Herman Mishkin (1871–1948) was the pre-eminent photographer of opera stars of the 'Golden Age'. Born in Minsk, Russia, Mishkin immigrated to the USA in 1885. Initially working as a store clerk in New York's lower east side, he bought a camera during the amateur photography boom of the 1880s. After working with the Manhattan Opera Company as a photographer-publicist, and building up a specialisation in portraiture, Mishkin first supplied the Metropolitan Opera with photographs in 1905. From 1910 to 1932 he was the Met's photographer of choice for lobby shots and portraits, in the early years persuading operatic set painters to supply him with artful studio backdrops. By the end of his career he was shooting stars in modern dress in contemporary settings. Mishkin also maintained a portrait studio, where he captured some of the most significant performing artists of the day.
