Edward Steichen

Steichen, Edward (1879–1973), U.S. photographer known for his sharp, realistic portraits. He was a member of the Photo-Secession Group, founded (1902) by Alfred Steiglitz to advance the cause of photography as a fine art. An air force photographer during World War I (1914–18), he later became known for his fashion work and celebrity portraits. He directed the photography department of the Museum of Modern Art (1947–62) in New York City. For its popular 1955 exhibit “The Family of Man,” he selected and assembled photographs of people from around the world.