Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Mother: A legend of the great depression

Under the title of "Migrant Mother", this portrait is one of the most iconic and famous snapshots in the history of the United States. The capture of Lange took place in 1936 during her visit to a pea collection camp.

Under the title of “Migrant Mother”, this portrait is one of the most iconic and famous snapshots in the history of the United States. The capture of Lange took place in 1936 during her visit to a pea collection camp. The woman in the photo is Florence Owens Thompson, and in a short time, her face became a universal icon by showing the strength and courage of immigrant workers.

In 1929, as we all know, the famous Wall Street Crash occurred. The American economy fell into a spiral. At its worst, around 1933, it left 15 million people unemployed: 13% of the total population in the United States. The economic situation was in itself terrible, but something worse was still missing: the 1930’s was characterized by a set of meteorological phenomena that further impoverished the countryside in the American Union.

Migrant Mother | Dorothea Lange | 1936 | Image source: Wikipedia

After the well-known Dust Bowl, desolation became the norm: destroyed fields, farms buried in earth dunes. Faced with this (frankly apocalyptic) scenario, many families of farmers had to move. Internal migration to the west was unprecedented. In a single year, more people moved to western lands than during the gold rush.

Lange took this picture in 1936 while working on the program of the US Government ‘FSA’, which was formed during the Great Depression to raise awareness and help impoverished farmers. She met Florence Thompson and her children in Nipomo, California, in a camp full of field workers whose livelihoods were left in ruins by the failure of pea crops.

I saw and approached the hungry and desperate mother, as if drawn by a magnet. I do not remember how I explained my presence or my camera to her, but I do remember she asked me no questions. I made five exposures, working closer and closer from the same direction. I did not ask her name or her history. She told me her age, that she was thirty-two. She said that they had been living on frozen vegetables from the surrounding fields, and birds that the children killed. She had just sold the tires from her car to buy food. There she sat in that lean- to tent with her children huddled around her, and seemed to know that my pictures might help her, and so she helped me. There was a sort of equality about it.

Lange’s “The Assignment I’ll Never Forget: Migrant Mother,” Popular Photography, Feb. 1960

The portrait was one of the six photos she took of that woman and her children. Since she used a nitrocellulose plate film, it is impossible to know precisely the order of the series, however, it can be inferred that it began with an open location plane, slowly approaching until achieving a medium short-framing expression plane.

The first center that we perceive when facing this photograph is the face of the “migrant mother”, since it coincides with the best illuminated part of the scene while occupying a significant portion in the whole of the shot. The eyes of this worried face act as a center of interest although the gaze does not challenge us and is lost in the direction of the off-field.

While Thompson’s identity was not known for more than 40 years after the photos were taken, the images became famous. This portrait, according to Roy Stryker “has reached an almost mythical status, symbolizing, if not defining, an entire era in the history of the United States”. Dorothea tries to convey the mother’s concern with this picture; but more than that, the mother is an icon of the American people who migrated within the country itself under rather unfortunate conditions. Lange thus represented the precariousness of the situation in which millions of people were in the United States. 

Recalling her meeting with Thompson years later, she said: “I saw and approached the hungry and desperate mother, as if drawn by a magnet. I do not remember how I explained my presence or my camera to her, but I do remember she asked me no questions.”

Thompson confessed and shared that she saw the photo with mixed emotions: on one hand, she was happy because she attracted attention and support to the area, but on the other, she never benefited from the photo. For her, it was more a reminder of how bad things got and how she resolved to never be so poor again.

Dorothea Lange in 1936 | Image source: Wikipedia

The only benefit she got from the photo came at the end of her life. In 1983, she suffered from cancer and a recent stroke, and the cost of her care was proving unsustainable for her family. They made a public appeal and asked for funds to help the “Migrant Mother” to recover her health. Donations came from all over the country, accompanied by letters from people who had taken strength and inspiration from the photo of Florence. The appeal raised over $35,000.

Florence died of cancer and heart problems in Scotts Valley, California, on September 16, 1983. On her tombstone it reads: “Florence Leona Thompson: Migrant Mother: A Legend of the Strength of American Motherhood.”

Her image was immortalized on a stamp that honored her in 2008, while Dorothea Lange was included in the Californian Hall of Fame. Without a doubt, this photograph remains as one of the most complex and deeply emotional in history.

