What historical figures contributed significantly to the acceptance of photography as a fine art in the early 1900s?

The acceptance of photography as a fine art in the early 1900s was significantly influenced by the pioneering work of Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Steichen, and Ansel Adams. Stieglitz was instrumental in establishing photography as a respected art form, notably through his role in founding the Photo-Secession movement and the gallery 291, which showcased photography alongside contemporary paintings and sculptures. His commitment to presenting photography as a medium for artistic expression helped to elevate its status within the art community.

Edward Steichen, who worked closely with Stieglitz, further contributed to this movement by experimenting with different photographic techniques and by promoting photography through exhibitions. Ansel Adams, known for his stunning landscape photographs, also played a crucial role in advocating for photography as an artistic medium, emphasizing its aesthetic qualities and technical precision. Together, these figures helped to solidify photography's place in the art world, fostering a recognition of its artistic capabilities and expressive potential during a critical period of development for the medium.