T here have been many great photographers throughout history who have left their mark on the industry. Cecil Beaton is an inspiring fashion photographer of the 1930s. Born in 1904 in Hampstead, England, he moved to London and continued to live there until his passing in 1980. This British photographer began his career as a social photographer in 1926 (A Gallery for Fine Photography, 2001). His first camera was a Kodak 3A which was a very popular model at the time. Beaton used this camera to learn the basics of photography, often using members of his family as subjects. Ignoring his aversion to higher education, Beaton studied history, art and architecture at ST John's College, Cambridge (reference Search.com, 2010). Over time he became known for his portraits of celebrities, royalty and high society (A Gallery for Fine Photography, 2001). His most popular images were fashion portraits depicting elegance, glamor and style (National Portrait Gallery, 2009). Beaton drew inspiration from the most successful magazine photographers of the 1910s and 1920s, including EO Hoppe, Edward Steichen, and Baron de Meyer (Victoria & Albert Museum, 2010). Vogue published its first portrait of Beaton in 1928 (Harrison, 1987). It was his exhibition in London that won him this contract which later led to much of his work appearing in the magazine. He continued to collaborate with Vogue for over fifty years with both the American and British editions (Patrick, 2009). During this period he photographed members of high society such as Mick Jagger, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn as well as members of the royal family. family including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles. His work portrays the elegance and grace, which he achieved by creating...... middle of paper ...... a historical moment. Beaton was there to document the lives of members of the high society of his time. His inspiring photographs and intriguing character have been the keys to his success. The link between flattery and portraiture influenced Beaton early in his career. This influence is still clearly evident today in the works of many contemporary photographers. Beaton had the art of sculpting the bodies of his subjects, in a manner considered quite effective. His creative body style allowed his photographs to capture a different depth of atmosphere. Beaton's most memorable pieces were taken in the 1930s. While many of his personal views were less than elegant, this was not evident in his work. He is known as one of the greatest photographers of high society. And he was, as I believe, responsible for recording the elegance, glamor and style of his time.