Born 1947 in Cambridge, Massachusetts; studied at the University of California in Berkeley, before discovering photography. From 1967 onwards, he documented the political and social changes in the USA. He soon bought his first Leica, subsequently working with M3, M2, M4 and M6 models. For almost six decades, his work was centred on social issues, with
a core focus on racism and child poverty. He published twelve books, and multi-award-winning photo essays for foundations, museums and various media. His work is representedin international collections and museums; he has received numerous honours. He now photographs with a Leica M11-P and M11. Shames lives in New York.
