Edward Weston (1886-1958) was a prominent American photographer known for his pioneering work in the field of modern photography. Born in Illinois, Weston began his career as a portrait photographer before transitioning to a more abstract and artistic style. He is best known for his stunning black-and-white images of landscapes, still lifes, and nudes, characterized by their clarity, sharpness, and strong use of light and shadow. Weston's work had a significant influence on the development of photography as an art form.