The most stolen photo in history — and the guy who barely got a thank you.
The story of the photographer who created the 1984 LIFE portrait of Michael Jordan that was copied by Nike and turned into one of the world’s most famous logos.
Direction
Tom Dey packs decades of injustice into 22 tight minutes.
Production
The original 1984 contact sheets — pure documentary gold.
Director
Tom Dey
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Rentmeester's original 1984 photo was shot for LIFE magazine at UNC's Carmichael Arena — the exact same location where Jordan would later win his first NCAA championship.
The Jumpman logo generates roughly $5 billion annually for Nike; Rentmeester's original payment was $150 for the LIFE assignment. Let that math sit with you.
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