Marilyn Monroe is one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history, embodying sensuality, grace, and vulnerability all at once. Her name still resonates today as a symbol of timeless beauty and tragedy. But while her star power was undeniable, it wasn’t just her performances or magnetic presence that contributed to her legendary status—it was also the way photographers, like John Florea, captured her essence through the lens. The collaboration between Monroe and Florea in the 1950s produced some of the most stunning and evocative photographs ever taken of the actress. These images did more than just capture her outward beauty—they immortalized her as the archetype of Hollywood glamour and femininity.

Florea’s Beginnings: A Snapshot of His Early Career

Before he became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after photographers, John Florea’s career began in the newsroom. Working as a photographer for the San Francisco Examiner, Florea quickly learned how to capture the essence of a moment, whether it was an image of a politician or a street scene. His keen eye for detail and dramatic composition caught the attention of LIFE magazine, which hired him in 1941. It was here, in the realm of celebrity portraits, that Florea would find his true calling.

Florea’s transition to Hollywood was a natural one. He became renowned for his celebrity portraits, with his subjects including the biggest stars of the time, like Jane Russell and, of course, Marilyn Monroe. Through his camera, Florea was able to bring out the charisma of his subjects, and it was his connection with Monroe that would go on to define much of his career. He became her unofficial photographer, creating images that not only captured her beauty but also hinted at the deeper layers of the woman behind the iconic image.

Video

Watch this video to enjoy Marilyn Monroe’s iconic performance of “I Wanna Be Loved By You.”

The 1950s: Florea’s Work with Marilyn Monroe

In the early 1950s, Monroe had already started to make a name for herself. By 1951, she had starred in critically acclaimed films like The Asphalt Jungle and All About Eve, marking her as a rising star. Yet it wasn’t until she signed a seven-year contract with Twentieth Century Fox that her trajectory toward superstardom was sealed. During this period, Florea began photographing Monroe regularly, and their collaboration would produce some of her most memorable images.

Florea first photographed Monroe in 1951, a pivotal year for both the actress and the photographer. On March 29, 1951, Monroe presented the Academy Award for Best Sound Recording at the Academy Awards ceremony, wearing an elegant black gown. Florea was there to capture the moment, and the resulting image of Monroe was later used in an article titled 1951’s Model Blonde published in Collier’s. This marked the beginning of their partnership, which would go on to define some of the most iconic photos of Monroe’s career.

Iconic Portraits: Florea’s Depictions of Marilyn Monroe

What set Florea’s photographs of Monroe apart from the rest was his ability to capture more than just a pretty face. Florea’s portraits offered glimpses of the vulnerability that would become a hallmark of Monroe’s legacy. One of the most stunning series from this period shows Monroe lying on a rug, with one photograph featuring her gazing directly into the camera with heavy-lidded eyes, a finger dangling sensually from her mouth. Another shot captures her resting her hand on her head, looking up in a moment of quiet anguish. These images, bathed in soft lighting, tell a story of a woman who was more than just the glamorous starlet the public adored—they reveal the complexities of her inner life.

Florea’s work wasn’t always about quiet, reflective moments; he was also adept at capturing Monroe’s playful side. In another famous shot, she posed in a tight-fitting bathing suit, one strap casually slipping down her shoulder. This “cheesecake” style photo—sexy and playful—was typical of the early publicity shots Monroe posed for, but Florea’s mastery of the camera lent the shot a sophistication that set it apart from the typical pin-up style.

In another shoot, Monroe posed at a dressing table, dressed in a delicate negligee, a sulky pout on her lips as the phone rang. The juxtaposition of her sulkiness and the glamorous setting created a moment of tension that resonated beyond the picture itself. Florea’s mischievous streak was evident in these photos, which captured not only Monroe’s beauty but also her playful spirit.

Behind the Scenes: Marilyn’s Hollywood Moments Captured

Florea’s camera also followed Monroe behind the scenes, capturing moments from her film sets that many of her fans never saw. One of the most well-known series of photos from this time was taken during the filming of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), in which Monroe portrayed Lorelei Lee, a gold-digging showgirl. In these photos, Monroe is seen in character, cross-legged and counting a pile of money. The photos were a perfect embodiment of her on-screen persona but also highlighted her ability to balance comedy with sensuality, making her one of the most versatile stars of her time.

On the set of As Young As You Feel in 1951, Florea accompanied Monroe as she visited the USS Benham in Long Beach, where she posed with sailors, wearing a black netted dress. The resulting images of Monroe in the casual, almost military setting are a fascinating contrast to the glamorous portrait of her that we all know so well. Florea’s photos captured the different facets of Monroe’s personality, making her seem both distant and intimately close at the same time.

From Starlet to Icon: How Florea Helped Shape Marilyn’s Image

Florea’s work was instrumental in helping Monroe transition from a rising star to a cultural icon. His ability to capture both her beauty and vulnerability set him apart from the many photographers who relied on generic publicity shots. With Florea, Monroe was more than just a beautiful woman; she was a multifaceted character whose image was shaped by her time in front of the camera. Florea’s photographs captured Monroe’s internal struggles and external confidence, painting a picture of a woman who was both fragile and strong, happy and sad.

His contributions to her public image were immense, as he created the photographs that would continue to define her, even after her tragic death in 1962. Today, the images Florea took of Monroe remain some of the most recognizable and admired photographs in Hollywood history. They speak to the woman behind the icon, giving fans a glimpse of her complexity and humanity.

Florea’s Legacy: The Photographer’s Enduring Influence

Though Florea eventually moved on from photography, transitioning into roles as a producer, director, and writer, his legacy as one of Hollywood’s great portrait photographers endures. The portraits he created of Monroe and other stars from the golden age of Hollywood are still studied and admired today. His ability to capture the essence of his subjects—particularly Monroe—set him apart from his peers, and his influence can still be seen in the work of contemporary photographers who look to him for inspiration.

Gallery: A Visual Tribute to Marilyn Monroe and John Florea

Video

Watch this video to relive the iconic moment of Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes!

Conclusion: Marilyn Monroe – A Goddess Captured in Time

John Florea’s photographs of Marilyn Monroe serve as a window into the heart and soul of one of Hollywood’s greatest icons. Through his lens, Monroe was not just a star—she was a woman whose beauty, grace, and vulnerability were captured in ways that still resonate today. Florea’s work immortalized Monroe as the epitome of Hollywood glamour while also revealing the complexities that lay beneath the surface. His photographs remain a testament to the power of imagery, and Monroe, forever captured in time, continues to inspire and captivate audiences, just as she did in her lifetime.