Art Zelin Biography

Art Zelin, a leading New York City paparazzi photographer in the 1960’s and 1970’s, was born in Brooklyn in 1941 and died in 2016, at the age of 75.

He attended the New York Institute of Photography, where he studied black and white photography and darkroom technique. Known for his cantankerous wit and unstoppable energy, Mr. Zelin created a voluminous and diverse collection of celebrity photography captured at hotspots such as Studio 54 and the Paramount Theatre. Unlike other paparazzi photographers of the day, Mr. Zelin's friendly approach endeared him to his subjects, who often went out of their way to accommodate his uniquely intimate portraits. 

Art Zelin Collection images have appeared on the covers of Life Magazine, Paris Match and other major publications. His iconic shots of famous people including the Beatles, the Kennedys, sports figures and movie stars, are licensed exclusively through Getty Images.