Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams (1902–1984) was an American photographer and environmentalist, renowned for his black-and-white images of the American West, particularly Yosemite National Park. His iconic landscapes, characterized by high contrast and sharp detail, helped define the genre of fine art photography and brought attention to the power of nature photography as both art and activism. Adams was a co-founder of Group f/64, an influential collective of photographers dedicated to "pure" photography, or capturing images with sharp focus and strong depth of field. His technique in using the Zone System—a method of controlling exposure and development—allowed him to achieve unmatched tonal range and clarity, setting a new standard for photographic excellence. Alongside his artistic achievements, Adams was an avid conservationist, working closely with organizations like the Sierra Club to advocate for environmental preservation. His photographs and environmental activism contributed significantly to public appreciation of the American wilderness and helped shape the modern conservation movement.