Ansel Adams

Today is the birthday of photographer Ansel Adams. His striking black and white photographs of the American wilderness and the American West are as compelling today as when they were shot. Some of his best-known works include photographs of Half Dome at Yosemite National Park, Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico and a series of images of Aspens.

Half Dome, Merced River, Winter, Yosemite National Park

Aspens, Dawn Autumn, Colorado

Monolith, Face of Half Dome, Yosemite National Park

Church, Taos Pueblo

Pool, Acoma Puelbo, New Mexico

I am lucky enough to have spent time in the American Southwest, and these photos really do show the spirit of the land.