Gallery VICTOR Portrait Photography

You cannot help but smile when you see the pure joy on this young boy's face as he shows off his "prize" catch to a group of onlookers in Art Shay's photo aptly titled "Boy with Fish...

The excitement and innocence is profoundly evident on the faces of Dianna Ross, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard - AKA The Supremes, in this behind the scenes photograph, dancing to ...

Adoring fans clamor for an autograph from Oprah Winfrey at the Bud Billiken Parade in Chicago. Every summer since 1929, “The Bud” has united African-Americans throughout the city of Chicago in music, dance, food, and laughter. It is a parade that openly and emphatically praises the historic roots of the South Side of Chicago. This casual look into Oprah's early life is an Artist Proof. It is matted and framed in a simple black metal frame measuring 16.25h x 20.25w inches. Richard Shay Oprah Winfrey at the Bud Billiken Parade, Chicago, 1984 archival pigment print 12h x 16w in 30.48h x 40.64w cm A.P. RSY016 Richard Shay grew up in Deerfield, Illinois where his father, the famed photojournalist, Art Shay and his wife Florence had moved to raise their family. Surrounded by the influence of his larger-than-life dad, Richard would go on to follow in his father's path. After traveling the world in his early 20's, Richard returned to Chicago and began photographing at The Oprah Winfrey Show. He became the family photographer for basketball player and Chicago treasure, Michael Jordan. He would go on to tour the US and Russia with The Smashing Pumpkins...

An intensity and empathy that will become her trademark, is so apparent on Oprah's face as she interviews a guest on her first talk show - AM Chicago. Oprah began her storied career on A.M. Chicago, a half-hour morning talk show airing in Chicago. In 1983, the new general manager hired Winfrey to replace the program's former host. Winfrey took over as host on January 2, 1984, and, within a month, took it from last place to first place in local Chicago...

Fierce friends - Maya Angelou, Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey - are pictured here in 1993 at the 65th birthday celebration for Ms. Angelou. Oprah said of Angelou - she was my mentor, mother, sister and friend. This A.P. photograph is matted and framed in a simple black frame measuring 20.25h x 16.25w inches. Richard Shay Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones & Maya Angelou at Maya's 65th Birthday Celebration, 1993. archival pigment print 12h x 16w in 30.48h x 40.64w cm A.P. RSY018 Richard Shay grew up in Deerfield, Illinois where his father, the famed photojournalist, Art Shay and his wife Florence had moved to raise their family. Surrounded by the influence of his larger-than-life dad, Richard would go on to follow in his father's path. After traveling the world in his early 20's, Richard returned to Chicago and began photographing at The Oprah Winfrey Show. He became the family photographer for basketball player and Chicago treasure, Michael Jordan. He would go on to tour the US and Russia with The Smashing...

Michael Jordan was so excited to celebrate with his fellow teammates, he arrived at the party missing one of those famed "Air Jordan" shoes! Photographer Richard Shay caught him in this shot from 1997 while celebrating the team's 5th Championship win. This A.P. photograph is matted and framed in a simple black frame measuring 20.25h x 16.25w inches. Richard Shay MIchael Jordan "One Shoe Left at United Center" Celebrating 5th Championship Win, 1997, 2023 archival pigment print 16h x 12w in 40.64h x 30.48w cm A.P. RSY009 Richard Shay grew up in Deerfield, Illinois where his father, the famed photojournalist, Art Shay and his wife Florence had moved to raise their family. Surrounded by the influence of his larger-than-life dad, Richard would go on to follow in his father's path. After traveling the world in his early 20's, Richard returned to Chicago and began photographing at The Oprah Winfrey Show. He became the family photographer for basketball player and Chicago treasure, Michael Jordan. He would go on to tour the US and Russia with The Smashing Pumpkins...

The garments' northern African origins can be traced back hundreds of years, as far as the 7th and 8th Centuries, to the early times of the trans-Saharan t...

