05582818.jpg

A dozen or more photographers were in Lakehurst, NJ., on May 6,1937, to document the landing of the German zeppelin Hindenburg, but it is Sam Shere’s photograph of the airship bursting into flames that became an icon. At that time, the Russian-born Shere (1904-1982) worked for Hearst. He was a war correspondent for LIFE during World War II, and later contributed shots of American life, particularly the crush of people in New York City.

Adapted from The Great LIFE Photographers

The sailing ship the Joseph Conrad (L) and the whaler Charles W. Morgan (R), both adorned with many flags. (Photo by Sam Shere/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

The sailing ship the Joseph Conrad (L) and the whaler Charles W. Morgan (R), both adorned with many flags. (Photo by Sam Shere/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Tarsiers,an animal native to Indonesia and Philippines, eating a lizard alive. (Photo by Sam Shere/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Tarsiers,an animal native to Indonesia and Philippines, eating a lizard alive. (Photo by Sam Shere/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

More Like This

Basset Hound being bathed in back yard. (Photo by Robert W. Kelley/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

Robert W. Kelley

Models lying on beach to display bathing suits. (Photo by Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

Nina Leen

Representatives of 14 NATO nations (including US Secretary of State John Foster Dulles (fore, far R) signing a pact admitting Germany as 15th member in a ceremony at Palais de Chaillot. (Photo by Frank Scherschel/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

Frank Scherschel

Wide-angle photo of the floor at the Democratic convention with John F. Kennedy supporters.(Photo by Ralph Crane/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

Ralph Crane

Students from Chiao Tung University during an Anti-American demonstration. (Photo by Jack Birns/ The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation). Photographer

Jack Birns

Soldiers working on a locomotive. (Photo by Myron Davis/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation) Photographer

Myron Davis