Why This Jackie Kennedy Image Is One of the Most Influential Photos of All Time

last updated 17 November 2016

Jackie Kennedy was one of the most famous and most photographed women of her era. But which singular image was special enough to be named to Time magazine's just-released "100 Most Influential Photos of All Time" list? The 1971 photo, dubbed "Windblown Jackie" taken by Ron Galella.

This particular image made the list because it represented the advent of the celebrity paparazzi era. "One of the original freewheeling celebrity shooters, Galella created the model for today’s paparazzi with a follow-and-ambush style," Time explains.

The magazine explained how Galella managed to get the golden shot. "It was Galella’s relentless fixation that led him to hop in a taxi and trail Onassis after he spotted her on New York City’s Upper East Side in October 1971. The driver honked his horn, and Galella clicked his shutter just as Onassis turned to look in his direction. 'I don’t think she knew it was me,' he recalled. 'That’s why she smiled a little.'"

Watch the video below to see the now-iconic Jackie Kennedy image and listen to photographer explain its significance.

What's your favorite Jackie Kennedy image of all time? Tell us in the comments below!

Opening Image: Getty Images

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Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.