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Former assistant offers candid portrait of Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams takes a moment to adjust his camera in Yosemite National Park. An exhibit  featuring some of Adams' most iconic work is hanging at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey.
Alan Ross
Ansel Adams takes a moment to adjust his camera in Yosemite National Park. An exhibit featuring some of Adams' most iconic work is hanging at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey.

Alan Ross worked with Ansel Adams for about 10 years. Like Ansel, he’s known for his striking black and white photography.

Alan says a lot of people know about Ansel – the photographer – but fewer know him as a person.

Alan Ross (left) worked with Ansel Adams (right) for about 10 years.
Credit Daniel Peebles
Alan Ross (left) worked with Ansel Adams (right) for about 10 years.

"Ansel never really lost the ability to laugh at himself," he says. "He knew he was a fairly well-known figure, but it never went to his head."

Before photography, Ansel Adams was interested in becoming a pianist. When photography became his obsession, he continued to use his musical technique in the way he made images.

"It was the same sort of discipline." Ross explains. "A good musician practices ... and testing film and other aspects of photography was no different."

 

Alan Ross gives a lecture on the life of Ansel Adams, July 13, at Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey. The lecture coincides with the “Ansel Adams: Masterworks” exhibit. It includes 48 of some of his most iconic images. For more information click here.

Dan Wanschura is the Host and Executive Producer of Points North.