Carl Mydans was an American photographer known for his work with the Farm Security Administration (FSA) and later with Life magazine, where he became a pioneering photojournalist.

When and where did Carl Mydans die, and at what age?

Carl Mydans died on August 16, 2004, in Larchmont, New York, at the age of 97. He passed away due to heart failure.

What was Carl Mydans' childhood like, and what was his father's profession?

Carl Mydans spent his childhood near the Mystic River in Medford, Massachusetts. His father was an oboist.

Where did Carl Mydans attend college, and what career path did he initially consider?

Carl Mydans attended Boston University. While there, he initially dreamed of becoming a surgeon or a boat builder.

What led Carl Mydans to pursue journalism instead of surgery or boat building?

While working for the Boston University News during his college years, Carl Mydans became devoted to photography and journalism, ultimately abandoning his earlier aspirations for a career in this field.

What were Carl Mydans' first reporting jobs?

Before moving to Washington D.C., Carl Mydans held his first reporting jobs for local Boston newspapers, specifically The Boston Globe and the Boston Herald. He also worked as a writer for American Banker in New York.

When did Carl Mydans join the Farm Security Administration (FSA), and what was his role there?

Carl Mydans joined the Farm Security Administration in 1935. His role was to work alongside other photographers to document the living conditions and struggles of rural American workers during the Great Depression.

Which notable photographers did Carl Mydans work with at the FSA?

At the Farm Security Administration, Carl Mydans worked with prominent photographers such as Dorothea Lange and Ben Shahn.

What conditions did Mydans document while working for the FSA?

While working for the FSA, Mydans traveled throughout New England and the American South, documenting the end of a rural-based economy and the severe hardships faced by impoverished families during the Great Depression. He captured images of devastated farmers and their families living in extreme poverty.

For what specific images did Mydans gain renown during his FSA period?

Mydans gained a measure of renown for his images of bedraggled Arkansas farmers and their families. One particularly stark photograph depicted a Tennessee family living in a hut constructed on an abandoned truck chassis, which powerfully conveyed the misery of the era.

When did Carl Mydans join Life magazine, and what was his significance there?

Carl Mydans joined Life magazine in 1936, becoming one of its earliest staff photographers and a pioneering photojournalist. His work contributed significantly to the magazine's visual storytelling.

Who were the original staff photographers at Life magazine when Mydans joined?

When Carl Mydans joined Life magazine in 1936, the original staff photographers were Alfred Eisenstaedt, Margaret Bourke-White, Thomas McAvoy, and Peter Stackpole.

How extensively did Carl Mydans cover World War II, and what was the approximate distance he traveled?

Carl Mydans extensively covered World War II, documenting life and death across Europe and Asia. During this period, he traveled over 45,000 miles (72,000 km) to capture the conflict.

What was unique about Carl Mydans' collaboration with his wife, Shelley Mydans, at Life magazine?

In 1941, Carl Mydans and his wife, Shelley Mydans, became the first husband-and-wife team on Life magazine's staff, working together as correspondents.

Where were Carl and Shelley Mydans captured, and where were they interned?

Carl and Shelley Mydans were captured by invading Japanese forces in the Philippines. They were subsequently interned at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manila, and later in Shanghai, China.

How long were Carl and Shelley Mydans held captive by Japanese forces?

Carl and Shelley Mydans were held captive for nearly a year at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp, followed by another year in Shanghai, China, totaling approximately two years of internment.

When were Carl and Shelley Mydans released from captivity?

Carl and Shelley Mydans were released in December 1943 as part of a prisoner-of-war exchange.

What European assignments did Mydans undertake after his release from internment?

Following his release, Mydans was dispatched back to Europe to cover pivotal battles in Italy and France during World War II.

Which significant event involving General Douglas MacArthur did Mydans photograph in 1944 or 1945?

Mydans photographed General Douglas MacArthur's return to the Philippines, specifically capturing the iconic moment when MacArthur purposefully waded ashore in 1945.

