Wendall MacRae

Wendell McRae (1896–1980) was a pioneering photographer and filmmaker whose career spanned commercial, documentary, and artistic work. Born in Metropolis, Illinois, McRae initially held various positions, including governmental assignments that allowed him to travel extensively and observe diverse subjects, experiences that would later inform his photographic vision.

McRae’s engagement with film began around 1924, and by 1930 he had established his own photographic studio. His skill and innovative approach quickly earned recognition, leading to his inclusion in exhibitions at New York’s prestigious Julien Levy Gallery.

From 1934 to 1941, McRae undertook his longest-running assignment as a commercial photographer for a weekly publication produced at Rockefeller Center during its construction. His images from this period capture both the grandeur of the project and the human endeavor behind it, showcasing McRae’s ability to combine documentary precision with a keen artistic sensibility. Through his work, McRae left a lasting impact on both commercial photography and visual documentation of early 20th-century American life.