America's Photographer

The stunning natural images that made themselves the center of Ansel Adams's life decorate the walls of many American homes today. His famous shots of Half Dome, Yosemite, and San Francisco contend with, and almost mirror, the thoughts of naturalist John Muir. It's as if John Muir's ideals became alive in Adams' photographs. As a young boy at the turn of the century, Adams lived with his elderly parents and live-in aunt who patiently schooled him through many grades as he wasnt a proper fit for public school. His older-than-usual parents and home schooling paved a very conservative path for Adams. He was said to be a particularly shy child and always found solace in the long walks he took in the then-nature of San Francisco.

As Adams grew and the family fortune was lost, his young mind began to concern itself with monetary matters. At the age of twelve, he began playing the piano and pursued it well into his twenties. Adams thought he could make a good living as a concert pianist but soon discovered that more money lied in taking photographs.

(Half Dome)

The Sierra Club was a huge factor in Adams' success. The cover of their 1922 ad displayed a shot that Adams took of Yosemite. The club also held yearly summer hikes called High Trips that lasted about a month. Hikers were followed by a steady contingent of packers, horses, cooks, and Adams as their personal photographer. His first full shot was his famous Half Dome, taken in Yosemite. Adams' work grew into fame as he took more High Trips and sold more of his photos. He is still known as an American landmark for conservation and protection of our country's national forests. His beautifully captured photographs have preserved some of the most magnificent natural features our country has to offer.

(White Branches, Mono Lake)


(Tetons and the Snake River)