James Joyce

1924–1926

Employed by: Man Ray

1925

Man Ray introduces her to Atget’s photographs

In 1925 Man Ray introduces her to the photographs of Eugène Atget, and she becomes interested in his work.

c. 1926

Opens her own studio in Paris

After three years with Man Ray she sets up her own studio and works out rules for herself: she does not seek clients, does not advertise and never photographs for free. She becomes almost the official portraitist of the intellectuals — Joyce, Cocteau and André Gide sit for her; according to Sylvia Beach, to be photographed by Man Ray or Berenice Abbott meant you rated as somebody.

1927

Photographs Eugène Atget shortly before his death

She manages to persuade Eugène Atget to sit for a portrait; he dies shortly thereafter.

1927

Returns to Paris and opens a second studio

After a short time studying photography in Berlin she returns to Paris and starts a second studio on the rue Servandoni.

June 1928

Buys the remainder of Atget’s archive

The government has already acquired much of Atget’s archive — he had sold 2,621 negatives in 1920, and his friend and executor André Calmettes sold 2,000 more immediately after his death; in June 1928 Abbott buys the remainder and quickly starts work on its promotion. Because of a lack of funding she has to sell a one-half interest in the collection to Julien Levy for $1,000.