Sophia Loren, reading in a role | Photo By Alfred Eisenstaedt
Alfred Eisenstaedt, was a brilliant photographer who captured some of the most iconic images in history. All of his work had a distinct ‘in-the-moment’ sensibility that made his photos unforgettable.
Eisenstaedt, fleeing Nazi Germany in 1935, emigrated to America and took a job as a staff photographer for LIFE magazine. His work touched the hearts and mind of readers and over the years his arresting photos graced 90 LIFE covers.
His ability to see and photograph layered candid images made his work memorable for generations. Reviewing his photography, it also emerges that he loved to photograph his subjects reading.
Perhaps it was the sense of retreat from the world that a reader’s profile offers. Maybe his subjects were devoted bookworms. Whatever the inspiration, Eisenstaedt’s lens was drawn to these interludes. Some of my favorites are collected below.
His shutter opened and closed, giving these passing moments powerful permanence. Reading is beautiful.
ATO Fraternity Members Reading at Sewanee | Photo By Alfred Eisenstaedt
Elderly Matron Reading | Photo By Alfred Eisenstaedt
Author Hoffman Reynolds Hays Reading Among Shelving | Photo By Alfred Eisenstaedt
12-year-old Boy Sitting in a Barber Chair | Photo By Alfred Eisenstaedt
Actor Charles Laughton Reading Aloud | Photo By Alfred Eisenstaedt
Actress Dorothy McGuire Reading a Script in Bed at Home | Photo By Alfred Eisenstaedt
Actress Mia Farrow Reading to Children | Photo By Alfred Eisenstaedt
Farmer’s Daughter Delphaline Reading a Book | Photo By Alfred Eisenstaedt
Author W. Somerset Maugham Reading | Photo By Alfred Eisenstaedt
Rabbi Reading the Talmud | Photo By Alfred Eisenstaedt
High School Girl Reading at Newburyport Free Library | Photo By Alfred Eisenstaedt
Marilyn Monroe Reading | Photo By Alfred Eisenstaedt
Publicity Man Russell Birdwell Reading Los Angeles Times | photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt
Photo by Alfred Eisenstadt
