Half Dome, Merced River, Winter > Ansel Adams

1902-1984 Ansel Adams trained as a concert pianist in his youth, but after meeting photographer Paul Strand, chose to follow his passion for photography. Adams was to become renowned for his black and white photographs of America's mountains and national parks. His cleaver use of light, form and texture in his landscapes and panoramas allowed him to create his world famous detailed images. Adam's career spanned more than 60 years and he became a technical innovator in his field, perfecting the visualization of an image. It was this ability to determine the visual and emotional qualities of the finished print before exposing the negative that set him apart from other photographers. Adams was also heavily involved in the early environmental and conservation movements, holding many prominent positions including Director of the Sierra Club from 1934 to 1971. Adam's works have been exhibited at numerous major museums. He was the author of over thirty books and seven portfolios of original prints and was awarded the American Medal of Freedom in 1980.