More Stories

Five minutes with Leland Bobbe

Five minutes with Leland Bobbe

Leland Bobbé, a native New Yorker, has been a professional photographer for over 30 years. His work spans both the fine art and commercial worlds and has been shown in galleries and utilized by advertising agencies around the country.
Wardrobe by Yulia Artemyeva

Wardrobe by Yulia Artemyeva

Food, home, clothes, taken in their broad anthropological sense, serve as a continuation of human corporeality and the closest zone of our self projection.
Picasso’s Women by Cristina Vatielli

Picasso’s Women by Cristina Vatielli

The project was conceived to reveal the stories of the women who revolved around Pablo Picasso’s life, by strongly influencing the work of the most acclaimed artist of the XX century.
https://www.dodho.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/bannerpr.jpg

We invite you to participate in the first edition of the Portrait Photography Awards. Our call is open to any artistic interpretation of portrait photography.

https://www.dodho.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BAnImage.jpg

ImageRights provides intelligent image search and copyright enforcement services to photo agencies and professional photographers worldwide.

https://www.dodho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/mono2022.jpg

The best 100 images along with the winning images published in the yearly book “Monochromatic – Best Photographers of 2022”

Call For Entries #24 | After 23 editions and more than 100 published photographers, our print edition has proven to be a simply effective promotional channel.

Sandro Giordano ; In Extremis (bodies with no regret)

Sandro Giordano ; In Extremis (bodies with no regret)

My photographs are “short stories” about a world that is falling-down. Each shot tells about worn-out characters who, in a sudden black-out of mind and body, crash with no attempt to save themselves.
Wedding day by Mikhail Ekadomov

Wedding day by Mikhail Ekadomov

The visual code of a wedding in the post-soviet states reflects in general a desire to show some sort of grand scale, some material prosperity.
Against The Dark by James Schofield

Against The Dark by James Schofield

Against The Dark is a project on the visual depiction of anomie in British society, revealing the inconvient truth of the ever prevailing hostile environment that is enveloping the UK today.
Francisco Arteaga, Street photographer

Francisco Arteaga, Street photographer

Streets are the places where all kind of souls surrounds us. Strangers become part of you once you’ve clicked, they let you know them, get into them and see what lies behind them. I look for body language, facial characteristics, particular expressions, trying to search the story that defines them.
Five minutes with Sonja Hesslow

Five minutes with Sonja Hesslow

Some times I just make something spontaneously in my living room just because I want to create something new and just have fun
Waiting for the Tide to Turn by Gary Sheridan

Waiting for the Tide to Turn by Gary Sheridan

The Waiting for the Tide to Turn series farcically explores the emotions of a disenfranchised people. The images allude to a spectrum of thoughts, feelings and actions ranging from apathy and subservience to enlightenment and rebellion.
Being a Woman by Ritesh Ghosh

Being a Woman by Ritesh Ghosh

Ever since I have been into photography, I had this urge to work on little Projects of my own through which I could address the societal evils and spread mass awareness.
Travel Photography; OMO Tribes by Jacopo Maria Della Valle

Travel Photography; OMO Tribes by Jacopo Maria Della Valle

The Omo Valley, in Ethiopia, is a circumscribed territory where numerous ethnic groups live. Each tribe is absolutely different from each other and has preserved its ancient and peculiar cultural traditions, so I immersed myself in this kaleidoscope of cultures.
Roadside motel by Fang Tong

Roadside motel by Fang Tong

The “ Roadside motel” series is a continuation of last year's project “ On the Road”. Life is a journey. People always look around while they are on the road.
Copypaste  by Tata Gorian

Copypaste by Tata Gorian

"Copypaste" is an observation of the ways in which the human living in a technocratic world continues recreating nature inside and outside the home. The imitation of the environment in artificial materials embodies the striving for immortality.
A New America by Robert LeBlanc

A New America by Robert LeBlanc

A New America” is the sophomore book release from documentary photographer Robert LeBlanc, shot in over a length of three years, 32 states and 20,000 miles.
Once upon a time a road by Mam’At

Once upon a time a road by Mam’At

I'm a self-learned photographer from a very small village in Cantal, France. I began photography four years ago when I was 44. I left my job and came to the mountain of the « massif Central ».
Bihari, Stranded Pakistanis by Kosuke Ryujin

Bihari, Stranded Pakistanis by Kosuke Ryujin

Biharis are Urdu speaking Muslim migrated from Bihar province of India to East Pakistan which is now Bangladesh in 1947 at the time of The Great Partition. During the independence war in 1971 between East Pakistan and West Pakistan
Territoire by Damien Berney

Territoire by Damien Berney

Since 1848, the Swiss people have voted 628 times, and only at the national level. The topics covered are as varied as they are complex, ranging from business hours to foreign, economic, health or security policy issues, the public speaks out 3 to 4 times a year. 
Style and techniques; Surreal photography by George Christakis

Style and techniques; Surreal photography by George Christakis

As for techniques I use what is mostly common as image manipulation techniques. I use Photoshop with all of it's tools such as masks, layer masks, clone tool, and blending modes.
The poetry of Hengki Lee

The poetry of Hengki Lee

Hengki Lee is an Award Winning Visual Artist and Photographer from Jakarta Indonesia.

