Twiggy, Vogue October 1967 - Ronald Traeger - Framed art Print

Ronald Samuel Traeger, a notable American artist, fashion photographer, and graphic designer born in 1936, also explored the world of experimental photography. After serving in the U.S. Navy as a photographer and cinematographer, Ronald utilised the GI Bill to study extensively while traveling Europe between 1960 and 1962.

Landing in Paris in 1963, he caught the eye of French Elle, and thanks to a series of impressive photos taken in Rome, he intrigued Vogue as well. A successful meeting with John Parsons, British Vogue's Art Director, secured him a regular commission. Ronald's first feature in Vogue in 1963 was an immediate success, prompting the magazine to eagerly anticipate more of his work.

As an American in London, Ronald lensed the 'Swinging London' scene, treating his subjects almost like exotic creatures. Twiggy, one of his favorite models, famously graced Vogue's 1964 cover on a mini-motorbike in Hyde Park, a testament to Ronald's unique eye.

After setting up his base in London in 1964, he frequented Paris, capturing key mid-'60s media figures such as Stanley Kubrick, Vladimir Nabokov, and Mary Quant. He often collaborated with sought-after models of the time like Twiggy, Grace Coddington, and Nicole de Lamage.

His promising career, as noted by Cecil Beaton, seemed poised to elevate him amongst the top-tier photographers. Tragically, Ronald died in 1968, at the young age of 31. He was married to fellow photographer Tessa Traeger.