Who inspired James van der zee?

James Van Der Zee was inspired by the work of two prominent photographers: James Presley Ball and Adolphe Braun. Ball was one of the first photographers to establish a studio in Washington D.C and used his art as a way to bridge the gap between the white and African American communities. This mission aligned well with van Der Zee's aspirations for his own craft. Additionally, van der Zee was influenced by Braun, whose photo-portraits depicted the social class and luxury of the 19th century French society. By combining elements from both photographers, van der Zee ultimately developed his unique style that captured the essence of the Harlem Renaissence and made him one of the most renowned photographers of the 20th century.