Photograghy 12: 2011

Ansell Adams

Ansell Adams was born on February 20, 1902 in San Francisco, California. The Sierra club was essential to his career as a photographer, and in 1922 he posted photographs and writings on the Sierra Club’s bulletin. Later in 1928 he had his first one man exhibition at the Sierra Club’s San Francisco Headquarters. However the most major stepping stone in his career was in 1927 he was influenced by a patron of the arts and insurance agent, Albert M. Bender who gave Adams Financial advice inspired and helped publish Adams portfolio. From there on Adams Career took off and his fame rose to the extent it’s at today. Adams claim to fame is his unique style beautiful black and white landscape photographs. He is inspired by nature and the beauty of it and that’s what he aims to capture in his photographs.

Wilderness and the environment have been Adams passion throughout his life. He enjoyed taking dramatic photographs of the western landscapes like the mountains, forests and rivers. His style features detailed, focused photographs that portray his subjects simply and directly. Photography was not Adams only creative outlet he was a musician before he became a photographer. And during his career as a photographer he also published many books on photography. Adams was a wild life activist who fought for more national parks and the protection of endangered species. He also became active in the conservation movement to preserve the wilderness he loved so much.

Adams work creates such a sense of depth that awes and draws in the viewer. His black and white style reflects the time period while adding interest to the photographs. Not only do Adams pictures capture natural beauty but he they draw appreciation for the environment. Adams photographs hold so much life despite being black and white photographs taken from a standard point of view.

Ansell Adams style photography is unique in comparison to modern day photography because his pictures are the way he took them he didn't have access to any photo editing programs. His photographs may lack focus to draw the eye and direct the viewer. But the sharpness of an entire image creates a completely unique style with multiple subjects and focus areas. His photo lack of colour could be seen as a drawback however his photographs stand out despite that. Adams is an idol because he was able to go out into the world and combine his two passions and create such beautiful works of art.

Adams photographs inspire and motivate generations of new photographers. He can work without subjective focus techniques or even changing camera angle and yet create new and interesting pictures. His work has made him into a legend his iconic photographs have no limits. His capturing of the Yosemite valley and the west are his legacy which every one today can see. His work with simpler technology than todays shows how creativity and vision can create a beautiful photograph no matter what type of camera.

3 pictures of ansel adams