Celebrating Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams is a name that has become synonymous with Yosemite. But for those of us who aren’t particularly familiar with his work, who is he? What did he do? And why is he so important to the history and future of Yosemite National Park? Ansel Adams’ Early Years Ansel Adams first came to Yosemite in 1916 when he was fourteen years old. He was armed with his Box Brownie camera, given to him by his parents, and with it he took a photo journal of his trip. Ansel returned to Yosemite a few years later to work as the curator of LeConte Memorial Lodge and lead hikes throughout Yosemite Valley. His love for the park continued to grow, as did his prowess as a photographer. For many years, Ansel’s passion was the piano. He had aspirations of becoming a concert pianist and practiced his skills in Best’s Studio, the same building that is now The Ansel Adams Gallery. But then Ansel took his famous shot of Monolith, the face of Half Dome, and with the snap of his camera, something changed inside Ansel. He soon after decided to dedicate his life to photography. In the years to come, Ansel married Mr. Best’s daughter, Virginia and took over the studio as his own workspace. A Photography Legend For decades Ansel Adams’ photographs of the park have been revered by the art community and served Yosemite as symbols of the dire need for conservation and preservation. Ansel worked and lived in Yosemite for about forty years with his wife and children, ever dedicated to capturing the beauty of the park and sharing that beauty with the world. From 1933 until 1971, Ansel served as the chairman of the Sierra Club’s Board of Directors, an organization devoted to the conservation of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevadas. Ansel Adams’ Lasting Impression When Ansel passed away in 1984, he left behind an astounding portfolio of images as well as countless contributions to the preservation of Yosemite. Today his photographs can be found in museums all over the country but most notably in the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park. The gallery is open to the public and offers children’s activities and photography tours for seasoned professionals and photography amateurs alike. On your next trip to Yosemite, be sure to include a visit to the Ansel Adams Gallery to experience Ansel’s legacy firsthand. Also, make sure to book your Yosemite reservations through Scenic Wonders. We offer cabin, home, and condominium rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park. With our cozy properties, you’ll enjoy a memorable vacation with all the perks of home right at your fingertips. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our available vacation rentals or to reserve your lodging today! Photo credit: johntrainor