(1883 Portland Oregon-1976)
American photographer, Imogen Cunningham is often considered as one of the pioneers of the 20th century photography.
A leading proponent of the pre-World War school of ‘ Straight Photography ‘ (whereby the photographers used the unique capabilities of the camera to produce images with faraway details in as sharp focus as objects close at hand). After reading the thesis "The Scientific Development of Photography", by Edward Curtis, Cunningham was prompted to work with him.
In 1914, she wrote a landmark book focussed on women photography. In 1917, she began being associated with Straight Photography, along with fellow photographers like Adams and Weston. Her most characteristic work was studio-based: still-lifes, portraits and nudes and figure studies. She was also a founding member of the Californian group f.64. In 1967, she was appointed as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.