Jacob Riis was a Danish-American journalist and photographer who fought against the poor living conditions of impoverished New Yorkers through his writings and photographs. He left a significant impact on the city, with several parks and buildings named after him. Riis immigrated to America at the age of 21 in 1870. He is recognized as one of the pioneers of photography for his early adoption of flash in photography and his 1890 publication, “How the Other Half Lives: Studies among the Tenements of New York,” which laid the foundation for muckraking journalism. He married Mary Phillips, who outlived him by 53 years. Riis was also close friends with President Theodore Roosevelt and wrote a campaign biography about him. Jacob Riis was born on May 3, 1849 in Denmark, Denmark. Jacob Riis died on May 26, 1914 at the age of 65 years in . Discover below for comprehensive details about Jacob Riis, including the biography, wiki profile, age, date of birth, family background, relationship status, interesting facts, photographs, lesser-known facts, and more.
Jacob Riis Wiki Table
| Stage Name | Jacob Riis |
| Real Name | Jacob Riis |
| Profession(s) | Photographer, |
| Birthday | May 3, 1849 |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Death | Died on May 26, 1914 (110 years ago) (Age: 65 years) in |
| Gender | Male |
| Birthplace | Denmark, Denmark |
| Hometown | Denmark, Denmark, Denmark |
| Nationality | Danish |
Jacob Riis Family and Personal Life
- Jacob Riis was born in Denmark, Denmark.
- Jacob Riis’s birth sign is Taurus.
Jacob Riis Biography and Facts
- Who is Jacob Riis?: Jacob Riis was a Danish-American journalist and photographer known for exposing the harsh living conditions of poor New Yorkers through his writing and photography. He is famous for his 1890 work, “How the Other Half Lives: Studies among the Tenements of New York,” which established him as a pioneer in photojournalism and muckraking journalism.
- Early Life and Immigration: Riis was born in Denmark and immigrated to the United States when he was 21 years old in 1870. He moved to New York City, where he would spend the rest of his life.
- Career and Contributions: Riis worked as a photographer for various newspapers in New York City, and his 1890 work, “How the Other Half Lives,” changed the way people viewed the lives of the underprivileged in society.
- Influence on Photography: Riis is considered one of the fathers of photography due to his early adoption of flash in photography, which allowed him to capture accurate nighttime images.
- Legacy: Throughout New York, several parks and buildings are named after him for his contributions to the city and the expose on poverty.
- Personal Life and Friends: Riis was married to Mary Phillips and was lifelong friends with President Theodore Roosevelt. He also wrote a campaign biography of the former president.