View source for Gaspard-Félix Tournachon

== Early Life ==

Gaspard-Félix Tournachon, known by his pseudonym [[Nadar|Nadar]], was born on April 6, 1820, in Paris, France. His parents were printers and booksellers, which exposed him to the world of literature and art from an early age. 

[[Image:Detail-73729.jpg|thumb|center|A bustling Parisian street in the 19th century.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-73730.jpg|thumb|center|A bustling Parisian street in the 19th century.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== Career ==

Nadar began his career as a caricaturist for the newspaper [[Le Charivari|Le Charivari]]. He later ventured into photography, becoming one of the pioneers of the medium. He opened his photography studio in 1854, where he photographed many notable figures of his time.

== Contribution to Photography ==

Nadar is best known for his contribution to the field of [[Photography|photography]]. He was the first person to use artificial lighting in photography, which revolutionized the medium. He was also a pioneer in aerial photography and was the first to take aerial photographs of Paris from a hot air balloon.

== Aerial Photography ==

In 1858, Nadar took the first aerial photographs of Paris from a hot air balloon, marking the birth of aerial photography. This achievement earned him the nickname "The Flying Photographer".

== Portraiture ==

Nadar's portraits are renowned for their simplicity and elegance. He photographed many famous personalities of his time, including the writer [[Victor Hugo|Victor Hugo]] and the painter [[Édouard Manet|Édouard Manet]].

== Later Life and Death ==

Nadar continued to work as a photographer until his death on March 21, 1910, in Paris. His work continues to be celebrated for its innovation and artistic merit.

== Legacy ==

Nadar's legacy in the field of photography is significant. His innovations in lighting and aerial photography have had a lasting impact on the medium. His portraits, in particular, are celebrated for their depth and sensitivity.

== See Also ==

* [[History of Photography]]
* [[19th Century France]]
* [[Aerial Photography]]

[[Category:Photographers]]
[[Category:French Artists]]
[[Category:19th Century Personalities]]