Paul Vathis (1925-2002), a distinguished photographer and photojournalist, left an indelible mark on American photojournalism through his evocative imagery and keen journalistic instinct. Born in 1925, Vathis dedicated 56 years to the Associated Press, capturing defining moments of the 20th century with unparalleled skill. His work, rooted in the tradition of photojournalism, chronicled political, cultural, and human stories with authenticity and emotional depth, earning him a reputation as a master storyteller through the lens.
Vathis is best known for his iconic Kennedy-Eisenhower photo, a Pulitzer Prize-winning image taken in 1961 at Camp David, Maryland, depicting President John F. Kennedy and former President Dwight D. Eisenhower walking together in a moment of solemn reflection following the Bay of Pigs invasion. This photograph, often called “Two Men with a Problem”, “Serious Steps” or "Cuban Missile Crisis (Bay of Pigs)" won the Pulitzer Prize for Photography in 1962, cementing Vathis’s legacy as a Pulitzer Prize photographer. The image’s composition, captured discreetly between the legs of a Secret Service agent, exemplifies his ability to seize fleeting, historically significant moments.
Throughout his career, Vathis amassed numerous accolades, including the Paul Vathis Memorial Photography Portfolio Award, established by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association to honor his contributions to Associated Press photography. His portfolio spanned diverse subjects, from the only newspaper photographs of Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point basketball game in 1962 to coverage of the Three Mile Island nuclear accident in 1979 and the 1987 suicide of Pennsylvania Treasurer R. Budd Dwyer. Each image reflected his commitment to journalistic excellence and his ability to convey profound narratives.
A World War II Marine combat veteran, Vathis began his photography career capturing bomb damage in the South Pacific from a dive bomber’s rear gunner seat. Joining the Associated Press in 1946, he worked in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg, where he spent most of his career. His boundless energy and dedication to photojournalism were evident until his final days; at age 77, Vathis passed away in 2002 while preparing to cover the inauguration of Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell.
Paul Vathis’s work continues to inspire, with his photographs held in prestigious collections and exhibited at venues like the National Portrait Gallery. His Pulitzer Prize photographer legacy endures through images that capture the essence of history, making him a towering figure in Associated Press photography and American visual storytelling
Awards and Recognition:
- Pulitzer Prize for Photography, 1962, for “Serious Steps” (Kennedy and Eisenhower at Camp David)
- Paul Vathis Memorial Photography Portfolio Award, Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association
- Multiple honors for contributions to photojournalism and Associated Press photography
Selected Exhibitions:
- National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.
- GALLERY M, Pulitzer Prize Collection
GALLERY M represents a select collection of Vathis' edition works and a select group of vintage photographs. Contact a specialist today to verify availability either by online request or toll-free at 1.877.331.8401. 
