Bert Stern (1929 – 2013) was an American photographer who became a leading figure in fashion and portrait photography in the 20th century. Born in Brooklyn, he began his career in advertising before turning to editorial and artistic photography, where his bold and innovative style quickly gained recognition.

Biography

Bert Stern (1929 – 2013) was an American photographer who became a leading figure in fashion and portrait photography in the 20th century. Born in Brooklyn, he began his career in advertising before turning to editorial and artistic photography, where his bold and innovative style quickly gained recognition.

He collaborated with major magazines such as Vogue and revolutionized fashion photography through his graphic, sensual, and elegant approach. His work is distinguished by a sharp sense of light, a refined aesthetic, and an exceptional ability to capture the intimacy of his subjects.

Bert Stern is best remembered for “The Last Sitting”, the famous series of portraits of Marilyn Monroe taken in 1962 for Vogue, just weeks before the Hollywood icon’s tragic death. These images, both glamorous and vulnerable, have become timeless symbols of modern visual culture.

Throughout his career, Stern photographed numerous celebrities – Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, and Richard Burton, among others – and his work left a lasting mark on the history of contemporary photography.

Even today, Bert Stern’s artistic legacy continues to inspire photographers, creators, and image enthusiasts around the world.

Career