Ansel Adams - Inspiration from Masters of Photography

Ansel Easton Adams was an american photographer and environmentalist born in February 20th 1902. Widely known for his black and white photographs, Ansel Adams is considered to be one of the pioneers of photography. His grand vision for photography and the art of making photographs showed him way to develop the Zone system with Fred Archer. This System gives one proper guidance in determining the proper exposure and contrast of the final photograph. Most often Ansel Adams used his large format cameras to ensure excellent clarity and depth to the photographs. Also the resolution of these photographs ensured sharpness to his images.

Adams had an amazing childhood, having no patience for games or any other sports, he started developing his interest towards nature at a very early age. His father gifted him a 3 inch telescope which prompted him do amateur astronomy also. It was in 1921, Ansel Adams produced his first photograph, and then he started taking up things more seriously which further made him to produce his first portfolio, Parmelian Prints of High Sierras. He then wrote, “My photographs have now reached a stage when they are worthy of the world’s critical examination. I have suddenly come upon a new style which I believe will place my work equal to anything of its kind.”

Adams was always a big hit in his friends circle, because he was always talkative, clever witty, high spirited and was excellent in playing piano. Later, Adams produced various solo exhibitions and shows all over the world. Washington Post described his work as “His photographs are like portraits of the giant peaks, which seem to be inhabited by mythical gods.”

“Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space. I know of no sculpture, painting or music that exceeds the compelling spiritual command of the soaring shape of granite cliff and dome, of patina of light on rock and forest, and of the thunder and whispering of the falling, flowing waters. At first the colossal aspect may dominate; then we perceive and respond to the delicate and persuasive complex of nature.” – Ansel Adams

Why I like Ansel Adams

One of the early master photographer to streamline the medium of black and white photography.
The most precious zone system took shape and help various aspirants and professional photographers to guide their work towards perfection.
Adams always respected fellow photographer’s work, this made him to create a group called f/64.
He was talented in various aspects of arts and music. He always believed in experimenting across various fields.
Uniqueness and creating a new pattern of work is no easy job, Ansel Adams was able to do both.
Its not just the zone system and a black and white photograph, there was a lot behind these photographs in terms of composition, light and framing.
His understanding for quality of light, exposure, dark room techniques and exhibition is phenomenal.
There is a whole lot of technical and articular properties to earn and learn from this master craftsman.

Famous Photography Quotes from Ansel Adams

You don’t take a photograph, you make it.
When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.
Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art.
There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.
A good photograph is knowing where to stand.
There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.