Picture description: Dorothea Lange, Resettlement Administration photographer, sitting atop a Ford Model 40 in California. In her lap is a Graflex 4×5 Series D camera.
Source: This image is available from the United States Library of Congress‘s Prints and Photographs division
under the digital ID fsa.8b27245.
Author: Rondal Partridge (1917–2015)

Dorothea Lange, the renowned photographer, emphasizes the power of memories and their ability to evoke gratitude. Today, take a moment to capture something beautiful with your camera or phone. Whether it’s a stunning sunset, a blooming flower, or a joyful moment with loved ones, these photos become lasting memories. 🌅🌸👨‍👩‍👧

Every snapshot is a piece of your life’s story, a reminder of the beauty and joy around you. By preserving these moments, you create a treasure trove of gratitude to look back on and cherish. Let this simple act of capturing beauty remind you of the countless blessings in your life. 📷💖

Dorothea Lange, born on May 26, 1895, in Hoboken, New Jersey, was a pioneering American documentary photographer and photojournalist. She is best known for her powerful images that captured the human condition during the Great Depression, highlighting the struggles and resilience of ordinary people.

Lange initially studied photography in New York City, where she apprenticed with several renowned photographers. In 1918, she moved to San Francisco and opened a successful portrait studio. However, her focus shifted dramatically with the onset of the Great Depression.

In the early 1930s, Lange began documenting the impact of the economic downturn on rural America. Her work caught the attention of the Resettlement Administration (later the Farm Security Administration), and she was hired to work on a project aimed at raising public awareness about the plight of impoverished farmers and migrant workers.

Lange’s most iconic photograph, “Migrant Mother,” taken in 1936, became a symbol of the era’s hardship and human perseverance. The image, depicting a worried mother with her children, powerfully conveyed the emotional and economic struggles faced by many during that time.

Throughout her career, Lange’s work was characterized by its empathetic and humanistic approach. She had a unique ability to capture the dignity and strength of her subjects, bringing attention to social issues and influencing public opinion.

In the 1940s, Lange continued her documentary work, photographing Japanese American internment camps during World War II. Her images were initially impounded by the U.S. government but later recognized for their historical significance.

Lange’s contributions to photography and social documentary work have had a lasting impact, inspiring generations of photographers and activists. She passed away on October 11, 1965, in San Francisco, but her legacy lives on through her powerful and enduring images.