Ralph Steiner (February 8, 1899 – July 13, 1986) was an American photographer, filmmaker, and educator known for his contributions to modernist photography and documentary cinema. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he initially studied chemical engineering before turning to photography. Steiner's work, characterized by clean lines, geometric forms, and a focus on everyday objects, bridged pictorialism and straight photography. He worked for Fortune and Life magazines, participated in the Farm Security Administration project, and created experimental films like H2O and The Mechanical Principles. His book The Photographer's Eye (1974) remains influential. Steiner's legacy lies in his ability to merge commercial, documentary, and artistic photography while teaching at institutions like Yale and New York University. He died in Hancock, New York.
