Jerry Cooke (photographer)

Jerry Cooke (1921 – 2005) was a Ukrainian-born American photographer known for his work in photojournalism and sports photography.

Born in Ukraine and emigrating to the United States with his family as a child, Cooke began his photography career after serving in the US Army during World War II. He worked for LIFE, Sports Illustrated, Fortune, and other prominent magazines, capturing iconic images of athletes, celebrities, and everyday life.

Cooke was particularly renowned for his innovative use of camera angles and his ability to capture the essence of movement in sports photography. He often employed remote-controlled cameras and underwater photography techniques to achieve unique perspectives. His work often focused on human interest stories and the emotions of his subjects.

Beyond his editorial work, Cooke was also a successful commercial photographer, working with major corporations on advertising campaigns. He was a member of Magnum Photos for a short period. Throughout his career, Jerry Cooke received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to photography. His photographs are held in permanent collections in museums around the world.