As a photographer in the first half of the twentieth century, Adams had to fight for recognition of the medium as a serious art* form. Along with other West Coast photographers, Adams formed Group f/64, which became synonymous with the philosophy of straight photography: that is, photography that looked like photos, not imitations of other art forms. At that time, there was an ongoing conflict between creative arts people. Photography was not generally considered an art and generally denigrated. This group as well as the personal effort of Adams fought this attitude and assumption. Today, most assuredly, photography is highly regarded and treasured in the artistic world. Merging the professional and societal aspects of life, activities such as Group f/64 show Adams as an individual who was strong enough to work on his own but also able and willing to work, cooperate, and coordinate with others for something he believed in.
