October 26, 2018

Ansel Adams

In the same way as I come back to Beethoven again and again as my reference point and court of last appeal in things pertaining to classical music, Ansel Adams is always who I think of when I want to point to outstanding photography. Often imitated, never equalled, certainly not surpassed.

This page is just some collected odds and ends. I have recently finished reading his autobiography, and recommend it to anyone who is the least bit interested in Adams, and learning about him as a person as well as his photography.

Street Arrow

Someone mentioned this photograph as one that he could see no merit in, but that Adams has written glowing things about.

In Letters and Images, in his note to Nancy Newhall, he writes:

"I have a gorgeous picture of a Boston pavement detail - a curving Traffic Arrow - with a few autumn leaves (a Polaroid original) which is being made up for our New Year's card. I had a wonderful quote for it which I have not only misplaced but forgotten!! The essence of the idea was that "You" alone, to whom the Arrow of Fate points, can save the world. It is kind of "conscience concept"; different from anything I have done."

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Tom's Digital Photography Info / [email protected]