Migrant Mother in California, by Dorothea Lange

Colorized photo of a migrant mother, 32-year old Florence Thompson, with three of her 7 kids, in California's Pea-Picker’s Camp This photo has become iconic in depicting struggling families in the Great Depression of America, 1930s, humanizing the tragic consequences of the economic disaster and came to represent the era.  Interesting to note that Lange did not even ask Florence her name. Her identity was unknown for over 40 years. The photo was published days after being taken and resulted in 20,000 lbs. of food aid to the region. But Florence and family had moved on and received no benefit.  She bitterly resented the picture. Years later she died of Cancer but did benefit from some public support.

Lange did not make money from the photo but she did become well known and successful successful. She brought attention to an important cause and made a huge impact on documentary photography as among the pioneers in photojournalism.