Alfred Stieglitz: The Father of Modern Photography
Alfred Stieglitz (1864-1946) was an American photographer, art dealer, writer, and gallery owner who helped introduce modern photography to the United States. He is considered to be the father of modern photography and was instrumental in establishing photography as an art form in its own right.
Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, Stieglitz was the eldest of six children. His parents were German-Jewish immigrants who had moved to the United States in the mid-19th century. His father was a successful leather merchant who owned a store in New York City.
Stieglitz was an excellent student and was accepted into the Realgymnasium in Berlin, Germany for his secondary education. It was there that he became interested in photography. He bought his first camera in 1882 and began to take photos of his family and friends.
In 1886, Stieglitz returned to the United States and began to exhibit his photographs in various galleries. In 1893, he founded the Photo-Secession group, a collective of photographers who wanted to promote photography as an art form. He also published a magazine, Camera Work, where he regularly featured the work of the group's members.
Stieglitz's work was widely acclaimed and he was praised for his ability to capture emotion and atmosphere in his photos. His most famous works include The Steerage (1907), The Terminal (1908), and Equivalents (1925). He was also known for his portraits and landscapes, which often had a dreamy or fantastical quality.
Stieglitz was also a major figure in the New York art scene. He operated several galleries in the city that showcased the work of modern artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe, Edward Steichen, and Paul Strand. He was also a major influence on the development of modern art in America.
Stieglitz's work was influential for many generations of photographers and continues to be highly regarded today. He is remembered for his passionate advocacy for photography as an art form and for his pioneering vision. His legacy is one of pushing the boundaries of what photography can do and inspiring others to do the same.
Masters of Photography - Alfred Stieglitz
American Masters: Alfred Stieglitz
Alfred Stieglitz The Eloquent Eye
Stieglitz, Steichen, Strand The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Stieglitz and the New York Art Scene (1905-46) The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Alfred Stieglitz is undoubtedly one of the masters of photography. He is known as the father of modern photography. There is much to be learned from him.