John Shearer (photographer) facts for kids
John Shearer (April 21, 1947 – June 22, 2019) was an American photographer, writer, and filmmaker. He was famous for his photojournalism, especially his pictures of important moments in the Civil Rights Movement. He also photographed the funerals of famous leaders like John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Another well-known series of his photos captured the boxing legend Muhammad Ali before his big fight with Joe Frazier.
Early Life and Photography Journey
John Shearer was born on April 21, 1947, in Harlem, New York. His mother, Phyllis Shearer, was a lawyer. His father, Ted Shearer, was an art director and a cartoonist who created the comic strip Quincy.
When John was in third grade, his family moved to Greenburgh, New York. He started taking photos when he was just 8 years old. As a teenager, he won photography contests from Scholastic and had his pictures shown at Grand Central Terminal.
After high school, he went to the Rochester Institute of Technology. However, he left college to become a full-time photographer. He wanted to photograph important events, including protests against the Vietnam War.
A Career Behind the Lens
In 1966, at age 20, John Shearer became a staff photographer for Look magazine. In 1969, he moved to Life magazine. He was the second African-American staff photographer at Life, following his mentor, Gordon Parks.
In 1972, the Association of Magazine Photographers named him the Photographer of the Year. John Shearer was known for capturing powerful images of social issues and important historical events. He photographed many moments related to the Civil Rights Movement, showing the struggles and triumphs of people fighting for equality.
He also took iconic pictures of famous people. His photos of Muhammad Ali before his major boxing match with Joe Frazier are especially well-known.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1986, John Shearer married Marianne Wiant. They had two children, Alison and William. The family moved to Katonah, New York, in 1990.
In 2019, John Shearer received the Trailblazers Award from the African American Advisory Board of Westchester County. This award honored his pioneering work and contributions.
John Shearer passed away on June 22, 2019, at the age of 72. Throughout his career, he earned 175 national awards. His photographs were displayed in famous museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. He also taught at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, sharing his knowledge with future photographers.
John Shearer's work continues to be important. His photos help us understand key moments in American history and the lives of people who shaped it.
