Dorothea Lange

A pioneering documentary photographer whose work during the Great Depression catalysed social change

Dorothea Lange (1895–1965) redefined the role of photography in documenting societal struggles. Her iconic image, 'Migrant Mother', became a symbol of resilience during the Great Depression. Lange’s collaboration with the Farm Security Administration (FSA) produced over 200,000 photographs, exposing poverty and advocating for government aid.

Unlike contemporaries focused on aesthetics, Lange prioritized human stories. Her images of displaced farmers, unemployed workers, and Japanese-American internment camps (post-Pearl Harbor) blended artistry with activism. She influenced policies like the Resettlement Administration’s migrant labor reforms.

Lange’s later work on Life magazine and her global documentation of rural poverty cemented her legacy. Her approach inspired modern photojournalists to use cameras as tools for social justice.