Lesser Known Facts About Famous Photographers

  • Ansel Adams: In addition to being a renowned photographer, Ansel Adams was a passionate environmentalist and an active member in the Sierra Club, a wilderness protection and conservation organization.
  • Henri Cartier-Bresson: Although Henri Cartier-Bresson is known for his candid street photography, he also enjoyed painting and drawing, and considered himself an artist first and foremost.
  • Dorothea Lange: Dorothea Lange was a successful studio portrait photographer before she began her documentary work. Her portrait of a Japanese American family was one of the first photos to be published in the San Francisco News in 1935.
  • Alfred Stieglitz: Alfred Stieglitz was a pioneer in modern photography and was instrumental in introducing the art form to the United States. He was also a key figure in the development of the Photo-Secession movement, which aimed to promote photography as an art form.
  • Edward Weston: Edward Weston was an early adopter of photography technology, and was one of the first to use a large-format 8x10 camera. He was also a prolific author, publishing several books on his photography.
  • Man Ray: Man Ray was a prolific artist, and his work was not limited to photography; he also produced artwork in painting, sculpture, and film. He was also a skilled printer and was known for his unique photograms and solarizations.
  • Diane Arbus: Diane Arbus was a pioneer in the field of photography, and her work was a major influence on the development of modern art. She was also a mentor to other photographers, including Nan Goldin, who have gone on to become well-known in their own right.
  • Robert Capa: Robert Capa was a war photographer and was known for his daring and often dangerous assignments. He was also a member of the French Resistance during World War II, and his photographs were used to help raise funds for the cause.
  • Imogen Cunningham: Imogen Cunningham was a self-taught photographer who began her career by taking pictures of her family and friends. She was also a feminist and a member of the Suffragettes, and her photographs often featured strong female subjects.
  • Richard Avedon: Richard Avedon was an influential fashion photographer and was known for his groundbreaking work in the field. He was also an avid collector of art, and his personal collection included works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Jackson Pollock.

Learn more about the masters of photography.