05582818.jpg

A dozen or more photographers were in Lakehurst, NJ., on May 6,1937, to document the landing of the German zeppelin Hindenburg, but it is Sam Shere’s photograph of the airship bursting into flames that became an icon. At that time, the Russian-born Shere (1904-1982) worked for Hearst. He was a war correspondent for LIFE during World War II, and later contributed shots of American life, particularly the crush of people in New York City.

Adapted from The Great LIFE Photographers

The sailing ship the Joseph Conrad (L) and the whaler Charles W. Morgan (R), both adorned with many flags. (Photo by Sam Shere/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

The sailing ship the Joseph Conrad (L) and the whaler Charles W. Morgan (R), both adorned with many flags. (Photo by Sam Shere/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Tarsiers,an animal native to Indonesia and Philippines, eating a lizard alive. (Photo by Sam Shere/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Tarsiers,an animal native to Indonesia and Philippines, eating a lizard alive. (Photo by Sam Shere/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

More Like This

Inside a cell at the notorious Breendonk Nazi prison camp, a former Flemish SS guard is imprisoned after overthrow of German forces. (Photo by George Rodger/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

George Rodger

Writer Niven Busch lying on sofa with newspaper over his face as he takes nap from screenwriting. (Photo by Paul Dorsey/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

Paul Dorsey

State trooper holding burnt cap of a guard taken hostage during riot at Attica State prison. (Photo by John Shearer/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

John Shearer

Prisoners at San Quentin weightlifting in prison yard during recreation period. (Photo by Charles Steinheimer/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

Charles Steinheimer

Technician at Washington State University measuring lumps of cow fetuses. (Photo by Oscar Fritz Goro/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

Fritz Goro

Babies crawling during the 8th annual Diaper Service Derby sponsored by the National Institute of Diaper Services. (Photo by Cornell Capa/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

Cornell Capa