The Great Depression (impact on photography)

The Great Depression (1929-1939) was a severe economic downturn that caused widespread poverty and unemployment. For photographers, this period led to a decline in commercial work and personal income. Many photographers struggled financially but still captured powerful images of hardship, poverty, and resilience. The era also saw government programs like the Farm Security Administration commissioning photographers (e.g., Dorothea Lange) to document American life, influencing documentary photography. Overall, the Depression deepened the social and economic importance of photography as a tool for awareness and storytelling.