Featured Stories

Wiebke Haas ; Fine art equine

Wiebke Haas ; Fine art equine

Wiebke Haas is a dedicated award-winning equine and animal photographer from Germany. Ever since she was a little girl she dreamt of hoof-beats and flying through the fields on a back of a horse.
The scars of war; Friendship Village by Kip Harris

The scars of war; Friendship Village by Kip Harris

The scars of war are deep and long lasting. That is particularly true of the Vietnam War. An entire generation along with their families, children, friends, and society
Baikal of wonders by Alina Desyatnichenko

Baikal of wonders by Alina Desyatnichenko

The land of Baikal region in Russia has always been sacred for the local indigenous peoples – buryats. And shamans who could talk to local gods were revered as a hereditary caste of the chosen.
Ryan Cooper ; Essence of personality

Ryan Cooper ; Essence of personality

It is pretty common for the photographer’s to get tirelessly hung up on a search for the perfect photo.
Self-Untitled by Samantha Geballe

Self-Untitled by Samantha Geballe

Self-Untitled is an on-going self-portrait series that aims at establishing connection through vulnerability, and combating the shame that separates us from one another. Shame can be understood as the fear of disconnection.
The Story Of one Family by Anna Galley

The Story Of one Family by Anna Galley

This story is about my grandmother. She is now 90 years old. She has 5 children, 10 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. This story shows how one person is able to pull together a large family and keep  love in this family for many years.
Guatemala by Tom Bell

Guatemala by Tom Bell

The highland village markets are filled with people in colorful indigenous clothing, buying and selling brightly hued fruits and vegetables, blankets, woven goods, wood carvings, and articles for tourists.
Nenka Ukraine by Dina Oganova

Nenka Ukraine by Dina Oganova

It was 2009 when i went first time in Kiev (capital) of Ukraine and was totally in love with this amazing country and lovely people.I think Ukrainians and Georgians has a lot of common. 2014 was the hardest and sadness year for this beautiful country
Planet Earth; The Elements by Paul Bride

Planet Earth; The Elements by Paul Bride

Trying to explain the concept behind my photography is never as fun as actually pressing the shutter button. Why do I try so hard to create the images I dream about? Why developed a style over the years in an attempt to define how I see the world?
Ape dumma – Open your eyes by Czuko Williams

Ape dumma – Open your eyes by Czuko Williams

There is an strong untold story among the ancient tribes who lives in Ethiopia. The story of the loss of traditional way of life due the process of deculturation, transculturation, and mainly because of progress.
Curious Devices by Jeanette May

Curious Devices by Jeanette May

Curious Devices project was selected and published in our print edition 23. Jeanette May’s still lifes reveal our complicated relationship with obsolete technology by juxtaposing the seductive designs and the inner workings of Curious Devices. Her photographs display a reverence for finely crafted merchandise, industrial design, and scientific wonders.
The Wat Phra Kaew’s Guide Book by Artyt

The Wat Phra Kaew’s Guide Book by Artyt

This Project is about “Wat Phra Kaew”. Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as the most sacred buddhist temple in Thailand. Everyday, Wat Phra Kaew is full of tourists from around the world.
Africa; River Blindness by Marcus Trappaud Bjørn

Africa; River Blindness by Marcus Trappaud Bjørn

The project River blindness focuses on a neglected tropical disease, which is the second most common cause of infectious blindness worldwide.
Creating stories; Sweet dreams of Simon McCheung

Creating stories; Sweet dreams of Simon McCheung

I used to draw my inspirations for concepts from my own recent and childhood dreams. Most of which I don’t actually remember the context, sometimes I remember objects, people or locations, however the one thing that always gives me the lasting impression was the last feeling you get during and after the dream.
The exposed city by Sevil Alkan

The exposed city by Sevil Alkan

Taking photography by mobile phones created a new trend by changing the border and direction of the photography
Magical macro world by Georgi Georgiev

Magical macro world by Georgi Georgiev

I love street and travel photography but my big passion is macro photography. I am spending all the time i have in nature, capturing the amazing macro world.

Trending Stories

Superdogs by Jan Von Holleben

Superdogs by Jan Von Holleben

I know! I know! Children and animals: No greater nightmares for a photographer! But if you work with the best of the best, then it is indeed mostly (!!) a pleasure!
Escapism by Amanda Mason

Escapism by Amanda Mason

Amanda Mason’s ‘Escapism’ series visually expresses an ethereal sleep state, a place between being awake and being asleep, a place where the mind is semi-conscious
Himalayan Landslides – Nature’s Fury or Man-made Calamity by Sirsendu Gayen

Himalayan Landslides – Nature’s Fury or Man-made Calamity by Sirsendu Gayen

The Himalayas are a mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan plateau. This is also, by definition, the name of the vast mountain chain, which comprises the Himalayas, the Karakoram, the Hindu Kush, and a number of small ranges ranging from the Pamir Knot.
Inland by Nuno Serrão

