Who was Dorothea Lange? Dorothea Lange was a pioneering American documentary photographer and photojournalist. Born in 1895, she is best known for her work during the Great Depression, capturing the struggles of displaced farmers and migrant workers. Her iconic photograph, "Migrant Mother," became a symbol of resilience and hardship. Lange's work not only documented history but also influenced social policies. She co-founded a photography studio in San Francisco and later worked for the Farm Security Administration. Her images continue to inspire and educate, showcasing the power of photography to evoke empathy and drive change.
Who Was Dorothea Lange?
Dorothea Lange was an influential American documentary photographer and photojournalist. Her work during the Great Depression captured the struggles of the American people, leaving a lasting impact on the field of photography.
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Born in 1895: Dorothea Lange was born on May 26, 1895, in Hoboken, New Jersey. Her birth name was Dorothea Margaretta Nutzhorn.
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Polio Survivor: At age seven, Lange contracted polio, which left her with a permanent limp. This experience shaped her empathy and perspective on human suffering.
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Changed Her Name: In her early twenties, she dropped her father's surname, Nutzhorn, and adopted her mother's maiden name, Lange, as a form of rebellion and independence.
Early Career and Influences
Lange's early career was marked by her work as a portrait photographer. Her experiences and influences during this time laid the foundation for her later documentary work.
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Studied Photography: Lange studied photography at Columbia University in New York City under Clarence H. White, a prominent photographer and teacher.
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Opened a Studio: In 1918, she opened a successful portrait studio in San Francisco, where she photographed the city's elite.
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Inspired by the Great Depression: The economic hardships of the Great Depression inspired Lange to take her camera to the streets, capturing the plight of the poor and unemployed.
Iconic Works and Contributions
Dorothea Lange's photographs from the Great Depression and beyond are some of the most iconic images in American history.
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Migrant Mother: Her most famous photograph, "Migrant Mother," taken in 1936, depicts Florence Owens Thompson, a destitute pea picker in California. This image became a symbol of the Great Depression.
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Worked for the FSA: Lange was hired by the Farm Security Administration (FSA) to document the lives of displaced farm families and migrant workers. Her work brought attention to their struggles.
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Humanized the Dispossessed: Lange's photographs humanized the dispossessed, giving a face to the suffering and struggles of the American people during the Great Depression.
Later Life and Legacy
Lange's work continued to evolve throughout her life, and her legacy endures in the field of photography and beyond.
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Japanese Internment Camps: During World War II, Lange documented the internment of Japanese Americans. Her photographs highlighted the injustices faced by these individuals.
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Guggenheim Fellowship: In 1941, Lange became the first woman to receive a Guggenheim Fellowship for photography, recognizing her contributions to the field.
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Co-founded Aperture Magazine: In 1952, Lange co-founded Aperture, a quarterly photography magazine that continues to be influential in the photography world.
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Health Struggles: Lange struggled with various health issues throughout her life, including post-polio syndrome and gastric problems, which eventually led to her death in 1965.
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Posthumous Recognition: After her death, Lange's work received renewed attention and acclaim. Her photographs are now part of major museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
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Influence on Modern Photography: Lange's empathetic approach and commitment to social justice continue to inspire photographers today. Her work remains a powerful reminder of the human capacity for resilience and compassion.
Dorothea Lange's Lasting Impact
Dorothea Lange's work still resonates today. Her photos captured the struggles and resilience of people during tough times. Lange's ability to tell stories through her lens brought attention to social issues that many ignored. Her iconic image, "Migrant Mother," remains a powerful symbol of the Great Depression.
Lange's influence extends beyond photography. She inspired future generations of photographers and activists. Her dedication to documenting real-life hardships paved the way for photojournalism as a tool for social change. Lange's legacy reminds us of the power of images to evoke empathy and drive action.
Her work continues to be studied and admired, proving that a single photograph can make a difference. Dorothea Lange's contributions to art and society are timeless, ensuring her place in history as a pioneer who used her talent to shine a light on the human condition.
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