Book Offers Portrait of Prolific Photographer Who Captured Native American Lives (Nov. 22, 2012)

The transcript discusses Edward Curtis, a photographer who dedicated his life to documenting Native American cultures. His work, spanning over 30 years, resulted in 40,000 photographs and extensive documentation of Native American life. Despite facing financial struggles and initial resistance from Native communities, Curtis's passion drove him to complete his project. His work was largely unrecognized during his lifetime, but it was rediscovered in the 1970s, highlighting his significant contribution to preserving Native American history.

What was the primary focus of Edward Curtis's photographic project?

• Documenting the Civil War

• Capturing Native American life

• Photographing European landscapes

• Portraits of American presidents

What was one of the main challenges Curtis faced while working with Native American communities?

• Inability to find subjects to photograph

• Resistance and distrust from the communities

• Weather conditions

• Lack of photographic equipment

How did Curtis manage to fund his extensive project?

• Through government grants

• With support from prominent figures like JP Morgan

• By working multiple jobs

• By selling his photographs

What was one of the accusations against Curtis's photographic methods?

• He altered the photographs

• He only photographed famous individuals

• He posed his subjects

• He used modern technology

What was the outcome of Curtis's financial situation after completing his project?

• He became wealthy and famous

• He retired comfortably

• He lost his copyright and died penniless

• He received numerous awards and recognition

What was the initial public perception of Curtis's work after his death?

• It was immediately rediscovered

• It was largely ignored

• It was highly celebrated

• It was criticized for inaccuracy

How did Curtis's work gain recognition in the 1970s?

• Through a documentary film

• Rediscovery and distribution of his photographs

• A new biography published about him

• A museum exhibition dedicated to his work