The Stories Behind These Iconic Photos

In 1953, young senator John F. Kennedy and his then-fiancee, Jacqueline Bouvier, were featured on the cover story of the influential Life Magazine. That’s how the young couple were first presented to the nation, and it had to be perfect. Sports photographer Hy Peskin was recruited to the mission, and he was invited to spend a weekend with the family at their compound.

The cover photo – the one you see before you – was the cherry on top of a successful cover spread, and it was later given the name “Camelot.” The young couple looked more radiant than ever on John’s boat, but what was most eye-catching was how genuine and fun this photo was compared to the usual serious atmosphere of political photos; in that sense, it was revolutionary.