Maclean, Dabirma (Birma) Still

DABIRMA (BIRMA) STILL MACLEAN was born in 1875 in San Luis Obispo, California, and died in 1968 in La Panza, California. Maclean was among the most prominent female photographers in California. She began her work as a photographer in her native county of San Luis Obispo. In 1904, she married and moved to Petaluma. There she continued her work with a special interest in public buildings and local scenes. In Petaluma she also produced real-photo postcards and portraits for local residents.

Active in Petaluma: 1904 - 1920

Unfortunately, the PHL&M owns no portraits by this important, early photographer.

Bibliography: Dellard, Bill, “First Lady of Photography,” http://www.pasorobles-usa.com/PioneerPages/firstlady.htm; Charrier, Emily, “Famed Photographer Dabirma Still Maclean and Early Petaluma Farms,” Petaluma Argus-Courier, March 7, 2019. https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers