17/08/2026
Such a fantastic exhibition about Marilyn Monroe at National Portrait Gallery
She worked with renowned photographers of the 20th century, including Cecil Beaton, Eve Arnold, Richard Avedon, Philippe Halsman, Milton Greene and Sam Shaw.
What really interested me as a photographer was seeing how Marilyn collaborated with different photographers throughout her career to continually shape and evolve her image.
Each photographer brought their own creative eye, but Marilyn also understood the power of photography and how imagery could influence the way she was seen.
She would insist on seeing the contact sheets and choose the photographs she was happy with .
She was creating her personal branding, and demonstrating just how powerful it could be.
I believe that great photography isn’t simply about creating a beautiful photograph. It’s a collaboration between photographer and subject, bringing together ideas, personality, creativity and purpose to create imagery that communicates something.
And decades later, those photographs are still part of one of the most recognisable personal brands in the world.
