Berenice Abbott

Berenice Abbott was a pioneering American photographer known for her striking black-and-white images that captured the changing face of 20th-century America. Born on July 17, 1898, in Springfield, Ohio, she initially pursued sculpture in New York and Paris before turning to photography under the influence of Man Ray. It was in Paris that she discovered and preserved the work of Eugène Atget, an act that shaped her lifelong dedication to documentary photography.

Upon returning to the United States, Abbott focused her lens on New York City, producing the iconic photo series Changing New York during the 1930s. Her images documented the rapid transformation of the urban landscape, combining architectural clarity with artistic vision. Later in her career, she ventured into scientific photography, visualizing complex physics concepts through innovative photographic techniques—a testament to her deep curiosity and intellectual range.

Berenice Abbott is also remembered for her bold and insightful quotes on photography and society. She once stated: “Photography helps people to see.” Another of her well-known quotes reflects her conviction about truth in art: “The photographer is the contemporary being par excellence; through his eyes the now becomes the past.” These quotes capture Abbott’s belief in photography as both an artistic and documentary force—a way to preserve reality with integrity and vision.