Edward Steichen was a prominent American photographer, painter, and curator who revolutionized the field of photography by transforming it into an art form. He was one of the leading Pictorialists of the 20th century and a founding member of the Photo-Secession group. Steichen’s work as a professional portrait photographer flourished, making him famous for his iconic fashion images for Vogue magazine.
During World War II, he directed the Naval Aviation Photographic Unit and won an Academy Award for his documentary The Fighting Lady. After the war, Steichen took over as Director of Photography at New York’s Museum of Modern Art in New York until 1962. He curated several influential exhibitions that elevated photography’s status to fine art such as ‘The Family in Photography’ and ‘The Bitter Years,’ which were both reflective on social justice issues.
Steichen’s legacy mainly lies in his ability to elevate photographs from ordinary documentation to pieces of art worthy of museum collections which is why he is held in high esteem today. His works capture our imagination with their beauty and vividness portraying emotion through its composition often leaving viewers a sense awe-inspiring curiosity long after they’ve viewed his works thus considered one if not the most prominent photographers ever existent