Dorothea Lange and the "Migrant Mother" Photograph

Dorothea Lange's Context and Mission

• Dorothea Lange was a photographer living in California, known for documenting the struggles of migrant workers.
• In March 1936, she was documenting pea picking in California during harsh weather conditions.
• The bad weather resulted in frozen crops, preventing people from picking, leading them to survive on their limited savings.
• Migrant workers lived in outdoor camps, often in dire conditions.

The "Migrant Mother" Experience

• Lange encountered a migrant camp and initially passed by without taking the photograph she felt was necessary.
• She was motivated to return to capture what was missing in her documentation.
• The famous "Migrant Mother" photograph features Florence Thompson and her children.

Florence Thompson's Story

• Florence was camped near the road with her children while her husband and son sought materials to repair their car's radiator.
• The family faced dire circumstances without modern communication means such as cell phones.
• Migrant laborers like Florence were unpopular in California due to existing picking arrangements and social tensions.
• They were often forced to move by local authorities.

Dorothea Lange's Technique

• Known for her ability to engage subjects in conversation and become "invisible" while working.
• Lange would talk to her subjects about their situations, creating comfort and allowing her to photograph them naturally.
• She photographed Florence Thompson and her children, culminating in the iconic image.
• Lange immediately recognized the significance of the photograph once captured.