Orkin, Ruth.

Orkin, Ruth. American Photographer. Born: Boston, Massachusetts, 3 September 1921. Education: Beverly Hills and Eagle Rock High Schools, Los Angeles, 1935-39; Los Angeles City College, 1940; self-taught in photography. Military Service: Served as a Private in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, 1943. Family: Married the photographer Morris Engel, in 1952; children: Andy and Mary. Career: Worked as a messenger at MGM Film Studios, Los Angeles, 1943-44. Freelance photographer, 1945-85; also, filmmaker, with Morris Engel, 1952-55. Freelance photojournalist, in New York, working for Life, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Ms., This Week, Collier's, Ladies' Home Journal, etc. 1947-54. Instructor, School of Visual Arts, New York, 1976-78, and International Center of Photography, New York, 1979. Member: The Photo League. Recipient: Silver Lion of San Marco, Venice Film Festival, 1953; Ten Best Women Photographers Award, New York, 1959; Manhattan Cultural Award for Photography, 1980; Certificate of Merit, Municipal Art Society, New York, 1984; Memorial Award, American Society of Magazine Photographers, New York, 1985. Gallery: Witkin Gallery, 415 West Broadway, New York, New York 10012. Estate: Mary Engel, Ruth Orkin Photography, 65 Central Park West, New York, New York 10023, U.S.A. Died: (in New York City) January 1985.