Like so many, for as long as I can remember I have been an admirer of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. The attraction to her isn't unusual and I have tried to understand that part. She grew up in a time very different from my life. She was born into privilege, travel the world and seemed to have it all. But why is she any different than many others before her.
As I grew up the fact that her later life was a bit tragic I think made her easier to fall in love with. How she handled herself during the assassination of her husband and how she cared for her children. I remember watching on television (years later) when she married Aristotle Onassis many assumed because only he could offer the protection she desired for her children. That made her all the more amazing to me.
The fact that everyone loved Jackie at times seems so cliche. As I was looking at some of her photos the other night it occurred to me that the reason so many adore her, in my eyes is because her image is so welcoming. She has sophistication without pomp. Her petite frame, elegant attire and gentle nature just draws you in. Not to mention the great back drops of her life and photos.
At first I thought, wow she had some great photo journalists that knew how to snap great photos, and the image of her life that I loved was a charade indeed, often referred to as "Camelot"... But as I sat looking at more photos, and being a photographer I know those moments are real.
In my job I can only stage a photo to a certain extent with children. I can set the scene but if I'm asking the mother/father to interact with a child in a way they don't normally do the photo doesn't work. The children will not fake it and any age. Looking at the photos of JFK with their kids, the relationship is very different. Not saying that he was a poor father, his relationship was just a very different one and that's very common...
Over the years I've noticed that when talking about their parents the Kennedy's (the whole family) at any age called their parents, Mom and Dad or even Mommy and Daddy. It's not something that I hear most adults say so it always stuck out in my mind as strange. After watching the recent film, Ethel (about Ethel Kennedy) it came to me that it was not strange or silly but a small way to honor their parents...
With all that the Kennedy's have been "given" I admire their sense of social responsibility, appreciation of art and education, and love of family. I of course love Jakie's clothes and effortless style but I really admire her selfless devotion to her children.
I love the backdrop, JFK's socks and Jackie's pefection!