What was the context and significance of Mydans' photograph of MacArthur wading ashore in the Philippines?

The photograph captured General MacArthur fulfilling his 1942 promise, "I shall return." Mydans defended the image as spontaneous, though he acknowledged MacArthur's awareness of public relations, and it immortalized the general's return for posterity.

How did Mydans describe General MacArthur's understanding of public relations and photography?

Carl Mydans stated that General Douglas MacArthur possessed an exceptional understanding of the drama and power inherent in a photograph, recognizing its impact on public perception.

What other significant WWII event did Mydans photograph involving General MacArthur in September 1945?

Mydans also captured the historic moment when a Japanese delegation signed the official documents of surrender on board the USS Missouri in early September 1945, an event observed by General MacArthur and other top U.S. military leaders.

Besides the MacArthur photos, what other notable images did Mydans capture during WWII?

Among Mydans' other famous pictures from WWII are images of the bombing of Chongqing, French citizens shaving the heads of women accused of collaborating with Germans in 1944, and a 1950 portrait of Douglas MacArthur smoking a pipe.

From what perspective did Mydans often photograph the war, according to The New York Times?

According to The New York Times, Mydans often photographed the war from the viewpoint of the ordinary soldier or sailor, sending back combat pictures that helped define how some remember World War II and other conflicts.

What assignment did Mydans accept after the war, and with whom?

Despite his wartime internment, Mydans accepted an assignment to head Time-Life's Tokyo bureau, working alongside his wife, Shelley Mydans.

What natural disaster did Mydans photograph in 1948, and under what dramatic circumstances?

In 1948, Mydans was in Fukui, Japan, when a destructive earthquake struck. He captured photographs of the event, with some shots taken on the street while buildings were collapsing around him.

Did Mydans cover the Korean War?

Yes, Carl Mydans covered the Korean War as part of his extensive photojournalism career.

How long did Mydans travel the globe for Life magazine, and what happened when the publication folded?

Mydans traveled the globe for Life magazine for two decades before its initial closure in 1972. He continued to contribute as a photographer when the magazine was later relaunched.

What was the cause and location of Carl Mydans' death?

Carl Mydans died of heart failure at his home in Larchmont, New York.

Who were Carl Mydans' surviving children, and what were their professions?

Carl Mydans was survived by his daughter, Misty, who is an attorney in California, and his son, Seth, who works as an Asia correspondent for The New York Times.

What is the subject matter and publication details of the book "In the Shadow of the Capitol"?

Published in 2012 by Pataphysics Books, "In the Shadow of the Capitol" features photographs by Carl Mydans taken for the U.S. Resettlement Administration in September 1935. The book includes images from the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Collection at the Library of Congress, with editing and text by Tom Clark (poet).

What is the title and publication year of one of Carl Mydans' authored books?

One of Carl Mydans' authored books is titled "More Than Meets the Eye," published in 1959 by Harper Row in New York.

What is the title and publisher of a book published about Carl Mydans' work in 1985?

A book titled "Carl Mydans – Photojournalist" was published in 1985 by Harry N. Abrams in New York, showcasing his work.

Who co-authored the book "The Violent Peace" with Carl Mydans?

Carl Mydans co-authored the book "The Violent Peace" with Shelley Mydans, and it was published in 1968 by Atheneum.

Name three other photographers who were hired by the Farm Security Administration in 1935, alongside Carl Mydans.

Alongside Carl Mydans, other photographers hired by the Farm Security Administration in 1935 included Arthur Rothstein, Theodor Jung, Ben Shahn, Walker Evans, and Dorothea Lange.

What are two notable works listed in the FSA Photographers navbox?

Two notable works listed in the FSA Photographers navbox are "Migrant Mother" (1936) and "12 Million Black Voices" (1941).

Who is listed as a related figure to the FSA photographers in the navbox?

Figures listed as related to the FSA photographers in the navbox include Sherrie Levine, Roy Stryker, and Richard Wright.

What are some of the international databases that list Carl Mydans?

