Girl with a Camera

Tells the story of how Margaret spent her early years observing the natural world before mastering the art of photography and became the first female war photojournalist in World War II.

Growing up, Peggy White intended to become a herpetologist, but while she was still in college her interest she became fascinated with photography. Her focus widened from landscape architecture to shots of factories, trains, and bridges. Her artist's eye sharpened to see patterns and harsh beauty where others saw only chaos and ugliness. Margaret Bourke-White was the first female war photojournalist in World War II and the first female photographer for Life magazine. And her photographs were just like her: bold and original.