Born 1909 in California, American photographer John Engstead assumed the position of studio portrait photographer at Paramount, despite having never previously photographed anyone in 1932.
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| Classic beauties photographed by John Engstead in the 1940s and ’50s |
In 1941, Paramount Pictures fired Engstead, and Harper’s Bazaar hired him for freelance advertising and portrait photography assignments. From 1941 to 1949, he took fashion photography assignments from numerous other magazines, including Collier’s, Esquire, House Beautiful, Ladies Home Journal, Life, Look, Mademoiselle, McCall’s, Vogue, and Women’s Home Companion.
In the 1940s, Engstead photographed many celebrities, including Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Maureen O’Hara and Shirley Temple. Unlike other photographers, he often shot his subjects at home or outdoors. During this decade, he built a studio in Los Angeles that became a gathering place for celebrities.
Engstead continued to photograph movie stars and other celebrities through the 1950s (Marilyn Monroe or Marlene Dietrich) and 1960s. He also shot cover photos for albums recorded by singers such as Peggy Lee and Connie Francis, as well as society portraits. His work extended into governmental figures in the 1950s, including then-Second Lady Pat Nixon.
Engstead closed his studio in 1970 but continued to accept special portrait and television assignments until his death in West Hollywood, California, in 1984 at age 72.
These gorgeous photos are part of his work that John Engstead took portraits of classic beauties in the 1940s and 1950s.
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| Anne Baxter photographed by John Engstead, circa late 1940s |
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| Anne Baxter photographed by John Engstead, circa late 1940s |
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| Ava Gardner photographed by John Engstead, circa late 1940s |
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| Carole Lombard photographed by John Engstead, 1940 |
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| Ginger Rogers photographed by John Engstead, circa 1940s |
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