7.3 Group f/64 and straight landscape photography

Group f/64 emerged in the 1930s as a reaction to pictorialism, championing "straight photography" with sharp focus and minimal manipulation. Led by Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, the group emphasized the unique qualities of photography as an art form.

Their technical approach revolutionized landscape photography, using large format cameras and small apertures to achieve deep focus. Group f/64's aesthetic philosophy centered on revealing the subject's inherent beauty through precise technique, influencing generations of photographers and shaping modern landscape imagery.

Origins of Group f/64

• Group f/64 emerged in the 1930s as a response to the dominant pictorialist style in photography, marking a significant shift in the history of the medium
• The group's formation reflected a growing desire among photographers to establish photography as a distinct art form with its own aesthetic principles
• Their approach emphasized the unique qualities of the photographic medium, rejecting the painterly techniques favored by pictorialists

Founding members

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• Ansel Adams and Edward Weston initiated the formation of Group f/64 in 1932
• Willard Van Dyke played a crucial role in organizing the group and providing exhibition space
• Imogen Cunningham brought her expertise in botanical photography to the collective
• Other founding members included John Paul Edwards, Sonya Noskowiak, and Henry Swift

Reaction to pictorialism

• Group f/64 formed as a direct challenge to the soft-focus, manipulated images of pictorialism
• Members criticized pictorialism for imitating painting rather than embracing photography's unique qualities
• The group advocated for sharp focus and high contrast as defining characteristics of photographic art
• They rejected the use of special lenses, filters, or darkroom manipulations that were common in pictorialist work

Manifesto and principles

• The group's manifesto emphasized "pure photography" free from manipulation or imitation of other art forms
• Members committed to producing work with maximum image sharpness and clarity
• The manifesto called for photographs to be presented without alteration in the darkroom
• Group f/64 promoted the idea of "straight photography" focusing on the subject's inherent qualities
• Their principles emphasized the importance of pre-visualization and careful composition in the field

Technical aspects

• Group f/64's technical approach revolutionized landscape photography by prioritizing image clarity and detail
• Their methods required precise control over exposure, development, and printing processes
• The group's techniques influenced the development of photographic equipment and materials

Large format cameras

• Group f/64 photographers primarily used large format view cameras (8x10 inches or larger)
• These cameras allowed for precise control over perspective and image plane alignment
• Large negatives provided exceptional detail and tonal range in the final prints
• View cameras facilitated the use of movements (tilt, shift, swing, rise, fall) for creative control
• The slow, deliberate process of using large format cameras aligned with the group's emphasis on careful composition

Deep focus photography

• Deep focus technique aimed to render all elements of the image in sharp focus
• Photographers used small apertures (high f-numbers) to achieve extended depth of field
• This approach required longer exposure times, often necessitating the use of tripods
• Deep focus allowed for the inclusion of detailed foreground elements alongside distant landscapes
• The technique emphasized the relationship between near and far elements in the composition

Aperture and depth of field

• Group f/64 derived its name from the smallest aperture (f/64) commonly available on large format lenses
• Small apertures like f/64 produced the greatest depth of field, keeping both foreground and background in focus
• Using such small apertures required longer exposure times, often several seconds or more
• Photographers carefully calculated exposure to balance depth of field with acceptable sharpness
• The group's emphasis on small apertures contrasted with the wider apertures often used in pictorialist work

Aesthetic philosophy

• Group f/64's aesthetic philosophy centered on revealing the inherent beauty of the subject through precise photographic technique
• Their approach emphasized the unique qualities of photography as distinct from other visual arts
• The group's aesthetic principles had a lasting impact on the development of modernist photography

Pure photography movement

• Pure photography advocated for images that were sharply focused and free from manipulation
• The movement emphasized the camera's ability to capture reality with precision and clarity
• Photographers sought to reveal the essential qualities of their subjects through careful observation
• Pure photography rejected the use of soft focus, special filters, or extensive darkroom manipulation
• The movement aimed to establish photography as a unique art form with its own aesthetic language

Emphasis on sharp focus

• Sharp focus became a hallmark of Group f/64's style, contrasting with the soft-focus pictorialist approach
• Photographers used small apertures and large format cameras to achieve maximum depth of field
• The emphasis on sharpness extended from the foreground to the background of the image
• Sharp focus allowed for the detailed rendering of textures, forms, and tonal gradations
• This technique required precise focusing and often the use of a magnifying loupe to ensure critical sharpness

Rejection of manipulation

• Group f/64 strongly opposed darkroom manipulation techniques common in pictorialist photography
• Members committed to producing "straight" prints that faithfully represented the original negative
• The group rejected techniques such as composite printing or extensive retouching
• Minimal dodging and burning were allowed only to correct for technical limitations of the medium
• This approach aimed to maintain the integrity of the photographic process and the photographer's vision

