These extremely rare candid photos of Marilyn Monroe reveal a very different side to the megastar

In 1955, photographer Ed Feingersh captured candid photos of Marilyn Monroe that revealed a different side to the iconic star. These images, taken while on assignment for Redbook magazine, showcased a vulnerable and introspective Monroe, far removed from the Hollywood persona. The photos were taken during a critical period in Monroe's life and career, as she navigated a tumultuous business relationship with 20th Century Fox, began her own production company, relocated to Manhattan, and started psychoanalysis while going through a high-profile divorce from Joe DiMaggio.

Feingersh had six days to photograph Monroe, during which she prepared for her opening night at the Moroso Theatre, fitted for a corset for a charity event where she would ride a pink elephant in Madison Square Garden. Despite the disparity in their social status, Monroe and Feingersh formed a comfortable rapport, resulting in a set of portraits that capture a rare glimpse of the actress' true self.

The photographs, taken with a Nikon S2 camera and a 35mm rangefinder lens, are remarkable for their candid nature and Monroe's approval for publication. Monroe's distress over her costume not fitting properly can be seen in one image, while another shows her adjusting her outfit in a dressing room reflection in the camera. These authentic moments provide insight into Monroe's life, revealing a more human and relatable side of the legendary actress.

Monroe retained these images before her untimely death in 1962, and they were discovered in 1987 among abandoned negatives, adding them to the Getty Images collection and making them widely accessible.