Alex MacLean

Alex MacLean is an American photographer known for his aerial photographs of landscapes, urban environments, and architectural structures. Born in 1947, MacLean studied architecture at Harvard University, where he developed an interest in the relationship between the built environment and the natural world. He received his pilot's license in 1975, which allowed him to combine his passion for photography with his interest in flying.

MacLean's work often focuses on the patterns, textures, and forms created by human intervention in the landscape. His photographs have been used to document environmental issues, urban growth, and land use patterns. He has published several books of his photography, including The Playbook of Metaphors: Architecture and Nature, Taking Measures Across the American Landscape, and Up on the Roof: New York's Hidden Skyline Spaces.

His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the Smithsonian Institution, the National Building Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. MacLean has also received numerous awards for his photography, including the American Academy of Rome's Prix de Rome in Landscape Architecture.

In addition to his photography, MacLean has also worked as a consultant on land use planning and design projects. His aerial photographs provide a unique perspective on the impact of human activity on the environment, making him a valuable resource for urban planners and environmentalists. MacLean continues to work as a photographer and pilot, capturing the ever-changing landscape from above.