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Ansel Adams

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Venture into the world of Ansel Adams, the iconic American landscape photographer and environmentalist. Discuss, learn, and contribute as we explore his captivating black-and-white images of the American West, delve into his life's timeline, and absorb insightful articles.

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Ansel Easton Adams, born on February 20, 1902, and passed away on April 22, 1984, was a renowned American landscape photographer and environmentalist. He is celebrated for his black-and-white images of the American West, which not only showcased his technical mastery but also his deep passion for environmental conservation. Adams' career was marked by significant contributions to photography, environmental advocacy, and the preservation of natural landscapes.

Main Milestones

February 20, 1902

Birth

Ansel Easton Adams was born in San Francisco, California, marking the beginning of a life that would be deeply intertwined with photography and environmentalism.

1916

First Visit to Yosemite

At the age of 14, Adams visited Yosemite National Park for the first time, where he was given his first camera. This trip ignited his lifelong love for Yosemite and photography.

1927

Parmelian Prints of the High Sierras

Adams began working with Albert M. Bender, producing his first portfolio, "Parmelian Prints of the High Sierras", which included his famous image "Monolith, the Face of Half Dome". This portfolio was a significant success and marked a new style in his photography.

1932

Founding of Group f/64

Adams, along with photographers such as Edward Weston and Imogen Cunningham, founded Group f/64, an association advocating 'pure' photography that emphasized sharp focus and the use of the full tonal range of a photograph.

1930s-1940s

Development of the Zone System

Adams and Fred Archer developed the Zone System, a method of achieving precise control over exposure and development to optimize image quality and tonal range. This system became a cornerstone of Adams' photographic technique.

1941

Contract with the Department of the Interior

Adams was invited by Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes to photograph national parks and create large-scale mural prints. Although the project was halted due to World War II, Adams continued his work on national parks through a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1946 and 1948.

1943

Publication of 'Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico'

Adams' photograph "Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico" was first published in the "U.S. Camera 1943" annual. This image became one of his most famous and was re-interpreted over 1,369 times using various darkroom techniques.

1968

Speech at the Democratic National Convention

Adams gave a prescient speech to the DNC Platform Committee, highlighting the critical importance of environmental conservation and the need to protect the planet. This speech reflected his lifelong commitment to environmental activism.

1970

First Earth Day

Adams' environmental advocacy was part of the broader movement that led to the first Earth Day celebrations in 1970, where 20 million Americans participated in coast-to-coast rallies to support environmental conservation.

1975

Co-founding of the Center for Creative Photography

Adams co-founded the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona, which became a cornerstone for fine art and archival collections of photography. His archive remains a significant part of the center's holdings.

1980

Presidential Medal of Freedom

Adams was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to photography and environmental conservation, recognizing his lifelong dedication to both fields.

April 22, 1984

Passing

Ansel Adams passed away, leaving behind a legacy of stunning photographs, a revolutionary approach to photography through the Zone System, and a profound impact on environmental conservation.

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Brief

Known For

American landscape photographer and environmentalist known for his black-and-white images of the American West.

Bio Dates and Places

Born Date: February 20, 1902.
Born Place: Fillmore District of San Francisco, California.
Death Date: April 22, 1984.
Death Place: Carmel, California.

Career

Past occupations: Landscape photographer, environmentalist, consultant for the Polaroid Corporation, contractor with the United States Department of the Interior.
Previous Place of Work: Yosemite National Park, Museum of Modern Art in New York, Sierra Club.

Achievements and Recognition

Awards: Presidential Medal of Freedom (1980), John Muir Award.

Skills

Photography, particularly using the Zone System, environmental advocacy.

Appearance and Personal Traits

Identifying Marks: Crooked and scarred nose due to an injury from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

Personality

Life Philosophy: Deeply committed to environmental conservation.

Residence and Financial Status

Residence: Various locations including San Francisco and Yosemite.

Relationships

Current Marriage: Married to Virginia Best (married January 2, 1928).

Family

Children: Son Michael (born August 1, 1933), daughter Anne (born March 8, 1935).
Parents: Charles Hitchcock Adams and Olive Bray.
Siblings: No siblings.

Timelines

See all

Personal Life and Relationships

Later Life and Continued Advocacy

Career Development and Photographic Style

Environmental Advocacy and Conservation

Chronicle

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29 January, 2000

Ansel Adams's wife, Virginia Rose Best, died at the age of 96.

22 April, 1984

Ansel Adams died from cardiovascular disease at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula in Monterey, California, at the age of 82.

30 June, 1942

The Mural Project, for which Ansel Adams was contracted, ended due to World War II.

1 November, 1941

Ansel Adams took the photograph 'Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico,' one of his most famous works. The date was determined from astronomical calculations in 1991.

8 June, 1917

Ansel Adams graduated from the eighth grade at the Mrs. Kate M. Wilkins Private School.

18 April, 1906

Ansel Adams, then four years old, experienced the San Francisco earthquake. He was uninjured in the initial shaking but was tossed face-first into a garden wall during an aftershock, breaking and scarring his nose.

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Ansel Adams

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