Nadar

Date of Birth: April 6, 1820

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: March 20, 1910

Biography

Nadar, born Gaspard-Félix Tournachon, was a pioneering French photographer, caricaturist, journalist, novelist, and balloonist. He was born on April 6, 1820, in Paris, France. Nadar is best recognized for his portrait photography, capturing some of the most notable figures of his time, including Victor Hugo, Sarah Bernhardt, and Jules Verne. He was also a fervent advocate for the advancement of aerial photography and was among the first to take photographs from the air using a hot air balloon. Nadar’s early career started in literature and journalism where he contributed to satirical magazines, often illustrating his articles with caricatures. His transition to photography in the 1850s marked a significant turn in his career. He opened his first photography studio in Paris in 1853, which quickly became a hub for artists and intellectuals. Nadar’s adventurous spirit led him to explore and innovate in various fields, including aeronautics and artificial lighting for photography. He famously took the first known aerial photograph in 1858 and experimented with electric lighting to photograph the Paris catacombs. Nadar’s legacy is not just in his photographic works but also in his contributions to the technological advancements in photography and aeronautics. He passed away on March 20, 1910, leaving behind a rich legacy of innovation and artistry.

5 Interesting Facts about Nadar

1. Nadar was the first person to take an aerial photograph in 1858, using a hot air balloon.

2. He was a member of the Société d’encouragement pour la locomotion aérienne au moyen du plus lourd que l’air, an early aviation society.

3. Nadar’s studio in Paris was a meeting place for artists, writers, and intellectuals of the time, including Charles Baudelaire and Gustave Doré.

4. He was instrumental in the use of artificial lighting in photography, experimenting with electric light to photograph the Paris catacombs.

5. Nadar’s son, Paul Nadar, followed in his footsteps, becoming a renowned photographer in his own right.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nadar

1. “The portrait I do best is of the person I know best.”

2. “Photography is a marvelous discovery, a science which attracts the most intellectual minds, and an art which excites the most astute minds.”

3. “To photograph is to hold one’s breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality.”

4. “The best way to become boring is to say everything.”

5. “A photograph is one moment of life intensely concentrated.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Nadar’s highest net worth is difficult to ascertain due to the historical context, but he was considered quite successful and affluent due to his multiple ventures in photography and aeronautics.