Ansel Adams: Development of Photography - Term Paper Example

?Ansel Adams The origin, growth and development of photography from black and white to color, and again to digital photography, can be considered as the effect of technological development. One can see that photographs in black and white create nostalgic feeling in the minds of the viewers. The black and white photographs by Ansel Easton Adams can be considered as the contributions of an environmentalist/musician who turned towards the art of photography. Besides, his passion towards photography helped him to be a successful photographer, who was aware of the commercial value of his works. At the same time, he provided ample importance to experimentation in the field of photography. Thesis statement: Ansel Easton Adams’ contributions to the context of photography prove that he made use of the same as a medium to communicate with the viewers and to express his views on nature, and his works are symbolic of the amalgamation of photography, environmental awareness, and music under a single roof. Biographical information Adams was born in the year 1902, in California. Adams’ father (Charles Hitchcock Adams) was a businessman (say, lumber business), who worked with his father (Adams’s grandfather). But Charles Hitchcock Adams was not interested in business because he was interested in Astronomy. In addition, Adams’ father was deeply influenced by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s naturalism. His mother, Olive Bray Adams was a homemaker. During his childhood, Adams was hyperactive and it prevented him from being the part of traditional schooling. So, Adams completed his school education by private tuitions. Besides, this de-schooling deeply influenced his later life as a nature photographer. Later, he joined Mrs. Kate M. Wilkins Private School to complete his education. One can see that Adams’ photographs represent his deep relationship with nature which was deeply indebted to his father’s influence upon him. But his mother did not support him because she was not interested in photography. Gradually, Adams got attracted towards music, especially towards piano. But he did not try to consider music as his profession. Still, his interest in music helped him to escape from frustration. His visit to Yosemite National Park transformed his life because the secrets of nature attracted him. Gradually, Adams began to participate in art exhibitions and exhibited his works. In the year 1928, he married a young lady named as Virginia Best, who later became the owner of Best's Studio. One can see that his career as a photographer is deeply influenced by music. Besides, Adams was interested in experimental photography. In the year 1933, he was able to open a gallery, specially prepared to exhibit his creative works in photography. This initiative was helpful to establish himself as a professional photographer. Adams passed away in the year 1984. Important works Some of the important works by Ansel Adams, like Rose and Driftwood, Clearing Winter Storm, Moonrise, and The Tetons and the Snake River are discussed here. As pointed out, Adams’ works are renowned for the close relationship with nature. He tried his level best to portray the secrets of nature, through the eyes of a naturalist. The photograph named as Rose and Driftwood (see appendix-1), 1932, which was captured by him in San Francisco is the rare combination of animate and inanimate objects in nature. For instance, the rose represents the animate objects and the rosewood represents the inanimate objects in nature. Besides, this photograph is symbolic of his decision to give up his career as a musician. At the same time, this photograph reveals Adams’ awareness on the wise usage of natural light in photography. In addition, the similarity between the petals of the rose flower and the pattern on the driftwood is noteworthy. The photograph named as Clearing Winter Storm (see appendix-2) was captured by Adams in the year 1940. One can see that this photograph was taken at Yosemite National Park. Adams waited for a long time to capture this photograph because and it was related to the winter storm in Yosemite National Park. In the photograph, the movement of clouds represents the unexpected change in weather condition. One can see that it is difficult to capture such a snap in a harsh weather condition. The low contrast in the snap provides ample importance to the scenic beauty of nature. Besides, the photographer did not neglect the importance of animate and inanimate objects. On the other side, the photographer provided ample importance to the change in weather condition. Within this context, apt combination of light and shadow is one of the most important factors of the uniqueness of this snap, from a photographer who considered nature as the ultimate source of inspiration. The photograph named as Moonrise (see appendix-3), by Adams was captured in the year 1941. This photograph can be considered as the perfect blend of the earth and the sky. Besides, the shadowy space with the moon as the focal point provides depth to the snap. On the other side, the amalgamation of mountains and clouds in the artwork can be considered as the relationship between space and time. At the same time, one can easily identify that this photograph can be divided into different layers. For instance, the foreground of the work consists of the shrubs, buildings, and trees. On the other side, the mountains, clouds, sky and the moon provides importance to the background of the work. The photograph named as The Tetons and the Snake River (see appendix-4) was captured in the year 1942. One can see that this work is symbolic of the scenic beauty of the Western side of America. Besides, the focal point of this work is the river. From a different angle of view, almost all the elements of nature (water, air etc) are present in this work. The dark foliage that can be seen in the banks of the river provides genuineness to the photograph. On the other side, the mountain range and the clouds act the role of an apt background to the whole work. Besides, the river is symbolic of an endless journey, which is interconnected with life on earth. Contributions to the field of photography: Ansel Easton Adams’ contributions to the field of photography can be broadly divided into three: as a photographer, as an environmentalist and as a musician. A. As a photographer Adams’ contributions to the field of photography are noteworthy because he created his own style and it deeply influenced the commercial and artistic aspects of photography as an art form. For instance, he proved that photography can be used as an innovative tool to communicate with the mass. Besides, he was aware of the fact that his photographs are able to communicate with the viewers in a different way. Robinson stated that “In 