Sally Mann’s name has been synonymous with controversy for over three decades, but there’s far more to her story than the debates that surround her family photographs. A master of large-format black-and-white photography, Mann has spent her career probing the intimate edges of childhood, landscape, and mortality.

Born: May 1, 1951 ·
Known for: Large format black and white photography ·
Most famous photograph: Candy Cigarette (1989) ·
Controversial series: Immediate Family (1992)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact details of child pornography accusations – some facts disputed (ARTnews)
  • Whether she continues to photograph her children (The Guardian)