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

A view of Adolf Hitler's burning mountain house, "The Eagle's Nest." (Photo by David E. Scherman/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

David E. Scherman

Sisters playing music together. (Photo by Eric Schaal/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

Eric Schaal

Dr. Arnold Gesell (C) studying baby at Yale's child psychology lab. (Photo by Carl Mydans/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

Herbert Gehr

Children in blitzed north of England eating meal from bread and Lease Lend cheese. (Photo by Hans Wild/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

Hans Wild

President Harry S. Truman waving his hat as he holds up a king salmon while fishing with others on Puget Sound. (Photo by George Skadding/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

George Skadding

Wife and daughter of a US soldier sitting in a first class dining car looking out at German "expels" travelling in boxcars. (Photo by Walter Sanders/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

Walter Sanders