Made in 1958 by Larry Dawson Productions, ANSEL ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHER (:06-:51) is a well made portrait of one of America’s (and the 20th Century’s) foremost artists. The film was directed by David Myers, who also served as cinematographer. San Francisco, aerial shot of the Golden Gate bridge. Near the bridge lives Ansel Adams: musician, mountaineer, writer, teacher, photographer. Adams plays the piano at home. Shots of his photography equipment and some of his pictures hang on the wall (:52-4:05). Some of Adams photographic equipment is shown, different cameras and lenses. Adams loads up equipment into his car and lists what he’s taking (4:06-5:47). Ansel drives towards the beach and takes photos. He explains what is needed for certain lighting on sand, etc. (5:48-7:34). Ansel keeps a record of film and all of the specifics to taking pictures. He holds up a negative and reviews it. DIscusses specifics as he develops pictures. The procedure of developing pictures is shown in great detail (7:35-10:02). He hangs a picture which in and of itself is a work of art. Adams has created many portfolios. Pictures of forests, deserts, wet grass, beaches (10:03-10:58). An Ansel Adams photo book is opened (10:59-11:27). Sand is pushed by a bulldozer. Adams shows up with a camera to take pictures in an industrial area (11:28-12:51). Another book is shown: The Pageant of History in Northern California. This book is opened and pictures shown (12:52-13:26). Adams is a consultant to those that make/create photographic processes. He tests new products on those that work in his garden (13:27-14:37). Different portraits he has taken are shown (14:38-16:01). Yosemite Valley. Many different parts of the valley are shown in still pictures. From grass to snow. Tall trees to quiet lakes (16:02-18:18). Photographs he has taken are shown. Lots of stills of forests and trees, streams and lakes, mountains and rocks (18:19-20:40). End credits (20:41-20:46)
Ansel Easton Adams was a 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 “pure” photography which favored sharp focus and the use of the full tonal range of a photograph.
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