A striking picture book biography details the pioneering work of photographer Imogen Cunningham, the author’s grandmother. Imogen grew up in a rural setting outside of Seattle as one of ten children. Her father, who named Imogen after a character in his favorite Shakespeare play, always found a way of supporting his daughter’s artistic pursuits, even if the family didn’t always have the means. A dreamer and observer, Imogen’s modes of artistic expression didn’t click until she discovered her potential as a photographer. At the turn of the century, photography equipment and female creative role models were difficult to come by, but Imogen made do. Her father converted a woodshed into a darkroom so that Imogen could make her own prints. Staging portraits became her career; she went on to photograph fellow artists, such as Frida Kahlo and Ruth Asawa, and exhibit her work in galleries across the U.S. and the world. Richly layered ink illustrations evoke printmaking and help convey Imogen’s life and vision.

A picture book biography of the iconic photographer Imogen Cunningham by National Book Award finalist Elizabeth Partridge.

Imogen Cunningham loved to observe the world. She noticed the colors in the woods outside her house and how light and shadows moved between the trees. She tried to capture this beauty on paper with pencils, but something was missing. One day she read about a woman in Paris who earned a living as a photographer, and she knew she was meant to do the same. With the support of her loving father, she then began her journey to become one of the most important photographers in America.

The life of iconic photographer Imogen Cunningham is brought vividly to life by National Book Award finalist Elizabeth Partridge, who also happens to be Cunningham’s granddaughter. With stunning illustrations by Caldecott Honor winner Yuko Shimizu, Imogen captures the passion of the creative process with a unique and intimate perspective.