Cigars come out and congratulations abound as Michael Jordan wins his 5th Championship in 1997. Here, Richard Shay has captured the moment when fan Bruce Willis looks at the superstar with such admiration and awe to be in his presence. This A.P. photograph is matted and framed in a simple black frame measuring 14.5h x 15.75w inches. Richard Shay Michael Jordan with Bruce Willis Celebrating Bulls 5th Championship, 1997 archival pigment print 9.75h x 11w in 24.77h x 27.94w cm A.P. RSY013 Richard Shay grew up in Deerfield, Illinois where his father, the famed photojournalist, Art Shay and his wife Florence had moved to raise their family. Surrounded by the influence of his larger-than-life dad, Richard would go on to follow in his father's path. After traveling the world in his early 20's, Richard returned to Chicago and began photographing at The Oprah Winfrey Show. He became the family photographer for basketball player and Chicago treasure, Michael Jordan. He would go on to tour the US and Russia with The Smashing Pumpkins...

Richard Shay met Oprah in the very early days of both of their careers. Here, he captures the then fairly unknown talk show host in an informal portrait. It is a pose much of the world will recognize in the years to come. This A.P. photograph is matted and framed in a simple black frame measuring 16.25h x 20.25w inches. Richard Shay Oprah Portrait Seated on AM Chicago, 1985 archival pigment print 16h x 12w in 40.64h x 30.48w cm A.P. RSY017 Richard Shay grew up in Deerfield, Illinois where his father, the famed photojournalist, Art Shay and his wife Florence had moved to raise their family. Surrounded by the influence of his larger-than-life dad, Richard would go on to follow in his father's path. After traveling the world in his early 20's, Richard returned to Chicago and began photographing at The Oprah Winfrey Show. He became the family photographer for basketball player and Chicago treasure, Michael Jordan. He would go on to tour the US and Russia with The Smashing Pumpkins...

As the personal photographer for this much loved Chicago icon, Richard Shay captured MJ on his 40th birthday celebration. This Artist Proof is matted and framed in a simple black frame measuring 16.25h x 20.25w x 1d inches. Richard Shay Michael Jordan on His 40th Birthday, 2003 archival pigment print 12h x 16w in 30.48h x 40.64w cm A.P. RSY006 Richard Shay grew up in Deerfield, Illinois where his father, the famed photojournalist, Art Shay and his wife Florence had moved to raise their family. Surrounded by the influence of his larger-than-life dad, Richard would go on to follow in his father's path. After traveling the world in his early 20's, Richard returned to Chicago and began photographing at The Oprah Winfrey Show. He became the family photographer for basketball player and Chicago treasure, Michael Jordan. He would go on to tour the US and Russia with The Smashing Pumpkins...

This publicity photo of Oprah Winfrey and famed choreographer Michael Peters was for a fantasy sequence with two of the stars from the hit musical "Dreamgirls". Oprah had been heard saying this was the best thing since 64 Crayola Crayons and that she cried tears of joy upon hearing the news that this would become a reality. She became a "Dreamgirl" for the day but the metaphor of her "dream" life is what is so intriguing about this photograph. This piece is matted and framed in a simple black frame measuring 16.25h x 20.25w inches. Richard Shay Oprah Rehearses Dream Girls with Michael Peters, 1984 archival pigment print 12h x 16w in 30.48h x 40.64w cm A.P. RSY003 Richard Shay grew up in Deerfield, Illinois where his father, the famed photojournalist, Art Shay and his wife Florence had moved to raise their family. Surrounded by the influence of his larger-than-life dad, Richard would go on to follow in his father's path. After traveling the world in his early 20's, Richard returned to Chicago and began photographing at The Oprah Winfrey Show. He became the family photographer for basketball player and Chicago treasure, Michael Jordan. He would go on to tour the US and Russia with The Smashing Pumpkins...

"Nelson Algren's Chicago: Photographs by Art Shay", page 34. Hugh Hefner liked Algren and vice versa. After Hefner purchased several of his short stori...

