Ron Galella was dedicated to photographing Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the widow of the slain President.

A public figure with a tightly guarded private life, Galella was intent on capturing her all the time – to the point that it became an obsession.

Regarded as one of the original celeb shooters, Galella pretty much created the model for modern day paparazzi – that awful follow-and-ambush style that has ensnared every celeb in their trap.

And Jackie despised it – even taking out a restraining order against the photographer.

But Galella eventually got his shot.

Titled “Windblown Jackie,” TIME explains:

The picture, which Galella proudly called “my Mona Lisa,” exudes the unguarded spontaneity that marks a great celebrity photo.

“It was the iconic photograph of the American celebrity aristocracy, and it created a genre,” says the writer Michael Gross.

The image also tested the blurry line between newsgathering and a public figure’s personal rights. Jackie, who resented the constant attention, twice dragged Galella to court and eventually got him banned from photographing her family. No shortage of others followed in his wake.

Watch Galella tell his story about his obsession with the former first lady and just how he got the pic:

If you haven’t already, also check out the story behind the iconic 9/11 ‘Falling Man’ photo HERE.

[source:time]