Alice Austen

Alice Austen was an American photographer born on March 17, 1866, who became known for her documentary images of life in New York City. She was also one of the first women to work as a professional photographer.

Alice Austen is known for her documentary photographs that capture the daily life and changing landscape of New York City. She documented various aspects of life such as street scenes, children playing, immigrant communities, and the changing role of women in society.

Alice Austen's work is significant because she documented a unique period in New York City's history. Her photographs provide a rich visual record of the lives of ordinary people during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, as one of the first female professional photographers, she made an important contribution to the field of photography.

Alice Austen's photographs were mostly taken during the late 19th century on glass plate negatives. Many of her original photographs were preserved and later rediscovered in the 1950s by a historian who recognized their historical and artistic value. Today, her extensive collection of over 8,000 photographs is preserved and housed at the Staten Island Museum.

In addition to her photography, Alice Austen was also an avid tennis player. She competed in various tournaments and was considered one of the top female tennis players of her time. Austen also had a successful career as a tennis coach, helping to popularize the sport among women.