The Key to a Photograph from Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams used the term “visualization” often – but what exactly does it mean? How does it fit into your work flow as a photographer? I looked all over for a good explanation – then last year Ansel’s grandson Matthew loaned me rare unreleased footage–and there it was! Listen well to what he has to say. You’ll hear him quote another great photographer Alfred Stieglitz who you’ll want to get to know as he was one of the pioneers who opened the way for photography being accepted as a fine art, not merely a recording device.

This is a segment you’ll want to study over and over, go out and shoot and watch it again! It is the key as he said.

Very special thank you to the Ansel Adams Gallery for loaning this footage © 2009 Ansel Adams Illumes. All Rights Reserved.

Last Updated on February 20, 2020