At this point in her life, she was working as an aspiring young model under the Blue Book Model Agency, just on the cusp of signing her first movie contract with 20th Century Fox (which happened in late 1946, alongside her famous name change).

Here are a few fascinating details about these specific images:

The Pre-Blonde Era

What makes photos from this specific window so distinct is her look. You can see her natural, curly brunette/copper-toned hair, styled casually with a pink ribbon headband. This photoshoot took place right before the modeling agency convinced her to straighten and bleach her hair into the iconic platinum blonde look that defined "Marilyn."

The Vibe and Wardrobe

The shoot has a beautifully candid, athletic, and carefree energy. She is wearing a cozy pastel green crewneck sweater paired with bright yellow shorts.

• In the first image, she’s balancing playfully on a volleyball in the sand with her arms and legs extended—a testament to her natural charisma and comfort in front of the camera, even at the very start of her career.
• In the second image, she is caught mid-action by the shoreline, holding the volleyball and smiling away from the lens.

The Photographer

Many of these definitive early beach sessions were captured by photographers like André de Dienes or Richard C. Miller, who helped document her transition from a sweet, small-town girl into a striking pin-up model. De Dienes famously noted that when he first photographed Norma Jeane on these trips, she had an almost angelic, luminous quality that immediately captivated the camera.

These snapshots are widely loved today because they offer a rare glimpse of the innocent, joyful person behind the massive Hollywood persona she would soon build.

does anyone know where its from ir the context, i love this lol

I got an advertisement of the Pontiac Chieftain from 1949!!!! Probably the oldest thing I own! I also got extremely valueable stamps of her with 99 little known facts about her. let me know if you want me to spill a few!! Gosh I love being a 12 year old collector! Honestly I truely love history and my idol! Also, I’d love it if a new flair was added. “Antiques”, I have a lot of stuff to show!

Painting my uncle completed in the mid 90’s ….. got it reframed a couple of years ago

This is one of my favourite of her, she just looks so adorable dancing.

I can see no information about this beautiful picture. Thank you all so much!

New personalised pin badge that I have made to commemorate Marilyn’s 100 birthday