1931, Ansel Adams, the Westons, Imogene Cunningham, and Willard van Dyke, among others, formed “Group f.64” in San Francisco” (136). The creation of ‘f/64’, a group of similar minded photographers by Adams can be considered as a revolutionary attempt to refurbish the field of photography. From a different angle of view, the group of photographers named as ‘f/64’ attempted to discard artificiality and accepted natural techniques in photography. On the other side, impressionist techniques deeply influenced Adams’ photography. This influence can be seen in his works which are famous for the usage of light and shade technique. Vaughn stated that “Ansel Adams’s photography, often spare black and white images, has had a profound effect on American’s attitudes about wilderness and protected areas that in some ways reaches a broader audience than most organizations” (131). One can see that Adams made use of natural light to create long lasting impression in the minds of the viewers. The development of Zone System, which is the technique of using light for perfection is to be considered as Adams’ another contribution to the field of photography. In addition, his works like Burn Free and Equal, The Land of Little Rain etc are considered as important within the context of photography. At the same time, Adams did not ignore the technical side of photography. For instance, his literary works like Making a Photograph (1935), Natural Light Photography (1952) etc can be considered as his contributions to the technical side of photography. B. As an environmentalist One can see that, Adams’ life is closely related to nature and this close relationship deeply influenced his contributions to the field of photography. For instance, his visit to the Yosemite National Park influenced him and changed his outlook towards nature. This influence helped him to be a prominent photographer, who is considered as similar to the painters who used to consider nature as the source of their inspiration. From a different angle of view, his childhood memories related to his family business (say, lumber business) and its negative effect on nature influenced his later life as a photographer. In the year 1916, Adams happened to visit the Yosemite National Park. Spaulding stated that, “For young Ansel Adams, Yosemite proved to be just such a release, offering freedom from the confines of his family’s gloomy sense of failure and its stifling Victorian restraint” (27). This incident in his personal life transformed him because he was stunned by the scenic beauty of the national park. Next year, he revisited the park and it resulted in a lifelong companionship with nature. He was aware of the fact that modern way of life is totally against the balance of nature. So, his works can be considered as the strong protest against the exploitation of nature by human beings. Later, in the year 1941, Adams was able to gain consent from the Department of the Interior as a photographer who is authorized to capture snaps in the national parks in America. This helped him to be a successful photographer because most of his works are related to nature. As pointed out, his works cannot be separated from nature because nature acts the role of an active participant in his works. C. As a musician Adams’ relation with music helped him to realize the importance of patience and single minded dedication in one’s life. During his youth, music deeply influenced him because certain problems in his personal life hindered him from undergoing formal education. So, the influence of music can be considered as a compensatory factor which helped him to keep himself away from frustration. During the early years of his youth, Adams considered that music will be his future career. Eventually, interest in nature, especially in nature photography, surpassed his interest in music. From a different angle of view, his deep knowledge in music helped him to be a successful photographer. For instance, patience is one of the best qualities of a photographer. Within this context, Adams’ knowledge in music helped him to be a disciplined and patient individual. Langford made clear that “Fortunately Ansel Adams possessed the unusual combination of a poetic eye for a picture, and the skill and interest in technique to really control his materials” (135). One can easily identify that an impatient photographer cannot capture memorable snaps. Besides, his training in music helped him to be a prolific contributor to the field of photography. For instance, Adams’ contributions are not limited to the field of photography as a photographer. Instead, he was a prolific writer, who was aware of the technical aspects of photography. So, music training molded Adams as a photographer who is aware of his aim. On the other side, music deeply influenced his personal life. For instance, his interest and talent in music helped him to be in touch with Virginia Best (later, she became his wife). So, music can be considered as Adams’ personal interest, which deeply influenced his career interest. Summing, Ansel Adams made use of photography as an innovative medium to communicate with the mass. Within this context, his father deeply influenced his personal philosophy because he considered nature as a source of inspiration. Adams’ personal life proves that childhood memories deeply influenced his personal and career interests. At the same time, Adams’ personal interest in music is inseparable from his career as a photographer. Besides, environmental awareness and passionate love towards nature transformed him from a musician to a photographer. Adams’ life, which was totally dedicated to the field of photography, proves that single minded dedication is the most important factor behind success. Within the context of photography, popularity gained by Adams’ photographs (say, black and white photographs) proves that technological innovation cannot surpass inborn talent. Works Cited Langford, Michael John. Story of photography: from its beginnings to the present day. Oxford: Focal Press, 1997. Print. Robinson, Gerald H. Photography, History & Science. California: Carl Mautz Publishing, 2006. Print. Spaulding, Jonathan. Ansel Adams and the American Landscape: A Biography. California: University of California Press, 1998. Print. Vaughn, Jacqueline. Conflicts over natural resources: a reference handbook. California: ABC-CLIO, 2007. Print. Appendices Appendix-1 Rose and Driftwood Available at:- http://www.anseladams.org/rose-amp-driftwood--aa23.html Appendix-2 Clearing Winter Storm Available at:- http://www.coolantarctica.com/Shop/ansel_adams/clearing_winter_storm.htm Appendix-3 Moonrise Available at:- http://www.geh.org/taschen/htmlsrc15/m197400820001_ful.html Appendix-4 The Tetons and the Snake River Available at:- http://www.anseladams.com/Tetons_and_the_Snake_River_p/1701186102.htm Read More