Ansel Adams (1902-1984) was a well known American photographer and environmentalist. Most of his pictures feature landscapes of the Western United States. The three below, all of which feature spectacular mountains, are some of my favorites.

Tetons and the Snake River

I’ve always loved the mountains. Whether this is because I’ve been blessed to grow up in Utah and be surrounded by mountains, or whether it is just an inherent part of who I am I don’t know, but regardless, there is definitely something moving and majestic about mountains. The mountain peaks ascend toward heaven, cutting the sky and announcing their dominion over the landscape below. This photograph showcases the majesty as light appears to be beaming from behind the mountain peaks. Additionally, the river, an outgrowth of the mountain from which it originated, winds through the valley floor almost like an arm of the mountain, extending its influence far away. The textures of the photograph are also compelling, from the glassy ripples in the river to the soft speckles of the trees.

Yosemite Valley, Thunderstorm

There are few things in life that merit the description of “epic”—this picture is one of them. From the sweeping diagonal of the trees, to the jagged mountains and the white line of the waterfall, this picture powerfully demonstrates the majesty of nature. I believe Adams chose to take his pictures in black and white because it allows for deeper contrasts and accentuation of the textures.

Mount Williamson, the Sierra Nevada, 1945

Although the focus of the picture is a mountain, it’s interesting that the boulders at the front of the picture are so prominent. They have an authentic, ennobling quality. Mountains are important, but equally important are the boulders that help form them. I also really like the cloud formations and the way the light plays such a big part of the rocky landscape.