We know her most famous photograph, but this Works Progress Administration photographer traveled the entire country capturing some incredible photos along the way. At the time the work of photographers was largely thought to be mainly magazine fodder instead of art or social commentary. But, Lange’s work recorded some of the most intimate and interesting of human conditions, a fact she was not often credited for at the time.

The artist on top of a car, wearing tennis shoes. Via/ Library of Congress
Drought refugees from Oklahoma looking for work in the pea fields of California. Near San Jose Mission, 1935. Via/ Library of Congress
Just arrived from Kansas. On highway going to potato harvest. Near Merrill, Klamath County, Oregon, 1939. Via/ Library of Congress
Photograph shows girl sitting on steamer trunk at Bosque Farms agricultural resettlement project for Dust Bowl refugees, 1935. Via/ Library of Congress

Lange excelled at capturing landscapes and cityscapes, but was truly skilled when it came to photographing people. She had a way of finding people in intimate moments, like cotton pickers relaxed on their lunch break or children excited to go for a ride.

Arkansas family. Seven months in California. Washing dishes, 1936. Via/ Library of Congress
Lunchtime in the cotton fields, Mississippi Delta, 1937. Via/ Library of Congress

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