Interesting Things to Know About Dorothea Lange

Introduction:

Dorothea Lange is a name that is familiar to many, known for her iconic photography during the Great Depression in the United States. Her work captured the struggles and resilience of the American people during one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history. While many may be familiar with her most famous works, there are some interesting facts about Dorothea Lange that are not as well-known. In this article, we will explore 15 fascinating facts about this talented and influential photographer.

Fact 1: Early Life

Dorothea Lange was born on May 26, 1895, in Hoboken, New Jersey. Her birth name was Dorothea Nutzhorn, but she later adopted her mother’s maiden name, Lange. She developed an interest in photography at a young age and pursued her passion by studying photography at Columbia University.

Fact 2: Polio Diagnosis

At the age of seven, Lange was diagnosed with polio, which left her with a lifelong limp. Despite this physical challenge, she pursued her dreams of becoming a photographer and did not let her disability hold her back.

Fact 3: Portrait Photography

Before gaining fame for her documentary work, Lange was known for her portrait photography. She opened a successful portrait studio in San Francisco in the 1920s and photographed high society clients, as well as artists and musicians.

Fact 4: Great Depression Photos

Lange’s career took a dramatic turn in the 1930s when she began documenting the effects of the Great Depression on American society. Her iconic photographs of migrant workers and displaced families captured the human impact of the economic crisis and brought national attention to their plight.

Fact 5: Migrant Mother

One of Lange’s most famous photographs is “Migrant Mother,” which depicts a destitute pea picker in California with her children. The image has become an enduring symbol of the Great Depression and is considered one of the most iconic photographs in American history.

Fact 6: Resettlement Administration

Lange worked for the Resettlement Administration, a New Deal agency that aimed to provide relief to farmers and migrant workers during the Great Depression. Her photos were used to bring awareness to the living conditions of those affected by the economic crisis.

Fact 7: Japanese Internment

During World War II, Lange was hired by the War Relocation Authority to document the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans. Her photographs from this period shed light on the injustice and hardship faced by Japanese Americans during the war.

Fact 8: Documentary Style

Lange’s photography is characterized by its documentary style, which focused on capturing real-life moments and emotions. She believed in using photography as a tool for social change and often said that the camera was an instrument of detection.

Fact 9: World Travels

In addition to her work in the United States, Lange also traveled the world to document social issues and cultural events. She visited Mexico, Ireland, Egypt, and other countries to capture the diversity of human experience through her photography.

Fact 10: Disability Rights Advocacy

As someone who lived with a physical disability herself, Lange was a strong advocate for disability rights. She believed in the power of photography to challenge stereotypes and promote greater understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities.

Fact 11: Controversy

Lange’s work was not without controversy, as some critics questioned the ethics of her documentary photography. Some accused her of exploiting her subjects for the sake of sensationalism, while others praised her for bringing attention to important social issues.

Fact 12: Recognition

Despite the controversy surrounding her work, Lange’s contributions to photography were widely recognized during her lifetime. She received numerous awards and honors for her documentary photography and was celebrated for her unique perspective and powerful storytelling through images.

Fact 13: Legacy

Dorothea Lange’s legacy lives on today through her powerful and evocative photography. Her images continue to inspire photographers and artists around the world and serve as a reminder of the importance of using art to raise awareness and promote social change.

Fact 14: Posthumous Exhibitions

Since her death in 1965, Dorothea Lange’s work has been celebrated in numerous posthumous exhibitions and retrospectives. Her photographs continue to be displayed in museums and galleries worldwide, ensuring that her powerful imagery will not be forgotten.

Fact 15: Inspiration

Dorothea Lange’s impact on the world of photography and social activism is undeniable. Her groundbreaking work paved the way for future generations of photographers to use their art as a means of shining a light on injustice and inequality. Through her lens, Lange captured the essence of the human experience in all its complexity and continues to inspire us to this day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dorothea Lange was a visionary photographer whose work continues to resonate with audiences around the world. From her early days as a portrait photographer to her iconic images of the Great Depression and Japanese internment, Lange’s photographs tell powerful stories of resilience, struggle, and hope. By exploring these 15 facts about Dorothea Lange, we gain a deeper appreciation for the woman behind the camera and the enduring impact of her work on the world of photography and social activism.