Margaret Moore White

Margaret Moore White was a pioneering American photojournalist and documentary photographer. She is best known for her work during the Great Depression, her contributions to Life magazine, and her documentation of World War II.

Early Life

Margaret Moore White was born on June 14, 1904, in New York City. She developed an interest in photography at an early age, influenced by her father, who was an amateur photographer. White attended Columbia University, where she studied under the renowned photographer Clarence H. White.

Career

Early Career

White began her career as an industrial photographer, capturing images of factories and machinery. Her work caught the attention of Fortune magazine, where she became one of the first female photographers on staff.

Life Magazine

In 1936, White joined the staff of Life magazine as one of its first photographers. Her photograph of the Fort Peck Dam was featured on the cover of the magazine's first issue. White's work for Life took her around the world, documenting significant events and figures.

World War II

During World War II, White became the first female war correspondent accredited by the United States Army. She covered the war in Europe, North Africa, and Asia, capturing powerful images of the conflict. Her photographs of the liberation of Buchenwald concentration camp are among her most famous works.

Later Career

After the war, White continued to work for Life magazine, covering major events such as the Korean War and the Indian independence movement. She also published several books of her photographs and memoirs.

Personal Life

White was married twice, first to Everett Chapman and later to Erskine Caldwell, a novelist with whom she collaborated on several projects. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the 1950s, which eventually led to her retirement from photography.

Legacy

Margaret Moore White is remembered as a trailblazer in the field of photojournalism. Her work has been exhibited in major museums and continues to inspire photographers today.

See Also

• Photojournalism
• Life (magazine)
• World War II
• Great Depression