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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)

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