The Images And The Man: PBS Documentary On Ansel Adams

Hartford Courant ^ | Apr 19 2002 | OWEN MCNALLY

[2Trievers]

Ric Burns has created a scintillating TV portrait of legendary photographer Ansel Adams, capturing his essence as a splendid chronicler of the American West and as a crusading environmentalist.

Burns' 90-minute portrait of the artist, which airs Sunday at 9 p.m. as part of PBS's "American Experience" history series, also depicts, with some subtle shading of light and dark, Adams' eccentric personal qualities.

Adams, from odd and gifted prodigy to grizzled elder statesman for the environmental movement, comes across in Burns' biography as a mostly lovable but tormented character who overcomes geekhood to achieve greatness.

[2Trievers]

[backhoe]

For years I did my own ad photography, and had more than a passing interest in Adams and many other gifted photographers works, even subscribing to Fred Picker's newsletters for some years. Whatever else you might say about him, Adams was truly gifted, and hauled that old view camera around for as long as he had strength to do so.

[dhuffman@awod.com]

Mr. Adams and I shared a walk in Yosemite Valley. Our separate destinations took us on the same route for a distance. I don't recall much conversation - I was but a teenager burdened with rope, too tight kletterschue and grandiose intentions - but we communicated with pauses and pointing gestures. We walked past IIRC Fern Pond, not yet desecrated with butts and wrappers, that will always eptiomize The Valley for me. Sic Transit Gloria Mundi.

[Guna]

Yes, he is good and we have a few of his pix on our walls.

Re the crusading environmentalist touch - it would be ironic if the shots he took so long ago of pristine places are still pristine today. The quote from the story seems to indicate that this is so ... "These present-day images of what Adams shot decades ago..."

So much for all the hand wringing of the damage being done to our wilderness.

[backhoe]

If I'm remembering the name correctly, it was always Man Ray whose work I wished mine looked like. It wasn't for lack of trying, but pictures of sun suits & jewelery don't take too well to a less-than-literal rendition.