Edwin Wisherd

Edwin Wisherd was an award-winning, National Geographic photographer born September 19, 1900, in Hagerstown, Maryland and got his start at National Geographic at age 19 as an assistant to the one-man photographic staff.

As one of the magazine’s earliest staff photographers, Wisherd took Geographic’s first natural color plates exposed in the field. He played a large role in making National Geographic famous for the use of 35mm camera cameras and color film in producing dramatic images in lifelike color. He utilized a method for making dye-transfer prints that was later adapted by National Geographic printers, producing large, color plates.

The American Society of Magazine Photographers, National Press Photographers Association, and countless other professional groups awarded Wisherd with commendations and recognition for his contributions in the photographic world. He retired from National Geographic and died in 1970.