Ansel Adams (1902–1984) was an iconic American photographer and environmentalist, best known for his black-and-white landscape photography of the American West, particularly his images of Yosemite National Park. Adams’s work captured the grandeur and beauty of nature with unparalleled precision and artistry. Using a large-format camera, his photographs emphasized the vastness and emotional depth of the natural world. His most famous images, such as Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico (1941) and Clearing Winter Storm (1944), helped establish him as a master of visual storytelling and solidified his role in the environmental movement. His technical innovations in photography, such as the development of the “Zone System” for exposure control, set new standards for photographic technique and clarity.
Beyond his photography, Adams was deeply involved in environmental advocacy, using his art to promote the preservation of wilderness areas. He was a strong proponent of the national parks and worked closely with organizations like the Sierra Club, using his photographs to draw attention to the beauty of natural spaces and the importance of their protection. Adams’s work not only revolutionized landscape photography but also became a powerful tool for environmental conservation, helping to rally public support for the protection of America’s national parks and wilderness areas. His legacy endures through his photographs, which continue to inspire both artists and environmentalists to this day.