Inland by Nuno Serrão

I miss the feeling of wonder I had when someone asked me: What do you want to be when you grow up? That’s the hardest part of being grown-up. To find new dreams when I know what it feels like when you have to let them go.
Marco Lorenzetti : The Mortician’s Grandson Volume III- Reliquiae

Marco Lorenzetti : The Mortician’s Grandson Volume III- Reliquiae

The pictures began with religious objects from my grandparents funeral home. The group grew to include prayer cards given at funerals, postcards, and personal object
Night scenes by Anton Jankovoy

Night scenes by Anton Jankovoy

This series of photos I've been making during 6 years in different regions of nepali Himalayas. I've walked on foot across the mountains more than 4000 km and the most of them on the altitude about 3000-5500 m.
North Carolina; To Be, Rather Than to Seem by Jefferson Caine Lankford

North Carolina; To Be, Rather Than to Seem by Jefferson Caine Lankford

The American South has an essence that sparingly reveals itself, thus requiring unprecedented determination and patience to photograph all its splendor.
Bhutan by Richard Murai

Bhutan by Richard Murai

As light moves, shadows shift and practitioners of an ancient faith pray, reflect and persevere amidst exquisite symbols and iconography.
La vida en disparos by Jose Girl

La vida en disparos by Jose Girl

Jose Girl is a Spanish photographer living in Los Angeles since 2010.Very related to the world of rock, she has to date published 3 books of photography on this subject, and has worked with some of the most important musical publications of Spain, Argentina, Mexico and Colombia.
Snowy landscape by Tomoharu Ota

Snowy landscape by Tomoharu Ota

I´m a Japanese photographer living in the northern island of Japan, Hokkaido. My photography ranges over many subjects including landscape, cityscape, nature and experimental abstracts.
Jeff Alu ; Between documentary and a semi-dreamlike state

Jeff Alu ; Between documentary and a semi-dreamlike state

My shooting style is very spontaneous. Very rarely do I plan anything out, and it’s the element of surprise and discovery that drives me forward. While I do enjoy traveling distances to obtain my shots,
The light of Igor Starostenko

The light of Igor Starostenko

It was probably the moment in life of every person when you do what you really like and what does inspire you and your aim becomes a self-perfection in the sphere.

Other Stories

stay in touch
Join our mailing list and we'll keep you up to date with all the latest stories, opportunities, calls and more.
We use Sendinblue as our marketing platform. By Clicking below to submit this form, you acknowledge that the information you provided will be transferred to Sendinblue for processing in accordance with their terms of use
We’d love to
Thank you for subscribing!
Submission
Dodho Magazine accepts submissions from emerging and professional photographers from around the world.
Their projects can be published among the best photographers and be viewed by the best professionals in the industry and thousands of photography enthusiasts. Dodho magazine reserves the right to accept or reject any submitted project. Due to the large number of presentations received daily and the need to treat them with the greatest respect and the time necessary for a correct interpretation our average response time is around 5/10 business days in the case of being accepted.
- Between 10/30 images of your best images, in case your project contains a greater number of images which are part of the same indivisible body of work will also be accepted. You must send the images in jpg format to 1200px and 72dpi and quality 9. (No borders or watermarks)
- A short biography along with your photograph. (It must be written in the third person)
- Title and full text of the project with a minimum length of 300 words. (Texts with lesser number of words will not be accepted)
This is the information you need to start preparing your project for its presentation
To send it, you must compress the folder in .ZIP format and use our Wetransfer channel specially dedicated to the reception of works. Links or projects in PDF format will not be accepted. All presentations are carefully reviewed based on their content and final quality of the project or portfolio. If your work is selected for publication in the online version, it will be communicated to you via email and subsequently it will be published.
Contact
How can we help? Got an idea or something you'd like share? Please use the adjacent form, or contact contact@dodho.com
Thank You. We will contact you as soon as possible.
Submission
Dodho Magazine accepts submissions from emerging and professional photographers from around the world.
Their projects can be published among the best photographers and be viewed by the best professionals in the industry and thousands of photography enthusiasts. Dodho magazine reserves the right to accept or reject any submitted project. Due to the large number of presentations received daily and the need to treat them with the greatest respect and the time necessary for a correct interpretation our average response time is around 5/10 business days in the case of being accepted. This is the information you need to start preparing your project for its presentation.
To send it, you must compress the folder in .ZIP format and use our Wetransfer channel specially dedicated to the reception of works. Links or projects in PDF format will not be accepted. All presentations are carefully reviewed based on their content and final quality of the project or portfolio. If your work is selected for publication in the online version, it will be communicated to you via email and subsequently it will be published.
Get in Touch
How can we help? Got an idea or something you'd like share? Please use the adjacent form, or contact contact@dodho.com
Thank You. We will contact you as soon as possible.