Jessie Tarbox Beals Paintings

Jessie Tarbox Beals was an American photographer who was born on December 23, 1870, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She is known for being one of the first female photojournalists in the United States. Beals had an interest in photography from a young age, and her passion was further fueled when she received a camera as a prize for a subscription contest she won for the magazine Youth's Companion.

Beals began her professional photography career as a teacher in Massachusetts, where she would take photographs of her students. Her career took a significant turn when she moved to Buffalo, New York, in 1900. There, she convinced the Buffalo Inquirer to hire her as a staff photographer, making her the first woman in the world to hold such a position at a newspaper. She covered various events, including the Pan-American Exposition in 1901, where her work gained further recognition.

Jessie Tarbox Beals's photographic style was characterized by a direct and candid portrayal of her subjects, which ranged from street scenes and slums to portraits of high society. She often worked with a large-format camera and glass-plate negatives, which was quite challenging for a woman of her time due to the bulk and weight of the equipment. Her work ethic and ability to capture poignant moments in everyday life set her apart in the male-dominated field of photojournalism.

In 1902, she married Alfred Tennyson Beals, who was also a photographer. Together, they worked as itinerant photographers, traveling to various expositions and events. Eventually, they settled in New York City, where Jessie Tarbox Beals opened her own studio in Greenwich Village. She became well-known for her photographs of bohemian life in the village, as well as her portraits of prominent figures such as Mark Twain and Theodore Roosevelt.

Despite her professional successes, Beals faced personal and financial challenges throughout her life. Her marriage was troubled and ended in separation. Financial stability was also elusive, as she struggled to manage her finances and faced competition from other photographers. Nonetheless, Jessie Tarbox Beals remained dedicated to her craft until her health began to decline.

Jessie Tarbox Beals passed away on May 30, 1942, in New York City. Her legacy lives on through her groundbreaking work, which paved the way for future generations of female photojournalists. Beals's photographs are held in various collections, including the Library of Congress and the New York Historical Society, serving as a testament to her pioneering role in American photography and her tireless pursuit of capturing the essence of her time.