I think few people will deny that Ansel Adams was one of the most influential and important photographers ever, his work enduring as a portfolio of striking examples of mastery of the medium. This excellent documentary takes a deep look at his life and work.

I’ve always found something inscrutably and endlessly fascinating about Adams’ photographs, something that went beyond their technical mastery and created works of art that were affecting on a deep level, communicating the sheer breadth and power of nature in a way that left the viewer moved by their raw emotive capabilities. This fascinating documentary examines not only his work and what made it so enduringly effective, but also his personality, work habits, and the way photography intertwined with his life, including the hardships he faced in trying to be financially successful at a time when it was particularly difficult to do so as a photographer. It’s fascinating to hear that such a remarkable talent often couldn’t even afford to go on trips to shoot at new locations, and yet, he persevered to become the legend he is today. The documentary is definitely evening length, but it’s well worth watching all the way through.