Key photographers

• The core members of Group f/64 were influential figures who shaped the course of 20th-century photography
• Their individual styles and subject matter varied, but they shared a commitment to the group's principles
• These photographers' work continues to be celebrated and studied in the history of photography

Ansel Adams

• Renowned for his dramatic black and white landscapes of the American West
• Developed the Zone System for precise control over exposure and development
• Authored influential books on photographic technique and aesthetics
• Advocated for environmental conservation through his photography
• Served as a teacher and mentor to many aspiring photographers

Edward Weston

• Known for his modernist approach to still life, nude, and landscape photography
• Pioneered the use of small apertures for extended depth of field in close-up photography
• Created iconic images of peppers, shells, and sand dunes
• Influenced by Mexican muralists and the precisionist movement in painting
• His daybooks provide valuable insights into his photographic process and philosophy

Imogen Cunningham

• Specialized in botanical photography and portraiture
• Known for her sharp-focus, close-up studies of plants and flowers
• Explored abstract forms in industrial and architectural subjects
• One of the first women to gain recognition in the male-dominated field of photography
• Her work bridged pictorialism and modernism, evolving throughout her long career

Iconic landscapes

• Group f/64 photographers created enduring images of the American landscape, particularly in the Western United States
• Their work helped shape public perception of these landscapes and contributed to conservation efforts
• The iconic images produced by the group continue to influence landscape photography today

Yosemite National Park

• Ansel Adams' photographs of Yosemite became synonymous with the park's grandeur
• Images like "Clearing Winter Storm" and "Moon and Half Dome" are among the most recognizable landscape photographs
• Group f/64 photographers captured Yosemite's dramatic rock formations, waterfalls, and forests
• Their work contributed to the preservation and popularity of Yosemite as a national park
• The park's diverse landscapes provided opportunities to demonstrate the group's technical mastery

California coast

• Edward Weston's images of Point Lobos became iconic representations of the California coastline
• Photographers captured the rugged beauty of Big Sur and other coastal areas
• The interplay of land and sea provided dynamic subjects for Group f/64's sharp-focus approach
• Coastal landscapes allowed for exploration of textures, patterns, and tonal gradations
• These images often featured dramatic skies and long exposures to capture the movement of water

Southwest deserts

• The stark landscapes of the American Southwest became favored subjects for Group f/64 photographers
• Ansel Adams captured the otherworldly forms of sand dunes in Death Valley
• Edward Weston's images of White Sands, New Mexico, explored abstract patterns in nature
• The desert's clear air and strong light were ideal for the group's emphasis on sharp focus and tonal range
• These landscapes allowed photographers to explore minimalist compositions and subtle gradations of tone

Influence on American photography

• Group f/64's approach had a profound and lasting impact on the development of American photography
• Their work helped establish photography as a respected art form in its own right
• The group's influence extended beyond landscape photography to other genres and styles

Shift towards modernism

• Group f/64 played a crucial role in moving American photography away from pictorialism towards modernism
• Their emphasis on sharp focus and straight printing aligned with broader modernist trends in art
• The group's work influenced the development of New Objectivity in photography
• Their approach paved the way for later modernist photographers like Minor White and Paul Strand
• Group f/64's aesthetic principles became foundational for many photography programs and schools

Impact on documentary style

• The group's emphasis on clarity and detail influenced the development of documentary photography
• Their techniques were adopted by photographers working for the Farm Security Administration (FSA)
• The straight photography approach became associated with truthfulness and objectivity in reportage
• Group f/64's influence can be seen in the work of documentary photographers like Dorothea Lange
• Their aesthetic principles shaped how social and environmental issues were visually represented

Legacy in fine art photography

• Group f/64's work helped establish photography as a legitimate form of fine art
• Their prints became highly valued and collected by major museums and galleries
• The group's approach influenced subsequent generations of art photographers
• Their emphasis on craft and technical excellence set standards for fine art printing
• Group f/64's legacy can be seen in contemporary landscape and still life photography

Criticism and controversies

• Despite their significant influence, Group f/64 and their approach faced various criticisms and debates
• These controversies reflected broader discussions about the nature of photography as an art form
• The group's strong stance on photographic purity sparked ongoing debates in the field

Elitism accusations

• Critics argued that Group f/64's emphasis on technical perfection was elitist and exclusionary
• The high cost of large format equipment limited access to their techniques
• Some viewed the group's rejection of amateur and pictorialist work as overly dogmatic
• The focus on Western landscapes was seen by some as neglecting other photographic subjects and styles
• Critics argued that the group's approach privileged certain types of subject matter over others

Limitations of approach

• Some photographers felt that Group f/64's strict adherence to straight photography was limiting
• The emphasis on sharpness and clarity was seen as potentially unsuitable for certain subjects or moods
• Critics argued that the group's approach could lead to formulaic or repetitive imagery
• The rejection of manipulation was viewed by some as artificially constraining the medium's potential
• Some photographers felt that the group's techniques were not well-suited to capturing fleeting moments or action

