Dorothea Lange

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Dorothea Lange

Dorothea Lange was an influential American documentary photographer and photojournalist, best known for her work during the Great Depression. Born on May 26, 1895, in Hoboken, New Jersey, Lange's photography captured the struggles and resilience of individuals facing economic hardship and social injustice.

Early Life and Education

Lange studied photography at Columbia University in New York City before moving to San Francisco, where she established a successful portrait studio. Her early work focused on capturing the everyday lives of people in the city.

Career

Lange's career took a significant turn during the Great Depression when she began documenting the impact of the economic crisis on American society. Her iconic photograph "Migrant Mother" became a symbol of the era, depicting the hardships faced by migrant farmworkers in California.

Throughout her career, Lange's photographs highlighted social issues such as poverty, displacement, and discrimination. She worked for the Farm Security Administration, producing powerful images that brought attention to the plight of marginalized communities.

Legacy

Dorothea Lange's work continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and social commentary. Her photographs have had a lasting impact on the field of documentary photography and remain important historical records of a turbulent period in American history.

Awards and Recognition

Lange received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to photography, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and the International Photography Hall of Fame induction.

Personal Life

Dorothea Lange was married to the noted Western painter Maynard Dixon and had two children. Despite facing physical challenges later in life due to polio, Lange continued to photograph and advocate for social change until her death on October 11, 1965.