20 Rare ‘Star Trek’ Set Photos That Show What Life Was Really Like Aboard the Enterprise
Discover candid moments and on-set memories with Shatner and the crew that launched a sci-fi legacy
There’s something magical about seeing behind-the-scenes photos from Star Trek—especially the original series. Sure, the show itself was groundbreaking, with its optimistic view of the future, unforgettable ensemble of characters and actors and imaginative, groundbreaking storytelling. But what makes these candid moments so special is how they pull back the curtain to reveal the real people behind the bridge of the starship Enterprise. It’s Captain Kirk laughing between takes, Spock cracking a rare smile and crewmembers adjusting phasers, makeup and the starship itself that, while all modest by today’s standards, nonetheless sparked the imaginations of millions.
This collection of behind-the-scenes photos captures the heart and hustle that went into making Star Trek a pop culture phenomenon. You’ll see William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley in quieter moments—rehearsing lines, goofing around, or simply sharing a break from production. You’ll catch glimpses of the creative minds working behind the camera as well.
And because the legacy of Star Trek didn’t stop when the series ended in 1969, this gallery also includes a couple of shots from the next big chapter in the franchise’s evolution: the 1979 press conference announcing Star Trek: The Motion Picture, along with a rare peek at the cast and crew working on set during that highly anticipated film. It’s a reminder of just how big the show had become—a canceled TV series that was resurrected by fan devotion and reborn on the big screen.
1. There’s something wrong with those shirts!
William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley pictured in their costumes on the set of the classic 1960s Gene Roddenberry TV series Star Trek. And, no, they’re not wearing their costumes inside out; just the way that the photo was processed.
2. Blooper!
The Star Trek bloopers were a popular item that made the rounds in a big way during the 1970s and 1980s, and this moment featuring William Shatner, DeForest Kelley and Leonard Nimoy is from one of them.
3. An illogical means of travel
Leonard Nimoy and his 1963 Buick Riviera in 1966. What’s with the hair, Lennie? We miss the Beatles bob!
4. Bullseye for Captain Kirk
William Shatner has always been a huge fan of archery, often talking about the connection between the man, the bow and the arrow.
5. The ‘Enterprise’ is ready for its close-up
A behind-the-scenes look at the starship Enterprise model.
6. What, them worry?
William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy enjoy at laugh provided by MAD magazine.
7. A toast to the future
Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) raises a toast to Trek fans worldwide.
8. Apparently Vulcans don’t like to be filmed
Even between camera set-ups, Leonard Nimoy’s Spock doesn’t look like he can relax. Speaking of Spock, from the vantage point of 2025 it’s hard to imagine just how popular that character became in the 1960s and especially the 1970s.
9. It’s good to be the captain
William Shatner’s Captain James T. Kirk always had a way with the ladies—whether they be human, alien or android—and this is a perfect example of that.
10. ‘Star Trek’ Meets ‘Dynasty’
William Shatner and Joan Collins in a behind-the-scenes moment from the Star Trek episode “City on the Edge of Forever,” generally considered to be the greatest episode of the series ever produced.
11. She’s looking a little green
Star Trek, makeup artist Fred Phillips with Susan Oliver, as an Orion slave girl in the show’s first pilot, 1964’s “The Cage,” which ended up being incorporated into the season 1 two-part episode “The Menagerie.”
12. William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk
Now 94 years old, William Shatner has enjoyed a variety of successes over the course of his career, but none can compare to the response he’s gotten as Captain Kirk on Star Trek, the star of 79 television episodes and seven motion pictures. Additionally, he voiced the character in the 1970s animated version that aired on Saturday mornings.
13. DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy
DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy was often considered the heart of Star Trek, and that was something the actor effortlessly conveyed.
14. Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock
When Star Trek ended its run in 1969, Leonard Nimoy was genuinely concerned about typecasting, which is why he instantly segued into the original Mission: Impossible television series. After that, he pursued a variety of activities, including stage performances, movies, writing books of poetry and photography.
15. The ‘Enterprise’ in a candid moment
By today’s standards, the original Star Trek‘s special effects are so much more primitive than we’re used to, but there was nonetheless something remarkable of the starship Enterprise, to the point where it’s almost surprising that it was as relatively small as the model was.
16. ‘What’s a barbecue?’
Kirk, Spock and McCoy wear bewildered expressions as they look at the primitive barbecues of the late 1960s. Obviously they must do something different in the future.
17. The food must be good!
Spock is well known for being in control of his emotions, but the results of the barbecue must be so good that he lost control of his faculties, much to Captain Kirk’s amusement. Wait …. what do you mean we’re mixing fantasy and reality?
18. Spock with the Enterprise
Leonard Nimoy as the logical Vulcan Mr. Spock, first officer on the starship Enterprise, a model of which he holds.
19. Press Conference for the revival of ‘Star Trek’
Leonard Nimoy, director Robert Wise, Paramount’s Michael Eisner, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, William Shatner and actor DeForest Kelley on the panel at the Star Trek: The Motion Picture press conference at Paramount Studios on March 28, 1978.
20. ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture’
A decade after the original series came to an end, Star Trek: The Motion Picture reached theaters on December 7, 1979. In this behind-the-scenes image from the set, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley and William Shatner are with director Robert Wise and writer/producer Gene Roddenberry.
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