Edward Steichen
Director
About Edward Steichen
Edward Jean Steichen was born in Luxembourg in 1879 and immigrated to the United States as a child. Though primarily celebrated as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, Steichen ventured into filmmaking during World War II, directing the acclaimed documentary 'The Fighting Lady' (1944) while serving as a commander in the U.S. Navy. His photographic career spanned from pictorialism to modernism, working with Alfred Stieglitz at the Photo-Secession movement and later becoming the director of photography at Condé Nast publications. During WWII, he organized the U.S. Naval Aviation Photographic Unit, documenting the war in the Pacific. After the war, he curated the groundbreaking 'Family of Man' exhibition at MoMA in 1955, which became the most visited photography exhibition in history. His single foray into filmmaking earned him an Academy Award, making him one of the few photographers to successfully transition to cinema direction. Steichen's legacy bridges both photography and film, demonstrating how visual storytelling transcends medium boundaries.
The Craft
Behind the Camera
Documentary realism with artistic composition, blending journalistic documentation with photographic aesthetics, emphasizing the human element within military operations
Milestones
- Co-founded Photo-Secession movement with Alfred Stieglitz (1902)
- Chief photographer for Condé Nast publications (1923-1937)
- Commander of U.S. Naval Aviation Photographic Unit during WWII
- Directed Academy Award-winning documentary 'The Fighting Lady' (1944)
- Curated 'Family of Man' exhibition at MoMA (1955)
- Received Presidential Medal of Freedom (1963)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature (1945) for 'The Fighting Lady'
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (1963)
- National Medal of Arts (1972)
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature (1945)
Special Recognition
- Commander, Legion of Honour (France)
- Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Inducted into International Photography Hall of Fame
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (not applicable - primarily recognized for photography)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Steichen revolutionized both photography and documentary filmmaking by bridging the gap between artistic expression and documentary realism. His work with 'The Fighting Lady' demonstrated how documentary films could serve both as historical records and artistic achievements, influencing future generations of documentary filmmakers. His 'Family of Man' exhibition at MoMA brought photography to the masses as a universal language of human experience, traveling to 69 countries and seen by over 9 million people. Steichen's ability to adapt photographic techniques to moving images in 'The Fighting Lady' created a new visual vocabulary for wartime documentaries that emphasized both technical precision and emotional resonance.
Lasting Legacy
Edward Steichen's legacy encompasses multiple revolutions in visual arts. He transformed photography from a technical craft to a fine art medium, pioneered modern advertising photography, and created one of the most influential documentary films of WWII. His 'Family of Man' exhibition remains one of the most important cultural events of the 20th century, establishing photography as a universal language of human experience. Though his filmography consists of only one work, 'The Fighting Lady' stands as a testament to his ability to translate photographic mastery to cinema, influencing how documentaries balance artistic vision with documentary truth.
Who They Inspired
Steichen influenced countless photographers and filmmakers through his technical innovations, artistic vision, and curatorial work. His approach to documentary filmmaking in 'The Fighting Lady' influenced wartime documentarians like Frank Capra and John Huston. His photographic techniques and theories shaped the work of Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, and generations of photographers. His curatorial vision for 'Family of Man' established new standards for photographic exhibitions and influenced how museums present photography. His cross-disciplinary success demonstrated how artistic principles could transcend medium boundaries, inspiring future artists to work across multiple platforms.
Off Screen
Steichen was married three times and had three daughters. His first marriage to Clara Smith ended in divorce after 14 years. He married Dana Desboro Glover in 1922, who died in 1957. His third marriage was to Joanna Taub in 1960. His daughter Mary was also a photographer. Steichen was known for his intense dedication to his art and his military service during both World Wars, where he served as a photographic reconnaissance expert.
Education
Milwaukee Art Students League (1894-1898), self-taught in photography
Family
- Clara Smith (1903-1917)
- Dana Desboro Glover (1922-1957)
- Joanna Taub (1960-1973)
Did You Know?
- Despite being primarily known as a photographer, he won an Academy Award for his only film
- Served in both World War I and World War II, rising to the rank of Commander in the Navy
- His photograph 'The Pond—Moonlight' sold for $2.9 million in 2006, then the highest price for a photograph
- Was originally a painter before focusing on photography
- His 'Family of Man' exhibition was the most popular photography exhibition in history
- He was the godfather of Georgia O'Keeffe's career, introducing her to Alfred Stieglitz
- His work appeared in the first issue of Life magazine in 1936
- He destroyed many of his early paintings when he committed to photography
- His sister Lilian Steichen was also a noted photographer
- He was the first director of photography for Vogue and Vanity Fair magazines
In Their Own Words
Photography is a major force in explaining man to man.
The mission of photography is to explain man to man and each to himself.
Once you really commence to see things, then you begin to feel compelled to make an image.
The use of the term art medium is, to say the least, misleading, for it is the artist that creates a work of art not the medium.
No photographer is as good as the simplest camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Edward Steichen?
Edward Steichen was a pioneering photographer and documentary filmmaker who revolutionized both fields. Though best known for his photographic work and curating the famous 'Family of Man' exhibition, he also directed the Academy Award-winning documentary 'The Fighting Lady' during World War II while serving as a Navy commander.
What films is Edward Steichen best known for?
Steichen is known for only one film: 'The Fighting Lady' (1944), a documentary about a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier that won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. This single film achievement made him one of the few photographers to successfully transition to cinema direction.
When was Edward Steichen born and when did he die?
Edward Steichen was born on March 27, 1879, in Bivange, Luxembourg, and died on March 25, 1973, in West Redding, Connecticut, just two days before his 94th birthday.
What awards did Edward Steichen win?
Steichen won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1945 for 'The Fighting Lady.' He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963 and the National Medal of Arts in 1972, among numerous other honors for his contributions to photography and visual arts.
What was Edward Steichen's directing style?
Steichen's directing style in 'The Fighting Lady' combined documentary realism with artistic photographic composition. He brought his photographer's eye to cinema, creating visually striking images while maintaining authentic documentation of naval operations, emphasizing both the technical aspects of warfare and the human experiences of sailors.
How did Steichen influence photography?
Steichen transformed photography from a technical craft to a fine art medium, pioneering modern advertising photography and establishing new standards for artistic expression. He co-founded the Photo-Secession movement, revolutionized fashion and portrait photography at Condé Nast, and curated the groundbreaking 'Family of Man' exhibition that brought photography to global audiences.
What was Steichen's role in World War II?
During World War II, Steichen served as a Commander in the U.S. Navy and directed the Naval Aviation Photographic Unit. He organized and led a team of photographers to document the war in the Pacific, resulting in the acclaimed documentary 'The Fighting Lady' and numerous other photographic records of naval operations.
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Films
1 film
