Imogen Cunningham

Date of Birth: April 12, 1883

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: June 24, 1976

Biography

Imogen Cunningham was a pioneering American photographer known for her botanical photography, nudes, and industrial landscapes. Born on April 12, 1883, in Portland, Oregon, Cunningham developed an early interest in photography. She studied chemistry at the University of Washington to better understand photographic processes and subsequently worked for Edward S. Curtis in his Seattle studio. In 1910, she opened her own studio and began creating her iconic works. Cunningham was a member of the famous Group f/64, a collective of photographers that included Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. This group advocated for “pure” photography, characterized by sharp focus and the use of the full tonal range of a photograph. Throughout her career, Cunningham continuously pushed the boundaries of traditional photography, exploring various subjects and styles. She worked until her death on June 24, 1976, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire photographers worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Imogen Cunningham

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

2. She was a founding member of Group f/64, which promoted modernist photography.

3. Cunningham was a professor of art at the California School of Fine Arts (now San Francisco Art Institute).

4. She was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1934, an honor rarely given to photographers at that time.

5. Cunningham continued to take photographs and exhibit her work well into her 90s.

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

3. “Everybody who does anything for the public can be criticized. There’s always someone who doesn’t like it.”

4. “I photograph anything that can be exposed to light.”

5. “When people ask me what equipment I use – I tell them my eyes.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific figures regarding Imogen Cunningham’s net worth are not well-documented, it is widely acknowledged that her work has significantly appreciated in value, with individual prints selling for tens of thousands of dollars in modern auctions.

Children

Imogen Cunningham had three children with her husband, Roi Partridge, who was an etcher and a printmaker. Their names are Gryffyd Partridge, Rondal Partridge, and Padraic Partridge. Rondal Partridge followed in his mother’s footsteps and became a well-known photographer.