Mary Ellen Mark

American photographer known for her striking, evocative images that often explored themes of marginalization and social injustice. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1940, Mark grew up with a passion for photography and began taking pictures at a young age. She studied photography at the University of Pennsylvania and later at the Annenberg School for Communication, where she earned a Master of Science degree in photojournalism.

After graduating, Mark began working as a photojournalist, traveling the world to cover a wide range of social and political issues. She quickly gained a reputation for her powerful, empathetic images that shed light on the lives of people on the fringes of society. She worked extensively in India and other parts of Asia, documenting the lives of people living in extreme poverty and documenting the effects of war and conflict.

In addition to her work as a photojournalist, Mark also produced a number of notable photo essays and books that explored the lives of marginalized people around the world. She became known for her compassionate, intimate portraits that gave voice to people who were often overlooked by mainstream society.

Throughout her career, Mark's work was exhibited in galleries and museums around the world and was the subject of numerous books and articles. She was widely regarded as one of the most important and influential photographers of her generation, and her work continues to inspire and challenge viewers today. She passed away in 2015 at the age of 75.