Ansel Adams is the best American photographer of all time. His works with nature, mostly black and white, has moved the nation to seriously take photography as a fine art.

Adams grew up in San Francisco, California. He was an only child, but his relationship with his dad pushed him and encouraged him to be all that he could be. Ansel had a hard time in school. It is possible that he was diagnosed hyperactive and dyslexic. Because of that he was unsuccessful in many of the school that his parents sent him too, but his aunt and dad tutored him at home.

Ansel fell in love with the piano. He taught himself how to play and read music at the age of twelve. He not only loved it, but intended on making it his future career. The piano brought him many things including: substance discipline, and structure to his life. Ansel played the piano until he realized he could prosper as a photographer, his true calling.

Adams' worked at the Yosemite Valley Sierra Club as keeper of the club’s LeConte Memorial Lodge. He made friends quickly and even met his wife, Virginia Best. They had two childre together.

In 1927, Adams' made his first visualized photograph, Monolith, the Face of Half Dome. Through his work Adams' met many famous photographers and created many milestones in the field of photography. He prompted photography as a fine are and played a major role in establishing the first muesum of department, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. 

 I love this shot of his. The contrast between the bright whites and dark blacks is incredible. I love how you can see the the leaf like it’s a person. His use of shading draws your eye directly to the leaf and then you notice the complexity of the leaf itself. This piece is truly breath taking. It reminds me of the cold winter and how there is always beauty in the dark.