If you ’re into picture taking , youmight know ofJessie Tarbox Beals ( 1870 - 1942 ) , the charwoman who is recognize as America ’s first female photojournalist . But you credibly do n’t know her Japanese similitude , Tsuneko Sasamoto , a pioneering — and prolific — shutterbug who is still tear image at the years of 101 .
Sasamoto begin her picture taking calling when she was 26 year sometime . An acquaintance start a photography formation and asked her if she wanted to join . In accept , Sasamoto unwittinglybecame the first woman in Japanto go in the photojournalism professing .
" When I was new I was often secernate , ‘ You ’re just a woman , how could you even think of becoming a photographer ? ' But when I sawMargaret Bourke - White ’s photographyI know I could be like her one day,“Sasamoto once said . Today , 75 years after getting her start , Sasamoto is known for her black - and - white portraits , her extensive stockpile of historical exposure , and her trailblazing advance to her life and career .
Over the decades , Sasamoto has witnessed history through her lens of the eye . She dissipate a portrait of Japan Socialist Party drawing card Inejiro Asanuma in 1955 , five geezerhood before his assassination ; she photographed Hitler Youth visiting Japan ; and she has contain pictures of legion notable Nipponese creative person , poets , and novelists , among other subjects . Sasamoto has also give particular attention to female subjects , document the lives of average Nipponese women who have exhibited potency , courage , and independence in the brass of grammatical gender oppression .
Now more than a one C old , Sasamoto is still consecrated to her study . She ’s still publishing photograph books and featuring her work in exposition . And although she break out her left hand and both leg last year , she ’s still plowing awayat her later labor — a collection of flower photographs , calledHana Akari ( Flower Glow ) . sing about dedication .
Learn more about Sasamoto ’s life in the video below , filmed right before her 100th natal day .
[ h / tPetaPixel ]
