Ansel Adams: An Autobiography

This book is well put together of Ansel Adams life and times. Very informative- although I did get the feeling while reading and exploring the chapters, Ansel did seem to go on and on. Could have used an editor with a sharp pencil....But then there was much to be discussed of his life and Ansel did express it in his own words.My favorite part was Ansel's venture into commercial photography and, with the equipment of that time period, provided the reader the difficulties- or better yet the issues of photographing a clients product. Well documented. Fun reading this chapter, knowing myself as one of my past lives in product photography the steps taken even in the mid 90's as my life unfolded as an art director.This by far was a well traveled man and the book of Ansel Adams life herein was a great addition to my small library of "cameras, gadgets, film and photography personal," throughout the last 75 years.Good read.

While this book is about Ansel Adams, it is also about the struggle to make photography a recognized form of art. If you have any interest at all about the non-technical history of photography, I would highly recommend this book.There is much more here than just the thoughts and ideas of one man. Each of the people that influenced Adams are described in detail, and in doing so, Adams provides a much needed background for the modern history of photography. Adams was fortunate enough to be able to work with a diverse and creative group of people at a time when the art world was expanding into new mediums. He worked with many now-famous photographers, painters, philanthropists, and institutions, and his experiences with them give the reader a very strong base from which to asses these very important ideas and movements. In reading this book, I was able to greatly improve the depth of my understanding of photography as art, as well as improve my understanding of the contributions of a number of other photographers. I was both inspired and encouraged by reading how much hard work and unending effort these photographers went through to ensure that photography would be recognized as an art form.Another poster questioned whether Adams worked with the content of this book to cast himself in the best light. While this is quite possible, what is included does no so much focus on Ansel Adams the man as it does on his main goal in life, making photography a recognized art form. Everyone has personal issues to some degree, and I am sure that Ansel, being human, was no exception. But those problems are just that, personal, and would be tangental to what Ansel saw as the focus of his life. Everyone has faults so there is really no reason to enumerate them in print unless you are attempting to make yourself feel better by highlighting the faults of others.I would strongly recommend this book for anyone who appreciates photography, history, and the arts, as well as those that would like to gain a better understanding of a very creative photographer. Of all the books about, or by, Ansel Adams that I have read, this is the one book that I would put at the top of the required reading list. It is also one of the best books about the modern history of photography I have read to date. I really cannot recommend it strongly enough.

If you love his photography, you will enjoy this book because it's more than just a biography as it includes insights into his creative process,Ansel Adams poured his soul into writing this book and after reading it I better appreciate his beautiful and awe inspiring photography. Adams was a masterful photographer and a lifelong conservationist. Born in 1902, he grew up in San Francisco as an only child. By age 12 he loved playing piano and developed an interest in photography while also enjoying exploring the outdoors and taking long walks. He left formal schooling after grade eight. Although he spent a large part of his career in commercial photography, he is popular for his landscape photography.In the 1920s Adams was spending a lot of time in the Sierra Nevada, hiking, exploring, and taking photographs, where he befriended leaders of the Sierra Club and became involved with the conservation movement. During his time at Yosemite, he met his future wife Virginia and they were married in 1928 and had two children. In the early years of marriage he juggled two professions, music and photography and talks at length about his decision to pursue his photography career. Besides his chapters describing Yosemite, and other National Parks, I especially enjoyed the chapters he dedicated to describing his relationships with a diverse group of friends and artists such as Alfred Steiglitz, Georgia O'Keefe, David McAlpin, Beaumont Newhall, Edward Weston, Edwin Land , etc. Besides spending a majority of his time out West, he also includes stories of time spent in New York City and the east coast. He led an interesting life. This 385 page oversize book (9"x10"), is an easy read filled with glossy black and white photos with every turn of the page. If you love his photography, you'll want to have a copy of this book in your library.

This is my first Ansel Adams book and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality, breadth and quantity of images. It starts with photos that he took as a kid in Yosemite and spans his photography career. I purchased it used and was lucky to get it in excellent condition. It's a great introduction to Adams' stunning work and a great addition to my coffee table.

This is not a fast read but it is so so good. I only knew a bit about Ansel Adams previously but getting to know the photographer and his story just adds so much to his photos. I am touched by his thoughtfulness and creativity. It is also inspiring because his quality images were not an accident, but a result of a lifetime dedicated to his craft. Very good book!

The first book bought in Japan. I can feel his spirit of photography

AA's autobiography is not a photography manual, or a chronology of 'how it's done'. Mostly it's his personal and professional entanglements interwoven with his artistic perspective and priorities. Becoming famous and highly respected come with a personal cost of frustrations and certain compromises. AA shies away from none of these whilst also walking us up the paths of Yosemite, ladened with heavy equipment and ecstatic sightings of natures best. Nature speaks through the lens and AA is it's interpreter.

For many years I have admired the photographs of Ansel Adams, both from a technical and pictorial point of view. He was one of the great iconic photographers of the twentieth century, an award-winning conservationist and a highly talented pianist.His Autobiography has vastly expanded my admiration for that great man. If you like his photographs, you should read this book.

Not yet finished the story but love the story.

Very enjoyable book, what a guy! The book arrived promptly and well wrapped up.