Dorothea Lange

Dorothea Lange (1895–1965) was an American documentary photographer whose groundbreaking work fundamentally shaped photojournalism and social documentary photography. Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, Lange overcame polio and a broken wrist to become one of the most influential visual artists of the twentieth century. During the Great Depression, she traveled throughout the American West photographing migrant workers, farmers, and displaced families, producing images of extraordinary emotional power and social significance. Her most famous photograph, 'Migrant Mother,' became an iconic symbol of American hardship and resilience. Working for the Farm Security Administration, Lange created over 160,000 images that documented American life during the nation's most challenging era. Her work combined technical mastery with profound human empathy, capturing not just poverty and struggle but the dignity and strength of ordinary people. After World War II, she continued documenting global social issues, traveling to Asia and Africa. Lange's legacy extends far beyond photography; she established the moral authority of the documentary image as a tool for social change and humanitarian awareness, influencing countless photographers and filmmakers who followed.