Alfred Eisenstaedt, the renowned German photographer, gained worldwide recognition for his work with ‘Life Magazine’. His iconic photograph of a sailor kissing a nurse on V-J Day in New York symbolizes the joy and relief felt by Americans at the end of World War II. Known as “the father of photojournalism,” Eisenstaedt had a remarkable talent for capturing significant moments and became highly sought after for his ability to convey a multitude of emotions through his images. Throughout his career, he documented numerous historical events and photographed a wide range of notable individuals, from world leaders to celebrities. Eisenstaedt’s passion for photography began in his teenage years, and he continuously honed his skills by experimenting with various techniques and equipment. Originally from Germany, he immigrated to the United States during the Nazi regime, where he continued to pursue his artistic vision.
Quick Facts
- German Celebrities Born In December
- Died At Age: 96
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Kathy Kaye
- Father: Joseph Eisenstaedt
- Mother: Regina
- German Men
- German Photographers
- Died on: April 23, 1995
- Place of death: Menemsha
- Awards: 1989 – National Medal of Arts
Childhood & Early Life
Alfred Eisenstaedt was born in West Prussia, Imperial Germany, on 6 December 1898. He was the son of Joseph and Regina Schoen Eisenstaedt, and his father owned a department store. From a young age, Eisenstaedt showed a creative nature and developed a fascination with photography. At the age of 14, he received his first camera, an Eastman Kodak Folding Camera with roll film, which sparked his passion for this art form. He attended the Hohenzollern Gymnasium in Berlin.
Career
Eisenstaedt served in the German Army from 1916 to 1918 during World War I and was wounded in both legs. After the war, he worked as a belt and button salesman in the 1920s. It was during this time that he began exploring his interest in photography and started working as a freelance photographer for the Pacific and Atlantic Photos’ Berlin office in 1928. He was greatly influenced by the works of pioneering documentary photographer Erich Salomon. In 1929, Eisenstaedt became a full-time photographer and gained recognition for his skillful use of the 35-mm Leica camera. He covered the rise of Adolf Hitler during the 1930s and captured many poignant moments in his photographs. In 1935, he migrated to the United States and joined the newly started publication, ‘Life’ magazine, in 1936. He worked for ‘Life’ until 1972, creating over 2,500 photo-essays and having 90 of his photographs appear on the magazine covers. Eisenstaedt held his first one-man exhibition in 1954 at the International Museum of Photography at George Eastman House in Rochester, New York. He also published several anthologies of his photographs, including ‘Witness to Our Time’ (1966), ‘People’ (1973), and ‘Eisenstaedt: Germany’ (1981).
Major Works
Eisenstaedt is most famous for his photograph known as ‘V-J Day in Times Square’. This iconic image, taken on 14 August 1945, shows an American sailor kissing a young woman, symbolizing the jubilation felt by Americans at the end of World War II.
Awards & Achievements
In 1989, Eisenstaedt was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George Bush.
Personal Life & Legacy
In 1949, Eisenstaedt married Kathy Kaye, a South African woman. The couple had no children and remained together until Kathy’s death in 1972. Despite his achievements and success, Eisenstaedt was known for his simplicity and unassuming nature. He passed away in 1995 at the age of 96. In his honor, the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism established the Alfred Eisenstaedt Awards for Magazine Photography in 1999.