Discover the remarkable transformation of Dorothea Lange, from capturing the elegance of San Francisco's elite to becoming a champion for the forgotten through her powerful Depression-era photography. Explore her iconic work, like "Migrant Mother," and how it continues to inspire social change.
by 
Bad as it is, the world is
Dorothea Lange and Daniel Dixon
potentially full of good photographs.
But to be good, photographs
have to be full of the world.”
Born in 1895, Lange’s life wasn’t always defined by struggle. After overcoming childhood challenges, she pursued her passion for photography, even establishing herself as a successful portrait photographer for the rich and famous in San Francisco. Her early work, capturing the elegance and prosperity of the city’s elite, honed her skills and laid the foundation for her future success.
Before her lens turned to capture the harsh realities of the Great Depression, Lange honed her craft in a very different setting. In the early 1920s, she established a successful portrait studio in San Francisco, attracting the city’s elite clientele. Her early work, capturing the elegance and prosperity of the wealthy and famous, stands in stark contrast to the powerful social commentary that would define her later career. This period, however, proved crucial in developing her technical skills, from lighting and composition to the ability to connect with and capture the essence of her subjects – skills she would later utilize to bring humanity and depth to the stories of those facing hardship.
I found myself in San Francisco in the portrait business, and it was a good business, I had the cream of the trade. I was the person to whom you went if you could afford it.
Dorothea Lange
However, the world changed dramatically with the Great Depression. Witnessing the suffering caused by the economic crisis, Lange felt a calling to document the human cost. She traded the polished studios and wealthy clients for the open road, traveling across America and capturing the struggles of those most affected.
Her most iconic image, “Migrant Mother,” is a masterpiece of documentary photography. Taken in 1936, it portrays a woman, her face etched with worry, cradling her children during a dust storm. The image, stripped of unnecessary details, focuses on the woman’s raw emotion, making it a powerful symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.
Dorothea Lange’s work is remembered today for its powerful portrayal of human struggle during the Great Depression, pioneering documentary photography with a focus on individual stories, and enduring relevance to issues like poverty and injustice.
Dorothea Lange’s work didn’t just capture hardship; it sparked empathy and action. Her photographs were used by the government to raise awareness of the plight of migrant workers and helped shape policies that provided relief during the Depression. Her legacy transcends her era, inspiring generations of photographers to use their lenses to document social issues and advocate for change.
So, the next time you pick up your camera, remember Dorothea Lange. Ask yourself: what story can you tell through your lens? How can you use your photography to capture the essence of humanity and inspire positive change in the world?
• Do you think Dorothea Lange’s early work as a portrait photographer helped prepare her for her later documentary work. Why or why not?
• Take a closer look at “Migrant Mother.” What emotions does the woman’s face convey? How do specific elements in the photograph, like the way she holds her children or the lighting, contribute to that feeling?
• Imagine you’re walking past the scene captured in “Migrant Mother.” What sounds or smells might you experience? How would this add to your understanding of the situation?
• Dorothea Lange’s photographs helped raise awareness about the struggles of the Great Depression. Can you think of any recent photographs or images that have had a similar impact on current events?
• If you could use photography to bring attention to an issue you care about, what would it be and how would you capture it in a photograph?
