Toni Frissell (1907-1988) was an American photographer and fashion editor, known for her innovative and artistic approach to capturing images. Born as Antoinette Frissell Bacon on March 10, 1907, in New York City, she grew up in a privileged and artistic household.

Frissell's interest in photography developed at an early age, influenced by her father, Lewis Fox Bacon, a prominent society photographer. She attended the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago and later studied photography at the Clarence H. White School of Photography in New York City.

In the 1930s, Frissell began her career as a fashion photographer, working for Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Her unique style combined elements of fashion, portraiture, and photojournalism, setting her apart from her contemporaries. She often incorporated movement and natural settings into her fashion shoots, capturing models in dynamic and unconventional poses.

During World War II, Frissell worked as a war correspondent and documented the lives of women in the military, as well as the war's impact on civilians. Her photographs from this period are poignant and powerful, capturing the human side of the conflict.

Frissell's work continued to evolve throughout her career. She experimented with underwater photography, capturing ethereal and dreamlike images of swimmers and divers. She also ventured into documentary photography, focusing on social issues such as racial inequality and poverty.

In addition to her fashion and documentary work, Frissell photographed numerous famous individuals, including politicians, actors, and artists. Her subjects included Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Marilyn Monroe, among others. Her ability to capture the essence of her subjects in a candid and intimate manner made her highly sought after.

Frissell's photographs have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums around the world, and her work continues to inspire and influence photographers today. She received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including the Medal of Freedom from the United States government in recognition of her contributions during World War II.

Toni Frissell passed away on April 17, 1988, leaving behind a rich legacy of artistic and innovative photography. Her ability to blur the lines between fashion, portraiture, and photojournalism, as well as her dedication to capturing the human experience, cemented her as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.