Ansel Easton Adams American, 1902-1984

Ansel Adams, born on February 20, 1902, in San Francisco, California, was a renowned American photographer and environmentalist, celebrated for his stunning black-and-white landscape images of the American West. His early exposure to the picturesque Yosemite Valley during family vacations ignited his passion for nature and photography. Adams’s career took off in the 1930s when he became a pivotal figure in the Group f/64, alongside other photographers who championed sharp focus and the breathtaking beauty of the natural world. His work not only showcased the majesty of landscapes but also conveyed a deep commitment to conservation, which actively influenced public perception and policy surrounding America’s national parks.

Throughout his lifetime, Adams developed the Zone System, a revolutionary method for determining optimal film exposure and development, which granted photographers greater control over the final image. His iconic images—such as "Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico" and "Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite National Park"—have become timeless representations of American natural beauty. In addition to his photography, Adams authored several books and contributed significantly to environmental causes, serving as an advocate for the protection of natural spaces. He passed away on April 22, 1984, leaving behind an enduring legacy that continues to inspire photographers and conservationists alike.