Imogen Cunningham

Date of Birth: April 12, 1883

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: June 23, 1976

Biography

Imogen Cunningham was an influential American photographer known for her innovative and detail-oriented work. Born in Portland, Oregon, she developed an interest in photography while studying at the University of Washington. After earning her chemistry degree in 1907, she interned with renowned photographer Edward S. Curtis, helping him with his Native American documentation project. Cunningham’s early work was characterized by soft-focus imagery, a hallmark of the Pictorialist movement. However, she later evolved into a modernist, producing sharply focused botanical photographs, industrial landscapes, and portraits. She played a significant role in the Group f/64, a collective of San Francisco photographers advocating for “pure” photography. Cunningham’s career spanned over seven decades, during which she continually pushed the boundaries of photographic art.

5 Interesting Facts about Imogen Cunningham

1. Imogen Cunningham was one of the first professional female photographers in America.

2. She opened her own portrait studio in Seattle in 1910, which became highly successful.

3. Cunningham was a member of the Group f/64, alongside Ansel Adams and Edward Weston.

4. She became known for her botanical photography, particularly her detailed images of flowers.

5. In her later years, she focused on street photography and portraits of elderly people, demonstrating her versatility as a photographer.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Imogen Cunningham

1. “Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.”

2. “I was invited to photograph Hollywood. They asked me what I would like to photograph. I said, ‘Ugly men.’”

3. “The formula for doing a good job in photography is to think like a poet.”

4. “Anybody is influenced by where and how he lives.”

5. “I don’t talk about success. I don’t know what it is. Wait until I’m dead.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Imogen Cunningham’s highest net worth is not well-documented as she was more focused on her art than on commercial success. However, her works are highly valued and continue to fetch significant amounts at auctions.

Children

Imogen Cunningham had three children with her husband, Roi Partridge, an etcher. Their names are: 1. Gryffyd Partridge 2. Rondal Partridge 3. Padraic Partridge