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40 Captivating Photos Of Celebrities Back In The Day That You May Have Never Seen Before

40 Captivating Photos Of Celebrities Back In The Day That You May Have Never Seen Before

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Every celebrity has a few iconic moments from their career that they’ll always be remembered for. But before those incredible concerts and Oscar-winning performances happened, these stars were working hard to become household names. And apparently, doing some photo shoots along the way as well.
Below, we've gathered some of the most captivating pictures from photo shoots celebrities did when they were younger that have been shared in the OldSchoolCool subreddit. These photos might not be the first ones that come to your mind when you hear these stars' names, but they’re certainly worth checking out. Keep reading to also find an interview with Portland-based photographer Becca Lueck, and enjoy taking this trip back in time!

#1 Keanu Reeves "Dracula" Promotional Photoshoot (1992)

Keanu Reeves "Dracula" Promotional Photoshoot (1992)
325points

#2 Princess Diana, Last Photoshoot By Mario Testino For Vanity Fair, 1997

Princess Diana, Last Photoshoot By Mario Testino For Vanity Fair, 1997
291points

#3 River Phoenix And Keanu Reeves In The Promotional Photoshoot For My Own Private Idaho, 1991

River Phoenix And Keanu Reeves In The Promotional Photoshoot For My Own Private Idaho, 1991
209points

All of our favorite celebrities have had flourishing careers, but it’s fascinating to look back on when they were younger and more fresh within their respective industries. Before Friends, Jennifer Aniston wasn’t a household name, and many people had never heard of Prince until he was in his 20’s. But it’s fascinating to see photos of them at the beginning of their careers versus where they are now. And lucky for us, all of those stars we know and love today were in some fabulous photo shoots in their youth. 

The Old School Cool subreddit is dedicated to sharing pics of “history’s cool kids, looking fantastic”, and it certainly does a great job of that. The community describes itself as “a pictorial and video celebration of history's coolest kids, everything from beatniks to bikers, mods to rude boys, hippies to ravers. And everything in between. If you've found a photo, or a photo essay, of people from the past looking fantastic, here's the place to share it.” It has amassed an impressive 17.6 million members over the past 11 years, and lucky for us, some of the photos featured are of the actors and musicians we love.

#4 Pamela Anderson In 1993

Pamela Anderson In 1993
186points

#5 Jamie Lee Curtis (1980)

Jamie Lee Curtis (1980)
184points

#6 Marilyn Monroe's Final Photoshoot Photos, Just Three Weeks Before Her Death In 1962

Marilyn Monroe's Final Photoshoot Photos, Just Three Weeks Before Her Death In 1962
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180points

To gain more insight on what it takes to make a timeless photo shoot, we reached out to professional photographer Becca Lueck, of Becca Jean Photography. She was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda, first detailing what she loves most about photography. “I love pretty much everything about photography, so that’s a tough one to answer!” she shared. “But I would have to say documenting different family’s personalities, and the way that they interact. Capturing their relationships is so special and my ultimate goal.”

We were also curious how Becca manages to capture a person’s essence when photographing them. “I am always looking for ways to get people to interact, rather than just standing there and smiling at the camera,” she explained. “So I will give people things to do that will help them bring out their personalities and feel comfortable in front of my camera.”

#7 Helena Bonham Carter, 1987

Helena Bonham Carter, 1987
179points

#8 The Queen Of Soul, Aretha Franklin, Esquire Photoshoot, 1982

The Queen Of Soul, Aretha Franklin, Esquire Photoshoot, 1982
175points

#9 Rare Backstage Photoshoot From Return Of The Jedi By Brian Griffin 1982

Rare Backstage Photoshoot From Return Of The Jedi By Brian Griffin 1982
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170points

When it comes to what kinds of photoshoots Becca enjoys the most, she says, “My very favorite sessions are family adventure sessions, where we get to go somewhere really beautiful here in the Pacific Northwest, with gorgeous scenery and interactive elements. It just makes the photos extra amazing.” In her portfolio, you can find many stunning photos Becca has taken with rivers, lakes, mountains and other amazing scenery.

#10 Dolly Parton Photoshoot At Dollywood Back In 1987

Dolly Parton Photoshoot At Dollywood Back In 1987
169points

#11 Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast At Tiffany’s Photoshoot, 1961

Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast At Tiffany’s Photoshoot, 1961
169points

#12 Freddie Mercury At A Photoshoot, 1979

Freddie Mercury At A Photoshoot, 1979
168points

We also asked Becca if she thinks all photoshoots are timeless or if there are specific ways photographers can ensure their shoots remain captivating decades later. “I always let people know that they should leave any digital watches at home and replace them with a more timeless watch, because nothing dates a photo more than a big Apple Watch on someone’s wrist,” she told Bored Panda. “I also help families figure out clothing, because what you would normally wear every day is not necessarily going to photograph well. So I am looking for clothing that is a bit more timeless, without any crazy prints that look super trendy.”

#13 Mark Hamill And Carrie Fisher Photoshoot, 1977

Mark Hamill And Carrie Fisher Photoshoot, 1977
164points

#14 Darth Vader Hugging Carrie Fisher, In The Legendary Princess Leia Gold Bikini, During A 1983 Rolling Stone Photoshoot

Darth Vader Hugging Carrie Fisher, In The Legendary Princess Leia Gold Bikini, During A 1983 Rolling Stone Photoshoot
163points

#15 Drew Barrymore's Gq Photoshoot, 1993

Drew Barrymore's Gq Photoshoot, 1993
162points

“When I am doing a session inside of a family’s home, then I just ask them to put away anything that would be distracting, like dirty laundry, phone chargers and other cords,” Becca added. “I think that well placed and nice looking clutter is fine, but you don’t want a bunch of dirty dishes, or things like that in the background.”

#16 Winona Ryder For Rolling Stone, 1991

Winona Ryder For Rolling Stone, 1991
161points

#17 Sigourney Weaver In A 1980's Photoshoot. What An Elegant Human Being

Sigourney Weaver In A 1980's Photoshoot. What An Elegant Human Being
158points

#18 Marvin Gaye In The Rain, A Shot From The Photoshoot For His 1971 Album, "What's Going On" Released 50 Years Ago This Month And Considered By Many, Including Me, To Be The Greatest Album Of All Time

Marvin Gaye In The Rain, A Shot From The Photoshoot For His 1971 Album, "What's Going On" Released 50 Years Ago This Month And Considered By Many, Including Me, To Be The Greatest Album Of All Time
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156points

“I’ve been photographing families for over 10 years, so I’ve definitely learned some things along the way. My biggest tip when it comes to getting family photos taken is to really focus on having a fun time with your family,” Becca says. “The more you can be in the moment and stop stressing over everything being perfect, the better your photos will turn out.”

If you’d like to check out Becca’s website or book a session with her if you live in the Portland area, be sure to visit her website right here.

#19 Keanu Reeves Photoshoot Circa 1985

Keanu Reeves Photoshoot Circa 1985
150points

#20 Whitney Houston's First Photoshoot, 1982

Whitney Houston's First Photoshoot, 1982
145points
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