Critical Essay: Ansel Adams
Photography was used as a tool to tell the truth about the world, a form of evidence that something memorable happened. Whether that be your child’s first step, a stunning sunset, the election of a new president, or the crime scene of a murder—photos capture the action that tells the event in one single shot. Pictures aren’t merely for acknowledgement, they stir emotions and give inspiration. It invites you into a world that you never even knew existed, giving you a glimpse into someone else’s traditions and struggles. There are many subjects to photograph besides people, for example, Ansel Adams found interest in the vast beauty that nature had to offer.
Ansel Adams, son of Charles Hitchcock (business man) and Olive Bray was born into inheritance on February 20, 1902. He was raised in Golden gate San Francisco, Ca where he lived a conservative life. There had come a point in time where Adam’s family lost their wealth causing his mother to worry abundantly about getting back into the upper class which propelled Adam’s to view her in a different light of her true intentions. On the other hand, his father was very supportive and encouraging in his choice of work. Ansel faced conflict in school do to his shy nature, form of intelligence and peculiar appearance because of an accident that had occurred, giving him an oddly looking nose. As an adult he recalls his childhood and says he might have been dyslexic and hyper active. Besides his struggles, one can see his love for the outdoors in how he spent his free time on hikes to Lobo Creek, Baker beach etc. Ansel used to play the piano, but quickly gained self-esteem and confidence when his parents bought him his first Kodak camera (the brownie) He then joined the Sierra club forming may important bonds and getting his work published in the Sierra bulletin in 1922. Adams also got a one-man exhibition in 1928 and realized that he could make a living pursuing his passion.
Combining his love for the wilderness and photography, Adams used his photos to speak about the importance of preserving nature. Ansel was an active environmentalist for several years and had a huge impact on how the world perceived the necessity of saving the wild. At first, his photos of the outdoors were merely photos, until one day he realized that he wanted his images to have depth in the message he was trying to convey—his photos now had true purpose. They gave heart tugging emotions that showed the pure glamour of simplicity that can be found in nature. People began to notice how important it was to save and appreciate the natural blessings that were given.
The effect that Adams work left with me was that in plain sight, everywhere and anywhere, this loveliness was granted for free, placed right in front of our eyes. I think that nature is taken for granted, we don’t appreciate it as much as we should. Day in and day out we are surrounded by natural beauty, but we choose to be fascinated by technology. I feel that Ansel Adams work is a reminder of how charming and playful the earth can be. They bring us back to simpler times, familiarity and peace; it allows us to ponder deeper into who we are through the recognition that not everything has to be big and extravagant.
In conclusion, photos are used as physical memories—they speak a thousand words with silence. If you follow your passion, not only can you work in a field that you love, but you can create a positive ripple in the world. Things may get rough and life will beat you down, but you just have to find something that gives your life purpose. You make the best of what you have and focus on the things that bring you joy. You don’t have to live a fancy life, not everything has to be flashy—remember the simple joys.