Irving Underhill

1872-1960

American (New York, New York)

Irving Underhill was one of the most notable commercial photographers in New York City during the first half of the 20th century. In 1896, he opened his photographic studio specializing in “artistic portraits, city views and panoramas, group photographs, marine, legal and machinery photography.” He was so successful that his agency received exclusive commissions to photograph and promote new buildings like the Woolworth Building, which he would capture in timed intervals to track the construction process.