Ansel Adams - The Beauty Of The Wilderness

Ansel Adams is a legendary figure in the photography world, the consummate photographer of wilderness areas. Although best known for his majestic sweeping views of Yosemite National Park, he was, at heart, a lover of capturing the tiny details of nature to perfection. Ansel Adams was a pioneer in environmental protection, even predating the National Parks, spearheading many projects for the fledgling Sierra Club as an environmental activist. What secrets made him so influential?

Born in San Francisco in 1902, Ansel Adams spent his childhood steeped in the natural beauty of the area. It was there that his photographic vision was born. At the age of 14, he first visited Yosemite, and the experience defined his lifelong vocation. At 17, he took a custodial job at the Sierra Club Lodge in Yosemite Park, to live and work in the visual treasure chest of nature he loved so much.

Ansel Adams was a virtual magician in bringing the moment of a just-blooming flower or a leaf floating on still water to life. Ansel Adams brought the beauty of the wilderness to the attention and appreciation of hundreds of thousands of Americans long before environmental awareness became a coined phrase.

Ansel Adams was so passionate about the beauty of nature, he was willing and enthusiastic to spread his message in political circles, lobbying for the successful creation of new National Parks, such as Kings Canyon. His passion and success in educating the public through his photography and political campaigns led to a position on the Sierra Club's Board of Directors at the age of 32.

Position and influence were not his ambition. His passion was nature, and his desire for everyone to see this beauty through the lens of his camera was central to his life.

The almost mystical character of Ansel Adams' photographs are perhaps due as much to his masterful use of the view camera as to his passionate eye. A view camera requires that the photographer set every aspect of each picture. Lighting, focus and exposure time are crucial elements in capturing the moment. Unlike today's automatic cameras, a view camera affords the photographer the opportunity to capture each subject in an almost ethereal reality. Ansel Adams' mastery of the view camera brought his wilderness subjects to virtual life for his ardent viewers.

Ansel Adams' love of nature, combined with his technical mastery of photography inspired many other photographers of his time. Imogen Cunningham and Edward Weston are just two famous photographers who embraced the potential of the view camera based on the work of Ansel Adams.

Although Ansel Adams passed in 1984, his work remains prominent in photography. His pictures may be enjoyed by everyone today. Books of Ansel Adam's photography are readily available, as are posters. Check online art sites for examples of this legendary photographer's work. A reproduction of this master's work can make a stunning statement in your home gallery!