Margaret Bourke-White

Date of Birth: June 14, 1904

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: August 27, 1971

Biography

Margaret Bourke-White was an American photographer and documentary photographer, renowned for her pioneering work in photojournalism. Born in the Bronx, New York City, she grew up in Bound Brook, New Jersey. Margaret attended several universities, including Columbia University, Purdue University, and the University of Michigan, before finally graduating from Cornell University with a degree in biology. Initially working in architectural and industrial photography, she quickly made a name for herself with her striking compositions and innovative techniques. In 1929, she became the first foreign photographer permitted to take pictures of Soviet industry, and her work was published in Fortune Magazine. Her career took a significant turn when she joined Life Magazine in 1936 as one of its first four staff photographers, and her photograph appeared on the cover of the first issue. Bourke-White documented various significant events of the 20th century, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the partition of India. She was one of the first female war correspondents and the first woman to be allowed to work in combat zones during WWII. Margaret Bourke-White was also a dedicated social justice advocate, capturing the struggles and resilience of people during turbulent times. Her work has left an indelible mark on the field of photojournalism and continues to inspire photographers worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Margaret Bourke-White

1. Margaret Bourke-White was the first female photographer for Life Magazine.

2. She was the first foreign photographer allowed to take pictures of Soviet industry.

3. Bourke-White was the first woman to fly on a combat mission during World War II.

4. She photographed Gandhi just hours before his assassination in 1948.

5. Margaret was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1953 but continued to work and publish her photographs.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Margaret Bourke-White

1. “Work is something you can count on, a trusted, lifelong friend who never deserts you.”

2. “To understand another human being you must gain some insight into the conditions which made him what he is.”

3. “The camera is a remarkable instrument. Saturate yourself with your subject and the camera will all but take you by the hand.”

4. “I feel that utter truth is essential, and to get that truth may take a lot of searching and long hours.”

5. “The beauty of the past belongs to the past.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Margaret Bourke-White’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but her significant contributions to photojournalism and her published works would have earned her a respectable amount for her time.