Margaret Bourke-White was a pioneer in the field of photojournalism, renowned for her impressive contributions to Life magazine and capturing major events in the 20th century. Born in New York City and raised in rural New Jersey, Bourke-White studied science and art at several universities from 1921 to 1927 before becoming an accomplished architectural and commercial photographer. One of her clients was Otis Steel Company, where she proved that her success was due to her skills with both people and technique.
Bourke-White’s experience at Otis Steel is a testament to her ability to break down barriers as she explored closed doors and areas that were not easily accessible. She collaborated with future husband Erskine Caldwell on a book documenting the rural poor of the South before extensively documenting Soviet industry after the revolution. She also created a travelogue of Czechoslovakia and other Balkan states just before Hitler moved in to ignite World War II.
As a war photographer, Bourke-White made history by being the first woman allowed to accompany a combat mission. Her images during World War II represent some of the most iconic war photographs ever taken, further cementing her legacy as one of photojournalism’s pioneers.