Ansel Adams - Overview and main events

Ansel Easton Adams, born on February 20, 1902, in San Francisco, California, was a renowned American landscape photographer and environmentalist. He is best known for his iconic black-and-white images of the American West, particularly Yosemite National Park. Adams' work not only contributed significantly to the establishment of photography as a fine art but also played a crucial role in the conservation of wilderness areas. Here is a timeline of his life highlighting some of the most significant events and milestones.

February 20, 1902

Birth

Ansel Easton Adams was born in San Francisco, California, to Charles Hitchcock Adams and Olive Bray. He was the only child and was named after his uncle Ansel Easton. His family had a prosperous background, with his grandfather founding a lumber business, but their fortune would later decline.

1906

San Francisco Earthquake

At the age of four, Ansel Adams was injured during an aftershock of the San Francisco earthquake, breaking his nose and leaving a lifelong scar. The earthquake and subsequent fire destroyed much of San Francisco, though the Adams family's home on the outskirts of the city suffered little damage.

1907

Loss of Family Fortune

The Adams family lost a substantial amount of their fortune in the financial panic of 1907. This financial setback would have a lasting impact on the family, with Charles Adams spending the rest of his life trying to recover their wealth.

1916

Introduction to Photography

During a family vacation to Yosemite National Park, Adams received his first camera, a Kodak Box Brownie, from his parents. This marked the beginning of his interest in photography, a passion that would eventually overshadow his initial ambition to become a concert pianist.

1919

Joining the Sierra Club

Adams joined the Sierra Club and became the 'keeper' of the Sierra Club's Le Conte Memorial Lodge in Yosemite Valley, a position he held for four years. This involvement deepened his connection with nature and conservation, themes that would be central to his life's work.

1927

First Iconic Photograph

Adams took his first consciously visualized photograph, 'Monolith, the Face of Half Dome,' which marked a significant turning point in his photographic career. This image was part of his first portfolio, *Parmelian Prints of the High Sierras*, which was financially supported by Albert Bender and sold out quickly.

1928

Marriage and Official Photographer for Sierra Club

Adams married Virginia Best in January and became the official photographer for the Sierra Club. This role further solidified his connection with the natural world and provided opportunities for his photography to be widely recognized.

1930s

Formation of f/64 and Commercial Photography

Adams co-founded the f/64 group with other notable photographers, including Edward Weston and Imogen Cunningham. During this period, he also began accepting commercial photography assignments, which continued into the early 1970s. His work during this time included meetings with influential figures like Alfred Stieglitz and Paul Strand, who significantly impacted his career.

1965

Environmental Advocacy

Adams was named to President Johnson's environmental task force, reflecting his growing influence as an environmental advocate. His work continued to highlight the importance of preserving natural landscapes.

1975

Founding of the Center for Creative Photography

Adams helped found the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona, where his archives were established. This institution would become a hub for photographic education and preservation.

April 22, 1984

Death

Ansel Adams died of heart failure aggravated by cancer at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula in Monterey, California, at the age of 82. His legacy as a photographer and environmentalist continues to inspire generations.

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Ansel Adams. Overview and main events