Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams (1902-1984) was an American photographer and environmentalist who is widely regarded as one of the most important photographers of the 20th century. He is best known for his black and white landscape photographs of the American West, particularly Yosemite National Park.

Adams was born in San Francisco, California and developed an early love of nature. He began taking photographs as a young man, and eventually became known for his technical mastery of the medium. He was a founding member of Group f/64, a group of photographers who championed the use of sharp focus and deep depth of field in their work.

Adams' most famous photographs are his landscapes of the American West, which capture the majesty and beauty of the natural world. His photographs often feature dramatic contrasts between light and dark, and a sense of scale and depth that draws the viewer into the scene. He also made important contributions to the field of photographic technique, developing the "zone system" for controlling exposure and contrast in black and white photography.

In addition to his photographic work, Adams was a committed environmentalist and played an important role in the establishment of several national parks and wilderness areas in the United States. He also wrote extensively about photography, including several instructional books and a classic autobiography, "Examples: The Making of 40 Photographs".

Some of Adams' most significant and iconic works include:

• "Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico": a dramatic photograph of the moon rising over a small town, with the contrast between the dark sky and the brightly lit buildings creating a striking effect.
• "The Tetons and the Snake River": a panoramic view of the Teton Range in Wyoming, with the winding Snake River in the foreground.
• "Clearing Winter Storm": a stunning photograph of Yosemite Valley after a snowstorm, with the clouds and mist creating a sense of atmosphere and drama.

Adams' legacy as a photographer and environmentalist continues to influence artists and activists today, and his work remains an important part of the history of photography.