Iconic photographer Ansel Adams spent three decades capturing the landscapes of the American West in all their grandeur in black and white. In the new book, Making a Photographer: The Early Work of Ansel Adams, author Dr. Rebecca A. Senf examines the origins of Adams’ work and how his humble beginnings, including an album he assembled as a child, are vital to understanding the full scope of his career and artistic development. yalebooks.yale.edu

PHOTO BY ANSEL ADAMS COURTESY THE ANSEL ADAMS PUBLISHING RIGHTS TRUST