Artist Profile: Slim Aarons – Celebrity Photographer

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Slim Aarons lived by the mantra "attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places." And it's true, he photographed some of the world's wealthiest celebrities, jet-setters, and royalty, but somehow with a feeling of approachability and closeness.  From his NYTimes obituary it seems as though Slim had become one of them.  He was actually close to these socialites and was able to photograph them freely in situations where other photographers (and the public) were not allowed: their Palm Beach estates, private parties, terrace pools in Greece, and so on. I came to know Slim Aarons' photographs this past year as one of my clients purchased some prints of his.  I can't wait to finish the rooms that his photos will hang in.  They're modern and moody, sophisticated but not overly stuffy.  I've read was that Slim never used a makeup artist or a stylist in any of his photos, and that's why I think they feel more approachable, more real than many of today's celebrity photographs. What do you think - do Slim's photos feel intimate despite his subject being so glamorous?

Poolside Gossip in Palm Springs by Slim Aarons

"Poolside Gossip" in Palm Springs by Slim Aarons

Slim Aarons "Kaufman House"

Slim Aarons - "Kaufman House"

Slim Aarons - "Pop and Society" feat. Mick Jagger

Slim Aarons - "Pop and Society" feat. Mick Jagger, Marianne Faithful, and Desmond Guinness

Slim Aarons - Eden Roc Pool @ Hotel Du Cap France

Slim Aarons - Eden Roc Pool @ Hotel Du Cap France

Slim Aarons - Beauty and the Beast feat. Lady Daphne Cameron in Palm Beach, Florida

Slim Aarons - "Beauty and the Beast"

Slim Aarons - "Nice Pool" in Palm Beach

Slim Aarons - "Nice Pool" in Palm Beach

Slim Aarons - "Leisure and Fashion" - Poolside Fashion Show in Palm Beach

Slim Aarons - "Leisure and Fashion" - at a poolside fashion show in Palm Beach

Slim Aarons - "Jean Serpieris" - at Tour La Reine Athens

Slim Aarons - "Jean Serpieris" - at Tour La Reine Athens

Slim Aarons - "Penthouse Pool" - in Athens

Slim Aarons - "Penthouse Pool" - in Athens

Slim Aarons - "Family Chair" - A Flagler heir sitting in HM Flagler's favorite chair in front of Flagler Museum

Slim Aarons - "Family Chair" - An heir sitting in HM Flagler's favorite chair in front of Flagler Museum, Palm Beach

Which is your favorite Slim Aarons photo? If you'd like to see more, other writers' thoughts, or even purchase his work, follow the links below: Or if this put you in the Palm Beach mood - check out my post: Palm Beach Interior Design Style

I adore the Beauty and the Beast piece, it is quite amazing.

  • I love them all! Your right their being approachable makes them all that much more desirable. And who doesn’t want or dream of having a window to look into at the rich and famous.

  • Palm Beach is such a beautiful badckrop for every design. Even at 100 years old, it is still such a gorgeous city. The Worth Avenue Association just completely revamped their downtown area and it is absolutely breathtaking.