International databases that list Carl Mydans include ISNI, VIAF, GND (German National Library), FAST (Freely Accessible Statutes and Treaties), and WorldCat.

Which national library or archive authorities list Carl Mydans?

Carl Mydans is listed in national authorities such as the U.S. Library of Congress, France's BnF (Bibliothèque nationale de France), Japan's National Diet Library, and the Czech National Library.

Describe the image of Carl Mydans shown in the infobox.

The image in the infobox is a portrait of Carl Mydans taken in 1935, showing him from the chest up, looking slightly to his left with a neutral expression.

What does the caption for the image of casualties in Chongqing describe?

The caption for the image describes Mydans' photo of mass-panic casualties during a Japanese air raid in Chongqing, China, in 1941.

Based on the text, what is a photojournalist?

A photojournalist is a journalist who uses photography to tell stories and convey information, often documenting events and people in a compelling visual manner, as Carl Mydans did throughout his career.

What was the general purpose of the Farm Security Administration's photography project?

The Farm Security Administration's photography project aimed to document the conditions of rural Americans, particularly those affected by poverty and the Great Depression, to raise public awareness and support for government relief efforts.

What was the significance of Life magazine in the development of photojournalism?

Life magazine was highly significant in the development of photojournalism by employing staff photographers and dedicating substantial space to visual storytelling, allowing photographers like Carl Mydans to reach a wide audience with their impactful images.

What other affiliations did Carl Mydans have besides Life magazine?

Besides Life magazine, Carl Mydans also worked for the Farm Security Administration (FSA) and contributed to Time-Life publications.

What was Mydans' reaction to his internment experience regarding the Japanese nation?

Despite his two years of captivity, Mydans reportedly bore no ill will toward Japan and accepted an assignment to head Time-Life's Tokyo bureau after the war.

What specific challenge did Mydans face while photographing the Fukui earthquake?

While photographing the Fukui earthquake in 1948, Mydans was on the street as buildings were collapsing around him, indicating a dangerous and immediate environment for his work.

What role did Carl Mydans play in documenting the end of World War II?

Carl Mydans played a crucial role in documenting the end of World War II by photographing General MacArthur's return to the Philippines and the formal signing of Japan's surrender aboard the USS Missouri.

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Early Life & Education

Roots in Massachusetts

Carl Mydans was born on May 20, 1907, in Medford, Massachusetts, near Boston. He grew up playing along the Mystic River. His father was an oboist.

Discovering Photography

During his college years at Boston University, Mydans developed a passion for photography. While working for the Boston University News, he shifted his focus from aspirations of becoming a surgeon or boat builder to journalism, finding his true calling behind the lens.

Early Journalism

His initial journalistic endeavors included work for prominent Boston newspapers, The Boston Globe and the Boston Herald. After graduating, he moved to New York, contributing to American Banker before heading to Washington D.C. in 1935.

Documenting America & Joining Life

Farm Security Administration

In 1935, Mydans joined the Farm Security Administration (FSA) in Washington D.C. There, he collaborated with notable photographers like Dorothea Lange and Ben Shahn. His work focused on documenting the harsh realities faced by American rural workers during the Great Depression, capturing images of impoverished farmers and their families, particularly in the South.

Renown for Depression Imagery

Mydans gained recognition for his stark portrayals of the era's economic devastation. One particularly poignant image depicted a Tennessee family living in a hut constructed on an abandoned truck chassis, a photograph noted for its profound depiction of hardship, comparable to the work of his more celebrated contemporaries.

A Pioneer at Life Magazine

In 1936, Mydans became one of the earliest staff photographers at the newly established Life magazine. Alongside figures like Alfred Eisenstaedt and Margaret Bourke-White, he was instrumental in shaping the field of photojournalism, pioneering the visual storytelling that would define the magazine's iconic status.

Witness to World War II

Global Coverage

During World War II, Carl Mydans traveled extensively across Europe and Asia, covering over 45,000 miles to document the conflict. He and his wife, Shelley Mydans, were among the first husband-and-wife teams on Life magazine's staff.

