Ansel Adams
Learn about his history as a photographer, activist, conservationist, and teacher.
THE TIMELINE
The Life of Ansel Adams
Explore the events, connections, and people that make up Ansel Adams’ personal history, and define the time period in which he lived and worked.
1902
Best’s Studio is founded by Harry Best.
The Bests opened their seasonal studio in a tent in Yosemite Valley. Thereafter, Harry and Anne returned to Yosemite each summer, building the original Studio in the Old Yosemite Village in 1904. (source)
1902
Ansel Adams is born on February 20th, 1902.
Ansel Adams was born at 114 Maple Street in San Francisco, California. He was the only child of Olive Bray and Charles Hitchcock Adams. Charles was an insurance broker and married Olive in 1896.
1914
Ansel Adams teaches himself the piano at 12 years old.
He begins serious music study under the tutorship of Marie Butler.
Ansel Adams, The Photographer
From pioneering new photographic methods to pushing the boundaries of photography as an art form, learn about Ansel Adams’ as a photographer.
Exhibitions & Events
2024 Ansel Adams Forever Stamp from USPS
2023 DeYoung Museum
Ansel Adams, The Environmentalist
“In the history of American conservation, few have worked as long and as effectively to preserve wilderness and to articulate the “wilderness idea” as Ansel Adams.” - Robert Turnage.
ANSEL ADAMS
Connections & Influences
Discover the organizations, friends, and connections that helped to shape Ansel Adams’ life and career.
ANSEL ENCOUNTERS
Stories From Our Readers
Over the years, we have heard many fun and entertaining stories about peoples’ encounters with Ansel and Virginia in Yosemite, Carmel, and elsewhere.
Read The Stories
