Hutching's In the Heart of the Sierras, and it had inspired him to see the stunning place described in the book. Months before, in the spring of 1916, Adams had read a copy of James M. Although Adams' classical music training was the primary focus in his youth, a gift of a Kodak Number 1 Box Brownie camera from his parents in the summer of 1916 drew Adams' young, active mind in a new direction: Photography. His first piano teacher was Miss Marie Butler, who demanded perfection, and this is where Adams learned the amazing discipline he would use in his other endeavors, namely photography. Adams' piano experience increased until it was evident he would be a brilliant player. He learned as well the beauty and glory of the outdoors, with the ocean surrounding their home as inspiration. Greek, English classical literature, algebra and music were the basis of Adams' education. They began home schooling Ansel, using a curriculum they formatted to fit their son. Charles and Olive allowed their son to leave public school at the age of 12. Also a classical musician and profound idealist, Adams was an asset to the conservation movement.īorn February 2, 1902, in San Francisco, Ansel Adams was brought up by Charles and Olive Adams, two liberal thinkers. Adams' wide range of appeal spanned from some of the most intellectual thinkers in America to Playboy Magazine and from die-hard conservationists to those in the avant garde art scene. The motivations behind his seemingly basic art are profound and full of political commentary. His photographs are often hailed as some of the most important pieces of art in conservation and worldwide history. While officially possessing only a grammar school education, Adams was awarded six honorary degrees from schools including Berkley and Harvard.

A man of great talent and a brilliant mind, Ansel Adams is one of the most widely-acclaimed photographers in conservationist record.

Ansel adams documentary