In a world of political storytelling, Jacques Lowe emerged as a unique artist. Born Jascha Lülsdorf in Cologne, Germany, Lowe emigrated to the United States after World War II and began working in news and publishing. He learned his craft from Arnold A. Newman, a New York City freelance photographer known for portraits, specifically how he incorporated portraits that had his subjects in their natural environments and not a studio in his compositions. 

After winning LIFE magazine's contest for young photographers in 1951, Lowe caught the attention of Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy. Lowe was on assignment from Collier’s magazine to photograph Kennedy’s son Robert F. Kennedy in 1956. This assignment led Ambassador Kennedy to ask Lowe to photograph his other son, Jack. Ambassador Kennedy’s request set in motion the remarkable journey of Lowe and the Kennedy family.  

Lowe met Kennedy’s in 1958. With a visionary’s unconventional approach, he brought a fresh perspective to JFK’s campaign. His technique included rejecting staged and rigid compositions, capturing spontaneous family interactions, utilizing natural light to reveal genuine emotion, and presenting politicians as human beings. He was looking for a “decisive moment,” which he learned from his mentor Arnold Newman. "I wanted to photograph the president as a human being, not as an icon," Lowe once remarked. That statement was not just profound; it defined his philosophy. Instead of posing his subjects for stiff, formal portraits, Lowe pursued authenticity. By humanizing the Kennedy family, he made them authentic and relatable to the American people.  

Lowe did far more than capture moments. He was instrumental in sculpting a national mythology around the Kennedy family. Lowe also helped reimagine the American presidency and campaigning during the Cold War era by making the candidate relatable and showcasing candid moments. This mix of technical mastery and human insight created a fresh visual narrative that set him apart from traditional White House photographers. Lowe's work transformed the way Americans viewed political leadership by making the Kennedy family less mysterious and softening their political persona. A single image of JFK laughing with his children or sharing a quiet moment with his wife, Jackie, spoke volumes more than hours of campaign speeches ever could. He knew that if framed properly, vulnerability would be seen as an expression of strength. 

Consider his most iconic shots: JFK smiling casually with his daughter Caroline at Hyannis Port, offering a glimpse of genuine joy in a leader; Jackie reviewing documents aboard their campaign plane, capturing a quiet moment of focus amidst a whirlwind campaign tour; and candid exchanges during strategy sessions with brother and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, humanizing the inner workings of power. Each frame invited viewers into the Kennedys' world, making politics feel personal and attainable.

Even before Jackie Kennedy uttered the term Camelot, Lowe was busy constructing that narrative. His images hinted at a presidency defined by youth, intellect, and hope. His work subtly shifted public perception, making the Kennedys synonymous with an era of idealism and promise. Interestingly, the Camelot narrative emerged after JFK's assassination. In an interview with author Theodore White for Life magazine in December 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy drew parallels between her husband's presidency and the mythical court of King Arthur. She shared that JFK often enjoyed listening to the musical "Camelot," particularly the line, "Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief, shining moment that was known as Camelot." This connection, combined with Lowe's imagery, solidified the timeless notion of the Kennedy era as a modern Camelot.  

The magic of this family was built not only on political ambition but also on moments of uncommon access and mastery that Jacques Lowe captured through his lens.

Frank Harvey has officially acquired the rights to the works of Jacques Lowe, the legendary photographer of John F. Kennedy. Lowe’s iconic images, which captured the essence of Camelot and some of the most intimate moments of JFK’s life and presidency, will now be preserved and shared under Harvey’s stewardship. This acquisition ensures that Lowe’s visual legacy will continue to inspire and educate. 

Through this partnership, School Tours of America will have the unique opportunity to incorporate Lowe’s historic photography into its educational tours. Students will gain a richer, more immersive understanding of JFK’s era, seeing history through the lens of the man who documented it firsthand. From curated materials to exclusive tour enhancements, this visual archive will bring history to life in a way that only these rare and powerful images can.