The Story Behind Ansel Adams's "Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico"

Summary

The transcript discusses Ansel Adams's iconic photograph, "Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico," captured in 1941. It recounts the legendary moment when Adams, while traveling with his son, spotted a perfect shot and improvised using an 8x10 View Camera. The photo's significance extends beyond its beauty; it reflects the historical context of the era, occurring just before the U.S. entered World War II. The narrative highlights the interconnectedness of art, science, and history, emphasizing Adams's musical background and the profound impact of photography, encapsulating a rich story that resonates with American history.

Takeaways

• 🌙 Ansel Adams's photograph 'Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico' is a significant fusion of fine art and storytelling.
• 📅 The photograph was created in 1941, during a challenging day for Adams while he was working in Chama Valley, New Mexico.
• 🚗 Adams captured the photograph after a moment of inspiration while traveling back to Santa Fe with his son, Michael.
• 📷 He famously jumped on top of his car to take the shot, highlighting his dedication and spontaneity as a photographer.
• ⏰ The initial exposure he took required reprocessing, leading to an interpretation of the scene that appears to be shot at night.
• 🎶 Adams likened the negative to a musical composition, with the final print being the performance, showcasing his artistic philosophy.
• 🔭 A scientific analysis determined the exact time of the photograph's capture: October 31, 1941, at 4:05 PM.
• ⚔️ The image holds historical significance as it was taken shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor, marking a pivotal moment in American history.
• 📜 The concept of provenance in photography is important, as it traces the history and significance of an image through various ownerships.
• ✨ Adams's influence extended beyond his photography; he inspired future generations, including Dennis Purcell, who apprenticed with him.

Q & A

What is the significance of Ansel Adams's photograph 'Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico'?

The photograph is notable for encapsulating the best elements of fine art and storytelling, demonstrating Adams's mastery in capturing dramatic landscapes.

How did Ansel Adams come to capture this iconic photograph?

Adams was traveling in New Mexico with his son when he spotted the scene through the car window. Despite not having his exposure meter, he instinctively calculated the exposure and captured the image from atop his car.

What challenges did Adams face while taking this photograph?

Adams struggled to find his exposure meter and had to calculate the exposure in his head, showcasing his skill and experience as a photographer.

What does Adams mean by saying 'the negative is the musical composition and the print is the performance'?

Adams, trained as a musician, likens the photographic negative to a musical score that holds potential, while the final print represents the realization of that potential through artistic expression.

How did scientists determine the date and time the photograph was taken?

Scientists analyzed the position of the moon in the sky captured in the photograph to ascertain that it was taken on October 31, 1941, at 4:05 PM, and later, another scientist suggested a slight adjustment to November 1, 1941, at 4:03 PM.

What historical context is associated with this photograph?

The photograph was taken shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor, marking a significant moment in American history as the country was about to enter World War II.

What role did Edwin Land play in the provenance of this photograph?

Edwin Land, founder of the Polaroid Corporation, received the print from Adams in the 1950s, linking the photograph to developments in instant photography and lunar missions under President Eisenhower.

What is meant by 'provenance' in the context of this photograph?

Provenance refers to the history of ownership and transmission of the photograph, detailing its journey from Adams to various significant individuals and institutions over time.

How does the etymology of photography contribute to understanding the medium?

The word 'photography' derives from the Greek words meaning 'written with light,' emphasizing the medium's intrinsic connection to light and its ability to capture profound spiritual and historical narratives.

In what ways did Ansel Adams influence photography as an art form?

Adams's technical skills, artistic vision, and innovative approaches to photography helped elevate it to a recognized fine art, demonstrating its power to convey complex stories and emotions.