Barry Kramer Legacy Gallery

Born and bred in New York City’s, Washington Heights, this local kid grew up to hang out with the stars. His photographic ability became obvious in his teens where he took countless opportunities to capture entertainment celebrities in places others never sought out. An advertising and graphics major entering NYU at 16, he was drafted into the military in his senior year and assigned to the USO photo corps touring with icons of entertainment in Europe. Here he built bonds with Frank Sinatra, Perry Como and others who became pivotal in his success after the war. In fact, during the war and after he became Sinatra’s personal photographer. In the early years he focused on shooting the great jazz artists of the era when they appeared at the popular jazz clubs in NY; Metronome and Downbeat magazines featured his work on their covers.  In the early 50’s he was introduced to Jayne Mansfield who at the time was unknown. Once her acting career took off, she relied upon his artistic eye which eventually translated into cover stories including LIFE magazine.

Like with Sinatra, Como and more, he established bonds with many of these superstars, beyond a professional one. Even with Mansfield, he left behind photos of she and her family including her superstar daughter, Mariska Hargitay as a child.  Barry refused to do any “traditional” work such as weddings and family events except for individuals like this (including weddings for children of Perry Como and golf legends, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus). He chose to see his work as art.