The United States is especially known for the development of "straight photography"—making direct and unapologetic use of the medium.
1900 - 1945
videos + essays
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Harold Edgerton, Milk-Drop Coronet Splash
A drop of milk landing into a bowl makes an elegant crown shape, thanks to Edgerton’s stroboscope.
Lotte Jacobi, Albert Einstein
Jacobi seems to have been able to see more facets of Einstein than the editors of Life cared to share with their readership.
Ansel Adams: Visualizing a Photograph
Straight from the horse’s mouth: the process of making a photograph, in the artist’s own words.
Walker Evans, Subway Passengers, New York City
These photographs, taken covertly on the New York City subway, show that seeing is in itself a creative act.
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
