Black and White

Portrait

Landscape

 Abstract

Texture

 

Ansel Adams

 I absolutely love this picture. Tioga Pass in the winter time. The ground is covered by a slight layer of snow, the water beginning to freeze. The white really contrasts with the darkness of the trees and water, bringing a light and calming feel to this particular photo.

Ansel Adams' life began with a tough start. His family struggled with recovering from several natural disasters that happened during his early childhood. As he grew, he struggled with attending normal, public schools due to problems with fitting in. He was tutored by his father and aunt before attending private school. He later believed that he could have been diagnosed with hyperactivity. What was truly amazing, is that he began to teach himself how to play the piano. Why is that amazing? Simply because learning how to play the piano takes time and patience. Eventually, he began to take lessons, began to take it more seriously. The music industry was originally his intended profession. But, he came to realize that photography was much more important to him.

With time, he began to take refuge at the Sierra Club, in the Yosemite National Park. His writings began to appear in the Club's magazine.The year 1927 was a very pivotal year for him. The Monolith, the Face of the Half Dome, was his first fully visualized photograph. The same year, he took his first High Trip. He also met his partner, Edward Weston. They became very close friends and colleagues. In 1934, he was elected into the club's board of Electors and was a renowned photographer of the park. In 1964, he founded Group f/64 with the help of a few others.

Turns out, Adams was a party man. He favored alcohol, friends, and parties. He liked to go out, attend social matters besides taking pictures. Friends described him as; "Outgoing" and "Fun". I find that pretty interesting to know. Its not something you would typically expect from a photographer.