Ansel Adams

Ansel Easton Adams was born February 20, 1902, and passed away April 22, 1984). The Western, California born photograpger was an environmentalist. As an only child, he was named after his uncle Ansel Easton.

He was inspired by the increasing desecration of Yosemite Valley by commercial development, including a pool hall, bowling alley, golf course, shops, and automobile traffic. 1921, Ansel Adams produced his first photograph. In 1927, Adams produced his first portfolio, Parmelian Prints of the High Sierras, in his new style, which included his famous image Monolith, the Face of Half Dome, taken with his Korona view camera using glass plates and a dark red filter. Between 1929 and 1942, Adams's work matured and he became more established. In the course of his 60-year career, the 1930s were a particularly productive and experimental time. Adams expanded his works, focusing on detailed close-ups as well as large forms from mountains to factories. In 1930 Taos Pueblo, Adams's first book, was published with text by writer Mary Hunter Austin.

Even though he did publish books, he was known for his straight photography. He mainly shot nature and landscapes. All of his work is in black and white. His use of negative space gives a real dramatic and serious look. He captures the real beauty of nature.Through his photographs he has touched countless people with a sense of that mystique and a realization of the importance of preserving the last remaining wilderness lands.