising. This image, with its creative twist, became emblematic of Stern's ability to blend artistry with commercial appeal.

Despite facing personal struggles, including battles with drug addiction, Stern's passion for photography never waned. He continued to push boundaries, directing the acclaimed documentary "Jazz on a Summer's Day" in 1959 and contributing to Stanley Kubrick's "Lolita." 

Throughout his illustrious career, Stern's photographs were exhibited worldwide, from Tokyo to London, cementing his status as a visionary artist. Bert Stern passed away on June 26, 2013, in New York City, leaving behind a rich and enduring contribution to the world of photography. You can find Bert Stern and many more in our collection of works by Celebrity Photographers.