Ansel Adams

      Ansel Adams was, and still is, known as one of the best American black and white photographers of all time. He was known to be different amongst his peers as a child. One reason was because he had broken his nose and this gave him a distinct physical structure. Although this never stopped him. He started out his life in San Francisco as the son of Charles Hitchcock Adams. He was also the grandson of a wealthy timber baron. In school he was thought to of been hyperactive and possibly dyslexic. He was not very successful in school because of his learning disabilities. As a result of this his father tutored him at home and then they sent him to private school. But that is only how his life began, it becomes much more interesting throughout each year. 

  Since he was different he spent much of his time outside. This caused him to adore the world around him. As he became an adult he was known also as an environmentalist. Although this was not his profession, it was more of a hobby. His occupation before being a photographer was being a musician. He especially enjoyed playing the piano. In fact he taught himself how to play as a twelve year old. Not only did he play but he also wrote his own music. He then began to take lessons, and eventually it was considered his primary occupation. Although he soon found photography and took that up as his profession. He enjoyed taking nature photos more than any others. Once again because of his love for nature. 1927 was a year that changed Adam's life. This was the year that he took his first High Trip and then visualized his very first fully photograph; Monolith, the Face of Half Dome. This was very important in Adam's photography profession and was a life changing event. 

   The photo above is one of Adam's great works of art. The picture is in Yosemite. It consists an interesting color contrast as well. The main thing that caught my eye was the waterfall. The white water looks very intriguing and almost like snow. It captures how the water drifts downward as well because the color at the bottom is not as thick. It's as if you can see the water drops right in front of you. Even though it's a black and white picture it really captures the landscape well. I feel as if I am in Yosemite. Another reason for choosing this picture was because the trees and the rest of the landscape is just beautiful. And my final reason was because I have been to this National Park and I particularly enjoy landscape photographs. I admire Ansel Adams' photographs and hope that some day I will be able to take pictures as beautiful as his.