28/01/2026
In the mid-1920s, Ansel was still uncertain of his future. Though he had already begun making photographs of the High Sierra, he was equally devoted to music and seriously considering a career as a concert pianist. Photography, at that point, was a passion—but not yet a profession.
That changed in 1927, when Ansel met Albert Bender. A generous patron of the arts and a gifted connector of people, Bender immediately recognized the power of Ansel’s High Sierra photographs. After a single meeting, he declared, “We have to do a portfolio of these,” and set about making it happen—financing, organizing, and pre-selling what would become Parmelian Prints of the High Sierras.
Explore the full article and more of Ansel Adams' history on our website https://bit.ly/464pWCq
📷: "Mount Galen Clark," original photograph by Ansel Adams, ca. 1923. Part of Ansel Adams' collection Parmelian Prints of the High Sierras.
