Imogen: The Life and Work of Imogen Cunningham

by Elizabeth Partridge, Yuko Shimizu (illustrator)

A picture book biography of the iconic photographer Imogen Cunningham by National Book Award finalist Elizabeth Partridge.

Imogen Cunningham loved to observe the world. She noticed the colors in the woods outside her house and how light and shadows moved between the trees. She tried to capture this beauty on paper with pencils, but something was missing. One day she read about a woman in Paris who earned a living as a photographer, and she knew she was meant to do the same. With the support of her loving father, she then began her journey to become one of the most important photographers in America.

The life of iconic photographer Imogen Cunningham is brought vividly to life by National Book Award finalist Elizabeth Partridge, who also happens to be Cunningham’s granddaughter. With stunning illustrations by Caldecott Honor winner Yuko Shimizu, Imogen captures the passion of the creative process with a unique and intimate perspective.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Art, Photography, History, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A (2025) picture book biography of the photographer Imogene Cunningham. I picked it up because I saw and loved that it was written by her granddaughter, Elizabeth Partridge, who herself now has granddaughters! I personally liked it quite a bit, though it is pretty wordy for a picture book, and throws in quotes by writers like Tagore that I am quite sure children would not appreciate.

I do very much like the afterword essay by Partridge, more obviously directed to older readers, with a few great photographs, including a self-portrait of Cunningham and one of her father at ninety, the one person who encouraged her to do what she wanted, even building her a studio and darkroom.

So this, like many picture books bios I have read in recent years, seems intended for all ages more than just kids, maybe. The illustrations are by Caldecott Award-winning artist, Yuko Shimizu. Again, I think I liked the muted, sort of period flavor of the art more than kids would like.

You wanna see some of her photography? Here are some in a Getty retrospective show:

https://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions...

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imogen Cunningham grew up in Portland Oregon. Born in 1883, she loved stories. Her father helped direct her as a child, reading her stories, encouraging her art, her drawing, and loving her so very well. Born in 1883, she grew up in a time when women were not allowed many options for a livelihood. Imogen didn’t want to be a teacher or a nurse, but read about a woman who was a photographer. That changed Imogen‘s life. She worked as a nanny to earn money for a camera; a very, very big deal. Her father created an dark room for her, and her portraiture became legendary. The author was Imogen Cumingham’s granddaughter, and she shares pictures of Imogen’s father, of Imogen as a baby with her mother, and so many more. A book that I found to be absolutely stunning!

[Laura Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite picture book biography of 2025. Wonderfully written by National Book Award finalist and Imogen Cunningham’s granddaughter, Elizabeth Partridge. How cool is that? The illustrations are by Caldecott Award winning artist, Yuko Shimizu. Ofcourse they are phenomenal. Buy a copy. Borrow a copy. Just get your hands on Imogen: The Life and Work of Imogen Cunningham. You are going to love it! 🥰

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think this will resonate with my students because they are so used to having instant photos on their phones. Maybe it could work with older students in a photography class who understand dark rooms and chemicals?

Also, not sure the words of Tagore needed to be in a book for kids. They'll just be like, "huh?"

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extraordinary picture book biography about the photographer Imogen Cunningham. I sometimes feel a sense of panic at all the amazing individuals who have left indelible marks on this world that I will never know. I'm grateful to have met her and been introduced to her extraordinary body of work.

[Maria Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could send me down a rabbit hole. Lovely story of girl trying out various media until she finds the one that sings with truth for her. And then her journey to learn how to make money from it, develop her own work, and continue living life while pursuing her art.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

As expected, this book is very good.

[Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Father really supported her a lot.

[stillme · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALA ALSC Notable 2026