LOS ANGELES (AP) — Alfred Wertheimer, the photographer whose photographs of Elvis Presley documented the start of a legendary career, has died. Wertheimer's editor and gallery curator, Chris Murray, said Wertheimer , who was 85, died of natural causes at his New York apartment.

Wertheimer was 26 and Elvis 21 when he was assigned to photograph the unknown singer. He traveled with Elvis for one week in 1956 and produced a series of now-famous black and white that were the subject of exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution and the Grammy Museum.

Among the most famous shots is "The Kiss," a photo of Elvis nuzzling a woman fan backstage. Priscilla Presley said Tuesday that no photographer was able to get as close up and personal with Elvis ever again.