**early life and career** gaspard-félix tournachon, known by the pseudonym nadar, was a french photographer, caricaturist, journalist, novelist, balloonist, and proponent of heavier-than-air flight. born in paris in 1820, nadar's life was marked by innovation and creativity. **photographic contributions** nadar's photographic career began in 1853, with the opening of his studio at 113 rue st. lazare. he photographed a wide range of per…