Slim Aarons

author · photographer

American^[1,4] b. 29 October 1916, New York, NY^[1,4] d. 30 May 2006, Montrose, NY^[2,3,4] active 1940–2006

George Allen Aarons, professionally known as Slim Aarons, was a prominent American photographer renowned for his large-format color portraits of high society, celebrities, and the 'good life.' Born in New York City, Aarons began his career as a combat photographer for the U.S. Army during World War II, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. After the war, he transitioned into photojournalism and eventually became one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. His signature style, which he described as "attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places," captured the glamorous leisure and affluence of the post-war elite in locations such as the French Riviera, Palm Beach, and Hollywood. His work was frequently featured in major publications including Life, Town & Country, and Holiday magazines. His 1974 book, "A Wonderful Time: An Intimate Portrait of the Good Life," is considered a definitive cultural record of mid-century socialite culture.^[1,2,3,4,5]

• high society
• luxury
• glamour
• celebrity
• leisure
• the good life