GET A GLIMPSE INTO THE HISTORY of American photojournalism with Ringling Museum’s latest exhibition, Alfred Eisenstaedt: Defining Moments, celebrating one of the form’s great innovators. German-born but leaving for America during the rise of fascism, Eisenstaedt was already acclaimed for his work with the Associated Press, but quickly gained additional renown as one of the first photojournalists for LIFE Magazine. He was “the archetypal photojournalist,” says Ringling Museum Curator of Photography and New Media Chris Jones, and throughout his career became known not only for documenting important cultural moments (such as the famous amorous sailor in V-J Day in Times Square) but revolutionizing magazine photography through both his portraiture (George Bernard Shaw pictured above) and environmental work. “And we see he has such a wonderful eye for tone, pattern, form and composition,” says Jones. “He was able to look at things from a different perspective.” Curated from selections in The Ringling’s permanent collection, the exhibition runs through March 18, 2018.

Photo credit:  George Bernard Shaw, Alfred Eisenstaedt. Gelatin Silver Print, 1932, printed 1979. 10 x 8 inches. Gift of Warren J. and Margot Coville, 2012.