Ansel Adams' could relate to the tough economy. In fact, he defends some of his best commercial work .
The iconic photographer's images are on exhibit at "Ansel Adams: A Life's Work" at the Museum of Photographic Art at Balboa Park May 23. Even though his work is known the world over there are still rare works like the 15 Parmelian vintage prints on display .
The exhibit begins with a survey of Adams' early years with the Sierra Club, when he exposed the negative of the unforgettable Monolith, the Face of Half Dome, says Aki Martin of MoPA.
The exhibition continues with a wide range of representative images from the 30's and 40's including commercial work of various sports for an advertising campaign and other assignments that were in contrast to his fine art photography . In his "Autobiography" he wrote: "I have little use for students or artists who scorn commercial photography as a form of prostitution...Let them pay the bills!..I struggled with a great variety of assignments through the years. Some I enjoyed., some I detested, but learned from them all."
"A Life's Work " also includes powerful images from the Manzanar Internment Camp from the 40's where over 10,000 Japanese-Americans were interned during World War II.
The exhibit runs through Oct. 4. For more information click on : Ansel Adams: A Life's Work
