Biography

Lou Stoumen, born Louis Clyde Stoumen on July 15, 1917, in Springtown, Pennsylvania, was an influential American photographer, film director, and producer. He is celebrated for his contributions to both photography and documentary filmmaking. Stoumen's career was marked by his innovative approach to visual storytelling, which earned him two Academy Awards. He won his first Oscar in 1957 for the Best Documentary Short Subject with 'The True Story of the Civil War' and his second in 1963 for Best Documentary Feature with 'Black Fox: The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler'. Stoumen's photography is known for its candid and evocative portrayal of urban life, particularly his work capturing the vibrancy of Times Square over several decades. His book, 'Times Square: 45 Years of Photographs', published in 1985, is a testament to his keen eye for the human condition and urban landscapes. Beyond his artistic achievements, Stoumen was also a dedicated educator, teaching at UCLA Film School, where he shared his expertise and passion for the medium. Stoumen's legacy continues through the preservation of his work by the Museum of Photographic Arts, which holds his entire archive. His innovative techniques, such as the camera movement method later popularized as the 'Ken Burns effect', have left a lasting impact on documentary filmmaking. Lou Stoumen passed away on September 20, 1991, in Sebastopol, California, but his work remains a significant part of American visual culture.