Black and White Project

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Ansel Adams: American Photographer

Sunrise sand dunes at Death Valley

Ansel Adams is arguably the most famous photographer of all time. While certain photos capture a moment in time and summarize life during the period, Adams is unlike any other artist. Patience, intelligence, and unique artistic style makes his photos an incredible example of contrast in nature.
Nature photos taken with such care require lots of investment by the artist, and this is where Adams, an active environmentalist, felt at his best.
Before earning a diploma certifying education on par with the eighth grade, Ansel attending various schools. During this time, he had trouble fitting in for various reasons, two of which was his then undiagnosed hyperactivity and dyslexia.
Ansel found an outlet for his energy and need for solace, music. In fact, Adams intended to pursue a career as a concert pianist, which he spent over 12 years chasing. Music, though, could not match his passion for photography.
Nurtured by the opportunities available at the Sierra Club, Ansel took his first of many photographs with his unique style. The photo was Monolith, the Face of the Half Dome, taken in the year 1927.
This started his career and set him on the path to becoming a photo legend. Despite his successes, he encountered many financial problems due to the very undependable nature of his photography. It wasn't until later in life that Ansel Adams became not only artistically renowned, but financially successful. He died in 1984, at the age of 82.

I chose this particular photo due to its simplicity. It is just sand. What makes it successful is the soft contrast of light on the dunes sloped surfaces and the fine texture of the foreground. The lack of color can be imagined, but the absence only magnifies the power of the image.

Fryer Camera Settings