Adams photographed one of his most famous images, "Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico", which became a landmark in his career due to its technical challenges and enduring popularity.

Adams photographed at the Manzanar War Relocation Center, resulting in the publication "Born Free and Equal: The Story of Loyal Japanese-Americans".

Adams published "This Is the American Earth", a book with text by Nancy Newhall, which further solidified his reputation as a landscape photographer and environmental advocate.