J. C. Strauss facts for kids
Julius Caesar Strauss (born July 1857, died 1924) was an American photographer. He was often called J. C. Strauss and became very famous around the world for his amazing photography skills. At the start of the 1900s, he was known as the most important photographer in St. Louis, Missouri.
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Early Life and Moving to St. Louis
Julius Caesar Strauss was born in Cleveland, Ohio. His father was a tailor from Bavaria, a region in Germany, and the family didn't have much money. When Julius was about 19 years old, in 1876, he left home and moved to St. Louis. He didn't have a lot of plans or money when he arrived.
Starting His Photography Business
Just a few years later, in 1879, Strauss opened his own photography studio. He worked hard, and by the 1890s, he had built a special gallery. This gallery was a place where he could show off his beautiful photographs to everyone.
Strauss's Unique Photography Style
Strauss was known for his unique way of taking pictures. He liked to try out different kinds of lights and backgrounds to make his photos special. However, he always made sure that the people in his portraits stood very still in exact positions. These were called "rigidly posed portraits." He wanted his photos to look perfect, almost like paintings.
A Famous Photographer's Legacy
Over time, another photographer named Alfred Stieglitz from New York City became very well-known for a similar style of photography. Even though Stieglitz gained a lot of fame, Strauss kept creating his beautiful, artistic pictures that often looked like painted artworks.
Strauss's Studio as a Tourist Spot
Strauss's photography studio became a popular place to visit in St. Louis. Especially after the big St. Louis World's Fair, which was a huge event, many people wanted to see his studio. It stayed a local tourist attraction until he passed away in 1924.
