Ansel Adams was an American landscape photographer and environmentalist known for his black and white images of the American West. He helped found Group F/64; an association of photographers advocating for pure photography which favoured sharp focus and the use of the full tonal range of a photograph. He was born in San Francisco four years before the great earthquake of 1906 where he spent his childhood days playing in the sand dunes. This is how he gained an appreciation for nature which would become his primary source of photographic inspiration.

Ansel Adams was deeply inspired by Yosemite National Park with his visits here playing a pivotal role in sparking his interest in photography and ultimately shaping his career. During his time at Yosemite, Adams was captivated by the park’s majestic landscapes, particularly its dramatic granite cliffs and towering waterfalls. He also became interested in the art of visual composition and how light and shadow played on the natural forms of the landscape. His work in Yosemite also led him to become a prominent advocate for the conservation of national parks, working with organizations like the Sierra Club to promote environmental protection when in 1927 he was named Sierra Club’s official trip photographer.

Ansel Adams’ ’The Tetons and the Snake River’ is one of his most iconic photographs, demonstrating his mastery of landscape photography and his dedication to environmental preservation. Adams used a large-format 8×10 camera to take this photo which allowed for remarkable sharpness and tonal range. Developed by Adams and Fred Archer, the Zone System allowed for precise control over exposure and contrast which can be seen in the final photo. A deep depth of field keeps all elements sharp, from the foreground river to the distant mountains. The photograph displays a dramatic contrast between the bright sky and the dark river, achieved through red filters that darkened the blue sky. In terms of composition and framing, the winding river creates a strong leading line, guiding the viewer’s eye toward the rugged peaks of the Tetons. The dramatic interplay of light and shadow enhances the textures of the mountains and river therefore creating a sense of depth while the absence of colour draws attention to textures and tonal gradations; reinforcing the timelessness of the scene. The curve of the river adds dynamism while the mountains act as a stable backdrop with the high vantage point, allowing for a sweeping view to emphasise the vastness of the landscape. Taken in 1942, the photograph was part of Adams’ work for the Department of the Interior; documenting national parks. Adams was an advocate for nature conservation and his work played a crucial role in promoting the preservation of America’s landscapes. The image embodies the untamed beauty of the American West, reinforcing themes of wilderness and national identity. The photograph captures the sublime; a Romantic notion of nature which evokes a spiritual connection. Unlike many landscape photos of this era, there is no human presence seen. The river may symbolize the passage of time and the relationship between land and water. The scene overall suggests the importance of preserving such landscapes for future generations.

Ansel Adams was a dedicated artist-activist, playing a role in the growth of an environmental consciousness in America and the development of a citizen environmental movement with him even being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980. Adams first used his photographs for environmental purposes in the 1930s, especially with his work in Kings Canyon National Park. Kings Canyon was at risk primarily due to the threat of development and commercial exploitation during the early 20th century. One of the most significant early uses of his images for conservation was when they were featured in a Sierra Club report aimed at gaining national park status for the newly proposed Kings Canyon National Park in California.

Ansel Adams was all about visualisation in his photography which referred to the entire emotional and mental process of creating a photograph which Adam’s considers to be one of the most important concepts in photography. It is to visualize an image, in whole or in part, to see it clearly in the mind prior to exposure; a continuous projection from composing the image through the final print. Visualization is more accurately viewed as an attitude toward photography. He also formulated the Zone System which is a photographic technique used for determining optimal film exposure and development, allowing photographers to capture the entire tonal scale in their photographs from featuring areas presenting the brightest whites to the deepest greys.

The initial proposal to create Kings Canyon National Park was denied because of political and economic interests that conflicted with the idea of preserving the area. However, the proposal was eventually approved in 1940 due to the increased public support and awareness, Ansel Adams’ photography and America’s general political shift. The creation of the park was a victory for environmentalists and it ensured that the area’s unique landscape would be protected from exploitation. It also marked the increasing importance of national parks as a means of preserving the nation’s natural heritage for future generations.