On assignment for Life Magazine in 1950, Art Shay photographed Marlon Brando at his family farm in Libertyville, Illinois, just north of Chicago. Looking straight into Art's lens, Brando is innocent of the fame that is about to become his world. He went on to a career spanning sixty years including winning two Oscars for Best Actor. This photograph is unframed. Contact the gallery for framing options. Art Shay Brando Portrait, 1950 silver gelatin print 20h x 16w in 50.80h x 40.64w cm ASY12088 “Art Shay’s photography shakes you up, sets you down gently, pats you on the head and then kicks you in the ass.” Roger Ebert “[Shay’s work] ranks with some of the greats of the 20th century.” Ellen & Richard Sandor, Renowned photo collectors “I’ve admired Art Shay’s work for almost forty years, and he keeps getting better. He can do anything with a camera, but what he mostly does is capture real moments and transform them into visual poetry. His work continues to be an inspiration to me.” William Friedkin, Director of French Connection “Art Shay is one of our finest photographers. His work over the past fifty years has artfully captured the beauty, humor, and pathos of America.” Studs Terkel “Art Shay is one of the best photojournalists I know. I’ve been a fan of his work since the early 1950s - before the launch of playboy magazine.” Hugh Hefner “Algren, Terkel, Royko, they gave us a voice. Art Shay gave us a face.” Tony Fitzpatrick, Chicago Artist “Art Shay is America’s Cartier-Bresson.” Thomas Dyja, author of The Third Coast “Chicago’s Art Shay in many ways is to American photography what Nelson Algren was to American writing: that rare and absolutely necessary citizen who’s blessed with a cold eye, a clear head, and a warm heart. What is it about Chicago that keeps giving us men like this?” Russell Banks, Novelist “The best images of Simone de Beauvoir and her times have been passed down to us by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gisele Freund, Robert Doisneau, Georges Brassai, and in America, the Chicago-based Art Shay, all world-class photographers.” Christophe Loviny, Art Editor, Paris “Art Shay is the best photo-journalist Chicago ever produced.” Arthur Siegel, photographer; IIT Institute of Design President “I have one of Art Shay’s pictures over my desk. It reminds me every morning of my Chicago roots. Arts photos, like me, have the Chicago accent, which may be to say he’s telling you the truth. I think it takes a realist to see the humor in things. I know it takes a realist to see the depths of tragedy. Art’s work is so real it feels like a Madison Street guy tapping me on the forearm.” David Mamet

Considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time, this black and white photograph of Buddy Guy was taken by Art Shay in 1966. In 2016, Buddy Guy chose this photo for his 80th birthday celebration poster. It is signed on the front of the image. It is matted in a heavy mat and framed in a black metal frame. It measures 25.5h x 19.5w inches. Art Shay Buddy Guy, 1966 archival pigment print 19h x 13w in 48.26h x 33.02w cm ASY177 “Art Shay’s photography shakes you up, sets you down gently, pats you on the head and then kicks you in the ass.” Roger Ebert “[Shay’s work] ranks with some of the greats of the 20th century.” Ellen & Richard Sandor, Renowned photo collectors “I’ve admired Art Shay’s work for almost forty years, and he keeps getting better. He can do anything with a camera, but what he mostly does is capture real moments and transform them into visual poetry. His work continues to be an inspiration to me.” William Friedkin, Director of French Connection “Art Shay is one of our finest photographers. His work over the past fifty years has artfully captured the beauty, humor, and pathos of America.” Studs Terkel “Art Shay is one of the best photojournalists I know. I’ve been a fan of his work since the early 1950s - before the launch of playboy magazine.” Hugh Hefner “Algren, Terkel, Royko, they gave us a voice. Art Shay gave us a face.” Tony Fitzpatrick, Chicago Artist “Art Shay is America’s Cartier-Bresson.” Thomas Dyja, author of The Third Coast “Chicago’s Art Shay in many ways is to American photography what Nelson Algren was to American writing: that rare and absolutely necessary citizen who’s blessed with a cold eye, a clear head, and a warm heart. What is it about Chicago that keeps giving us men like this?” Russell Banks, Novelist “The best images of Simone de Beauvoir and her times have been passed down to us by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gisele Freund, Robert Doisneau, Georges Brassai, and in America, the Chicago-based Art Shay, all world-class photographers.” Christophe Loviny, Art Editor, Paris “Art Shay is the best photo-journalist Chicago ever produced.” Arthur Siegel...

