John Szarkowski was an influential American photographer and curator, known for his role in shaping the field of photography in the 20th century. He served as the director of the Museum of Modern Art’s photography department from 1962 to 1991, where he organized numerous important exhibitions that highlighted the artistic value of photography. Szarkowski was also a prominent writer and critic, contributing to the understanding of photography as an art form. His books, such as Looking at Photographs, helped educate both the public and aspiring photographers about the medium's unique qualities and its place in the art world.