See the Stunning Photos from Marilyn Monroe's Last Shoot before They're Auctioned

When celebrity photographer George Barris went to L.A. to photograph Marilyn Monroe in June 1962, he didn't know that it would be the last time he would see his friend and longtime collaborator —no one did.

55 years after Monroe's death Aug. 5, 1962, Barris' intimate set of photos, many of which have never been seen before, is going on sale Aug. 2 via online auction house Paddle8.

Over the course of six weeks, Monroe worked with Barris to take photos for a new book in which she hoped to rewrite her story. She desperately wanted to reclaim what she saw as the inaccurate narrative of a troubled, erratic star that led to her firing from the film Something's Got to Give shortly before the photo shoots.

Barris arrived in L.A just in time for Monroe's 36th birthday on June 1.

Barris' photo shoot took place over the course of a few sessions during June and July. In August of that year, Monroe suffered a lethal drug overdose.

At the time of the shoot, Monroe had just moved into her first home in L.A. but the furniture had not yet arrived. Barris arranged for the interior shots like this one, to be taken in the house of a real estate mogul named Tim Leimert.

Monroe's close relationship with Barris led to intimate shots, like this one of the Gentlemen Prefer Blondes star adjusting her makeup in the mirror.

And this one.

The last of the shoots was the beach session, which produced incredible color photos in addition to the black and white portraits.

For what was suppposed to be her comeback shoot, Monroe brought in her most trusted stylists, Agnes Flanagan (left) and Whitey Snyder (right).

All of the clothes for the shoot were purchased by Barris from Monroe's favorite stores, like Jack's and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Although Monroe was only 36, she was considered old for actresses of the day and was beginning to become eclipsed by younger stars.

Barris had previously released some of the photographs to be used in Gloria Steinem's biography of Monroe, but sold the rest to a collector in the '80s.

The photos, other art and memorabilia are available on Paddle8.

George Barris' signature sits at the bottom of each photo of the collection.

Monroe and Barris' close working relationship led to incredible shots like this one.

Monroe's status as a style icon would only elevate after her death.

The photographs captured a version of Monroe that seemed totally at ease with her surroundings.

The playful side of Monroe wasn't lost in her final shoot.

Whether in black or white or full color, Monroe's beauty was radiant.

With her most trusted collaborators around her, Monroe appeared unguarded in her final shoot.