Debates on artistic expression

• Group f/64's emphasis on technical perfection sparked debates about the nature of artistic expression in photography
• Some argued that their approach prioritized technique over emotional or personal vision
• The group's rejection of manipulation raised questions about the role of the photographer's interpretation
• Debates emerged about whether photography should strive for objectivity or embrace subjectivity
• The group's influence led to ongoing discussions about the boundaries between documentation and art in photography

Straight photography techniques

• Straight photography techniques formed the core of Group f/64's approach to image-making
• These methods emphasized careful control over every aspect of the photographic process
• The techniques developed by Group f/64 continue to influence photographers working in various genres

Zone system

• Developed by Ansel Adams and Fred Archer to precisely control exposure and development
• Divides the tonal range of a scene into 11 zones from pure black (Zone 0) to pure white (Zone X)
• Allows photographers to visualize and control the final print's tonal values before taking the photograph
• Involves careful metering of different areas of the scene and placement of key tones
• Requires adjusting development times to achieve the desired contrast range in the negative

Previsualization

• Concept popularized by Ansel Adams emphasizing mental visualization of the final print before exposure
• Involves carefully considering composition, tonal relationships, and desired emotional impact
• Requires a deep understanding of how the camera's settings will affect the final image
• Encourages thoughtful, deliberate approach to photography rather than spontaneous shooting
• Helps photographers make intentional decisions about exposure, development, and printing

Tonal range and contrast

• Group f/64 photographers sought to capture a full range of tones from deep blacks to bright whites
• Careful exposure and development techniques were used to preserve detail in highlights and shadows
• Photographers often used colored filters to adjust the tonal relationships between different elements
• Printing techniques such as split-grade printing were employed to control local contrast
• The group's emphasis on tonal range influenced the development of film and paper with extended dynamic range

Exhibition and recognition

• Group f/64's exhibitions and critical reception played a crucial role in establishing their influence
• Their shows helped to legitimize straight photography as a serious art form
• The group's work gained recognition from major institutions, further solidifying their place in photographic history

First Group f/64 show

• Held at the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum in San Francisco in November 1932
• Featured 80 photographs by the seven founding members of the group
• The exhibition's statement of purpose outlined the group's commitment to pure photography
• The show received significant attention and sparked debates about photographic aesthetics
• Marked a turning point in the acceptance of straight photography in the art world

Museum of Modern Art exhibitions

• MoMA's photography department, established in 1940, played a key role in promoting Group f/64's work
• Ansel Adams' first solo exhibition at MoMA in 1936 helped establish his reputation
• Edward Weston's 1946 retrospective at MoMA solidified his place in the photographic canon
• Group f/64 members were featured in numerous group shows exploring modern photography
• MoMA's support helped legitimize straight photography as a serious art form

Critical reception

• Initial reactions to Group f/64's work were mixed, with some critics praising their technical mastery
• Over time, the group's approach gained increasing acceptance and influence
• Critics like Beaumont Newhall played a key role in promoting and contextualizing their work
• The group's emphasis on photographic purity sparked ongoing debates in photographic criticism
• By the mid-20th century, Group f/64's approach had become a dominant paradigm in art photography

Legacy and modern interpretations

• Group f/64's influence continues to be felt in contemporary photography and visual culture
• Their work has been reinterpreted and challenged by subsequent generations of photographers
• The group's principles continue to spark debates about the nature and purpose of photography

Digital vs analog debate

• The rise of digital photography has reignited discussions about photographic purity and manipulation
• Some photographers continue to work with large format film cameras in the tradition of Group f/64
• Digital techniques have made some of Group f/64's technical challenges easier to overcome
• Debates continue about whether digital manipulation is compatible with straight photography principles
• Some contemporary photographers combine digital and analog techniques to achieve Group f/64-inspired results

Contemporary landscape photography

• Many contemporary landscape photographers continue to be influenced by Group f/64's aesthetic
• Environmental concerns have led to new interpretations of the landscape photography tradition
• Some photographers challenge Group f/64's approach by embracing manipulation or alternative processes
• The proliferation of digital cameras has made high-quality landscape photography more accessible
• Contemporary photographers often grapple with how to depict landscapes already made iconic by Group f/64

Preservation of f/64 ideals

• Some photographers and institutions continue to promote and teach Group f/64's techniques and philosophy
• The zone system and other technical approaches developed by the group remain relevant in digital photography
• Museums and galleries continue to exhibit and collect work by Group f/64 members and their followers
• Photography education often includes study of Group f/64's principles and techniques
• Debates continue about the relevance of Group f/64's purist approach in the age of digital manipulation