Capture and Internment

In the Philippines, Carl and Shelley were captured by Japanese forces. They endured nearly a year of internment at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manila, followed by another year in Shanghai, China. They were eventually released in December 1943 as part of a prisoner-of-war exchange.

After his release, Mydans returned to Europe to cover pivotal battles in Italy and France. By 1944, he was back in the Philippines to document General Douglas MacArthur's return, famously capturing the moment MacArthur strode ashore in 1945, fulfilling his promise to return.

Mydans also photographed the signing of Japan's surrender aboard the USS Missouri. His portfolio from the war includes powerful images such as:

Casualties during a Japanese air raid in Chongqing, China (1941).
Angry French citizens shaving the heads of women accused of collaborating with Germans (1944).

Mydans noted General MacArthur's keen understanding of the "drama and power of a picture," recognizing the strategic importance of iconic imagery.

Defining Images of Conflict

Mydans's combat photography provided defining images for how many remember World War II, Korea, and other conflicts. His work captured not only the grand moments of history but also the experiences of ordinary soldiers and sailors, offering a comprehensive visual record of wartime.

Post-War Contributions & Legacy

Heading Time-Life's Tokyo Bureau

Despite his wartime experiences, Mydans held no animosity towards Japan. He and his wife accepted an assignment to lead Time-Life's Tokyo bureau, continuing to produce compelling visual stories for the publisher's renowned magazines.

Global Assignments

In 1948, Mydans was in Fukui, Japan, when a devastating earthquake struck, capturing dramatic shots amidst collapsing buildings. He continued to travel the globe for Life for two decades, covering events worldwide before the magazine ceased publication in 1972. He remained a contributing photographer even after its relaunch.

Family and Passing

Carl Mydans passed away on August 16, 2004, at his home in Larchmont, New York, at the age of 97, due to heart failure. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shelley, in 2002. He was survived by his daughter, Misty, an attorney, and his son, Seth, an Asia correspondent for The New York Times.

Notable Publications

Documenting His Work

Carl Mydans authored and was featured in several significant books, showcasing his extensive photographic career and the stories behind his iconic images.

IN THE SHADOW OF THE CAPITOL (Pataphysics Books, 2012) - Featuring photographs for the U.S. Resettlement Administration.
"More Than Meets the Eye" (Harper Row, 1959)
"Carl Mydans – Photojournalist" (Harry N. Abrams, 1985)
"The Violent Peace" (Atheneum, 1968) - Co-authored with Shelley Mydans.

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References

Carl Mydans Background and Photos, accessed April 2013

More photos by Carl Mydans

New York Times obituary, Andy Grundberg

A full list of references for this article are available at the Carl Mydans Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be entirely comprehensive, accurate, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, journalistic consultation, or archival expertise. Always consult primary sources and qualified professionals for specific research needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Carl Mydans: Capturing History Through the Lens

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Early Life & Education ⏳

👶 Roots in Massachusetts

🎓 Discovering Photography

📰 Early Journalism

Documenting America & Joining Life ✍️

🚜 Farm Security Administration

🌟 Renown for Depression Imagery

📸 A Pioneer at Life Magazine

Witness to World War II ⚔️

🌍 Global Coverage

🇵🇭 Capture and Internment

🎖️ Defining Images of Conflict

Post-War Contributions & Legacy 📰

🇯🇵 Heading Time-Life's Tokyo Bureau

🌍 Global Assignments

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family and Passing

Notable Publications 📚

📖 Documenting His Work

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life & Education

Roots in Massachusetts

Discovering Photography

Early Journalism

Documenting America & Joining Life

Farm Security Administration

Renown for Depression Imagery

A Pioneer at Life Magazine

Witness to World War II

Global Coverage

Capture and Internment

Defining Images of Conflict

Post-War Contributions & Legacy

Heading Time-Life's Tokyo Bureau

Global Assignments

Family and Passing

Notable Publications

Documenting His Work

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice