50's Assignments

Robert Natkin

Robert was a working photographer in the late 40's and early 50's in Chicago, doing assignments for the Black Star Agency and , most notably for Ebony Magazine, the magazine that his friend John Johnson published.

Click on the photos below to view them full screen.

Fat Man with Brother

1951
Fishhook, IL

On assignment for the Black Star Agency, Robert drove to Fishhook, Illinois, one of the southernmost  towns in Illinois, forded a stream in his new car to photograph the world's fattest man (at the time). A young man with a glandular condition Robert showed contrast by photographing him with his brother playing chess.

100 Year Old Man

1951
Chicago, IL

On assignment for Ebony Magazine, Robert photographed 100 year old people in the Chicago Area

100 Year Old Woman

1951
Chicago, IL

On assignment for Ebony Magazine, Robert photographed 100 year old people in the Chicago Area

Drug User in Jail

1950
Chicago, IL

On assignment for Ebony Magazine, Robert photographed a young drug user, following her to court the next day and photographed her sentencing.

1952

Newspaper seller

Chicago, IL

On assignment for Black Star, Robert photographed the 1952 Republican Convention at the International Ampitheater in Chicago.

1952

Nixons and Eisenhowers

Chicago, IL

At the Republican Convention, Robert photographed Richard and Pat Nixon and Dwught and Mamie Eisenhower after they were nominated to run for office.

1952

Television Class

Chicago, IL

An assignment for Black Star, Robert Photographed a television production class at Columbia College in Chicago.

1952

Bes-Ben Hats

Chicago, IL

Creator of the famed Bes-Ben hat label, milliner Benjamin B. Green-Field was known as 'Chicago's Mad Hatter.' Robert was hired to photograph his new line of wacky hats

1952

Cigarette Hat

Chicago, IL

Creator of the famed Bes-Ben hat label, milliner Benjamin B. Green-Field was known as 'Chicago's Mad Hatter.' Robert was hired to photograph his new line of wacky hats

1952

Swan Hat

Chicago, IL

Creator of the famed Bes-Ben hat label, milliner Benjamin B. Green-Field was known as 'Chicago's Mad Hatter.' Robert was hired to photograph his new line of wacky hats

1951

Bathing Suit Models

Chicago, IL

Although fashion was not his first choice, he never backed down from a challenge

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