Leisure & Legacy – The Timeless Ski Photography of Slim Aarons

Summary

Renowned photographer Slim Aarons built his career capturing the elegance and leisure of mid-20th-century life, famously describing his work as “photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places.” Aarons also had ties to the Mount Washington Valley, where he was friends with the Carroll Reed family and often visited.

This special exhibit features Slim Aarons’ iconic winter and ski photography, including images taken right here in the Valley.

Known for his simple style—using only natural light and avoiding elaborate setups—Aarons’ photographs have a timeless authenticity and elegance. They celebrate the art of storytelling through images that blend fashion, community, ski culture, and a love of the outdoors.

See the exhibit and experience a unique perspective on ski culture and winter life through the lens of one of photography’s greats.

Slim Aarons: A Life Behind the Lens

George “Slim” Aarons (1916-2006) was celebrated for his iconic photography of post-war prosperity, capturing the glamor, leisure, and elegance of the mid-20th century elite. Initially known for his work in Life, Town + Country, and Travel & Leisure, as well as his success in advertising photography with major clients like Citibank, Aarons became famous for photographing the rich and famous. But in addition to capturing celebrities and the wealthy in luxurious settings, Aarons also documented scenes of Americana across the United States, creating a rich visual narrative of the nation’s culture and lifestyle during this era.

Although originally from New York, Aarons developed a special connection to New Hampshire. As a child, he spent time mostly in Nashua, NH, but later came to North Conway on numerous occasions due to his close friendship with Carroll and Kay Reed, prominent figures in the ski industry. This enduring bond with the Reeds brought Aarons back to the region, further deepening his ties to New Hampshire and its rich winter sports heritage.

Early Life and Wartime Beginnings

Slim Aarons’ journey as a photographer began during World War II when he enlisted in the Army and served as a combat photographer for Yank Magazine. Tasked with documenting soldiers’ experiences, he was also embedded with professional journalists from Life Magazine. Aarons’ wartime efforts earned him numerous commendations, including the Purple Heart. However, after the war, he vowed never to photograph conflict again, famously stating that combat had taught him the only beach worth landing on was “decorated with beautiful, seminude girls tanning in a tranquil sun.” Instead, he wanted to capture “attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places.”

The Glamour Era

Slim Aarons’ post-war career was a complete departure from his earlier work. He gravitated toward socialites, celebrities, and the wealthy, photographing them in natural, leisurely settings. His subjects ranged from Hollywood stars to aristocrats, captured in luxurious locales like Beverly Hills, Mallorca, and Gstaad. Aarons’ easygoing demeanor and boyish charm endeared him to his subjects, allowing him to establish trust and intimacy in his work.

Unlike many photographers of his era, Aarons worked with available light only, avoiding artificial lighting, elaborate setups, or even stylists or makeup artists. This simplicity and his knack for composition lent his photographs an authenticity and elegance that resonated deeply. His portraits flattered his subjects and set trends in fashion and style, influencing mid-to-late 20^th– century aesthetics.

Legacy

In 1974, Slim Aarons published A Wonderful Time: An Intimate Portrait of the Good Life, a collection of his works that celebrated the era’s luxury and leisure. Though initially regarded as “disposable magazine photography,” Aarons’ images became iconic, inspiring designers, fashion enthusiasts, and tastemakers, and cementing his place as a chronicler of high society. In the 2000s, the rise of social media and fascination with vintage luxury led to a renewed appreciation for his body of work.

Today, Aarons’ photographs are celebrated as timeless documentation of a bygone era, blending art, fashion, and storytelling with his unique perspective.

Slim Aarons’ enduring legacy lies in his ability to turn fleeting moments of privilege into eternal symbols of an aspirational lifestyle.  Through his lens, the world witnessed the intersection of beauty, affluence, and human connection.