FALMOUTH (AP) – Verner Reed, a self-taught photographer whose pictures for Life magazine illustrated some of the major New England news events of the 1950s, died Tuesday at his home. He was 82.

Reed, who attended Harvard University before joining the Army Air Corps during World War II, began his artistic career as a furniture maker in Stowe, Vt. He picked up a camera when he had trouble finding a good photographer to help market his products.

He went on to become a professional photographer in Boston, covering more than 125 freelance assignments for Life that included John F. Kennedy’s Senate campaign, the Brinks armored car robbery and T.S. Eliot at Harvard.

In 1956, Reed returned to Vermont and continued to take freelance magazine assignments while beginning a new career as a sculptor.

After Reed and his wife, Deborah, moved to Maine in 1973, he took up yet another art form, jewelry making and silversmithing.

Reed’s work has been displayed in museums around the Northeast, including the Portland Museum of Art.

He was honored last year by the Maine Senate for his contributions to the arts in New England.

Reed is survived by his wife and four children.

A service will be held Saturday at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Falmouth.

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