George Zimbel

George S. Zimbel, a then 25-year-old freelance photographer, captured iconic images of Marilyn Monroe on September 11, 1954, during the filming of "The Seven Year Itch" in New York. Amid a crowd of over a thousand people, including photographers, a film crew, and onlookers, Zimbel shot Monroe in her famous white dress over a subway vent on Lexington Avenue. Despite the rule against shooting during filming, Zimbel, working under a contract with PIX Inc., managed to discreetly use his Leica camera, eventually being moved behind police lines, from where he continued photographing. This event, masterfully planned for publicity, provided Zimbel with a significant opportunity in his career. He views these photos as a document of an age of innocence, reflecting his early years. Married since 1955 to Elaine Sernovitz, a writer and psychotherapist, and a father of four, Zimbel lives in Montreal. In an era of digital manipulation, he remains committed to traditional, "straight" photography, emphasizing the importance of the final print in documentary photography. His work combines personal perspective, technical skill, and informative content, capturing and retaining viewer interest.