Howlin' Wolf was one of blues music's all-time greats, known for his electric guitar-based style. Photographed here in 1966 by Art Shay, this black and white image is signed on the bottom right corner. It is matted and framed, measuring 27.5h x 21.5w inches. Art Shay Howlin' Wolf, 1966 silver gelatin print 20h x 16w in 50.80h x 40.64w cm ASY199 “Art Shay’s photography shakes you up, sets you down gently, pats you on the head and then kicks you in the ass.” Roger Ebert “[Shay’s work] ranks with some of the greats of the 20th century.” Ellen & Richard Sandor, Renowned photo collectors “I’ve admired Art Shay’s work for almost forty years, and he keeps getting better. He can do anything with a camera, but what he mostly does is capture real moments and transform them into visual poetry. His work continues to be an inspiration to me.” William Friedkin, Director of French Connection “Art Shay is one of our finest photographers. His work over the past fifty years has artfully captured the beauty, humor, and pathos of America.” Studs Terkel “Art Shay is one of the best photojournalists I know. I’ve been a fan of his work since the early 1950s - before the launch of playboy magazine.” Hugh Hefner “Algren, Terkel, Royko, they gave us a voice. Art Shay gave us a face.” Tony Fitzpatrick, Chicago Artist “Art Shay is America’s Cartier-Bresson.” Thomas Dyja, author of The Third Coast “Chicago’s Art Shay in many ways is to American photography what Nelson Algren was to American writing: that rare and absolutely necessary citizen who’s blessed with a cold eye, a clear head, and a warm heart. What is it about Chicago that keeps giving us men like this?” Russell Banks, Novelist “The best images of Simone de Beauvoir and her times have been passed down to us by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gisele Freund, Robert Doisneau, Georges Brassai, and in America, the Chicago-based Art Shay, all world-class photographers.” Christophe Loviny, Art Editor, Paris “Art Shay is the best photo-journalist Chicago ever produced.” Arthur Siegel...

Famed Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi photographed at Lambeau Field in 1966 by Art Shay. The angle of this shot is particularly interesting. Art was definitely up close and personal with the coach and players that day! This photograph is not framed. Please contact the gallery for framing options. Art Shay Lombardi Huddle, 1966 silver gelatin print, printed later 20h x 16w in 50.80h x 40.64w cm ASY15080 “Art Shay’s photography shakes you up, sets you down gently, pats you on the head and then kicks you in the ass.” Roger Ebert “[Shay’s work] ranks with some of the greats of the 20th century.” Ellen & Richard Sandor, Renowned photo collectors “I’ve admired Art Shay’s work for almost forty years, and he keeps getting better. He can do anything with a camera, but what he mostly does is capture real moments and transform them into visual poetry. His work continues to be an inspiration to me.” William Friedkin, Director of French Connection “Art Shay is one of our finest photographers. His work over the past fifty years has artfully captured the beauty, humor, and pathos of America.” Studs Terkel “Art Shay is one of the best photojournalists I know. I’ve been a fan of his work since the early 1950s - before the launch of playboy magazine.” Hugh Hefner “Algren, Terkel, Royko, they gave us a voice. Art Shay gave us a face.” Tony Fitzpatrick, Chicago Artist “Art Shay is America’s Cartier-Bresson.” Thomas Dyja, author of The Third Coast “Chicago’s Art Shay in many ways is to American photography what Nelson Algren was to American writing: that rare and absolutely necessary citizen who’s blessed with a cold eye, a clear head, and a warm heart. What is it about Chicago that keeps giving us men like this?” Russell Banks, Novelist “The best images of Simone de Beauvoir and her times have been passed down to us by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gisele Freund, Robert Doisneau, Georges Brassai, and in America, the Chicago-based Art Shay, all world-class photographers.” Christophe Loviny, Art Editor, Paris “Art Shay is the best photo-journalist Chicago ever produced.” Arthur Siegel...

This is a large scale black and white photo of Marlon Brando as a young man at his family farm with his dog. In 1951 Life Magazine asked Art Shay to photograph Marlon Brando at his family home in Libertyville, IL. This is one of the photos from that shoot. In 2000, Art Shay published Album for an Age: Unconventional Words and Pictures from the Twentieth Century. This artwork is matted and framed. Art Shay Marlon Brando Kissing Dog...

This photograph features John F Kennedy sitting on the back of a convertible with US Representative George McGovern in what at first glance appears to be a parade route in South Dako...

Art Shay's love of Street Photography is evident is this photograph simply titled "Vegas". A plethora of restaurant and hotel signs pay homage to Mondrian. These colorful signs cov...

Art Shay's love of Street Photography is evident is this 1953 photograph entitled "Maxwell Street Dog". A Chicago tradition running for about 100 years, the Maxwell Street Market wa...