Ever heard of famous photographers before? If you’re a photography enthusiast, then it’s likely that you have. Famous photographers are some of the most famous and well-known people in the world today. They are famous because they take photographs for different purposes, such as advertisements or magazines. Their work is regularly seen by millions of people all over the world!
How many famous photographers do you know?
Table of Contents
Vivian Maier
Vivian Maier is one of the most interesting famous photographers of all time, but she didn’t become well-known until after her death. She was a famous photographer who took pictures of the streets of New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles from 1950 until her death in December, 2007.
She established herself as one of America’s most original photographers with over 100,000 negatives that she left behind. If you’re looking for some famous photographers to know about or want to see their work—Vivian Maier is perfect!
Diane Arbus
Diane Arbus was an American photographer famous for her black and white photographs of people on the margins of society. She took many pictures that were very different from what we see in today’s world, but she showed them to be beautiful through photography. One example is a picture she called “Child with Toy Hand Grenade In Central Park,” which shows a child reaching out to touch a toy hand grenade propped up against some rocks near the lake in New York City’s Central Park. Arbus thought it would be interesting if one day someone picked up this object without realizing its potential danger (a hand grenade). Of course, no one ever did pick up the real thing!
Gregory Colbert
Gregory Colbert is a Canadian photographer and filmmaker, who specializes in creative storytelling. His work is famous for its grand scale and unique use of video, sound effects, narration, music, and text.
He has photographed many famous people such as Dalai Lama or Nelson Mandela to name just a few. His art also includes the creation of installations in which he would capture moments within different environments all across the world – from deserts to oceans.
– Gregory Colbert’s photography is famous because it captures our imagination by showing us these extraordinary places that we don’t always get to see with our own eyes
– He photographs some famous person who may have changed history or someone interesting
– The pictures are usually very large, and they’re made so you can feel like you’re right there in the moment through his creativity.
His website: Gregory Colbert – In the beginning of time, the skies were filled with flying elephants
Sally Mann
Sally Mann is without question one of the most renowned American photographers.
She started to take pictures during her childhood and soon after, she became famous with a series of photos documenting the life in Appalachia.
Sally Mann was born in 1951 and she has published more than 15 famous books on photography that are popular for their unique style (black-and-white or sepia tone) as well as for the frank content: photographs of children, nude women with tattoos and much more.
She is also popular because of her personal famous book “Immediate Family” which features over 100 self-portraits showing everyday life moments from 1977 until now.
The photobook includes some very intimate shots of nudity between Sally and her three sons who were still young at that time.
Her website: Sally Mann
Alex Prager
Photographic artist Alex Prager has a knack for capturing the surrealism in everyday life. Her staged color images are reminiscent of movie scenes, and she’s an expert at taking all sorts of pictures that capture emotions, so clearly they can be felt on the other side.
Alex’s famous for her work with celebrities and politicians, as well as her images of everyday life.
Some of her famous works include portraits of some pop culture icons like Michael Jackson or Barack Obama. But she also captures the daily life scenes that many people take for granted in their routine lives: an elderly couple at a diner; two girls dancing on a stairway…
Her Instagram Profile: @alexprager
Website URL: Alex Prager Studio
William Eggleston
William Eggleston was the one who inspired Alex Prager to start his career in photography. He is also a photographer, and has experimented with his work by using different colors for various subjects – such as reds and blues for flowers or greens for landscapes.
Often considered a leading figure in the color photography movement, William Eggleston has left his mark on photographers around the world. His books include The Democratic Forest and William Eggleston’s Guide – two of which are best-selling photobooks from that era; their influence is still felt today by artists who work with modern technology to produce similar images.
William Eggleston was born into an artistic family in 1939 outside Memphis, TN. At a very early age, he became fascinated with both art and music .
Tim Walker
Tim Walker has been a leading artistic force in the world of fashion and art for many years. His work crosses boundaries, breaking through the ordinary to create something entirely new and inspiring.
Tim Walker has photographed a great number of world-famous actors, designers and directors.
Actors like Tilda Swinton (Velvet Goldmine), Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Watson(Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series), Tim Burton and David Lynch are just some of his more famous subjects.
– One famous photograph that Tim Walker captured was of a model called Tilda Swinton wearing a dress made out of cake. The idea behind this creation is that when people look at it, they can’t believe their eyes, because the color and taste are tempting but not real. It’s like you’re looking through icing to another world on the other side…
The famous photographer has also worked with famous designers such as Vivienne Westwood (who he shot for Harper’s Bazaar) and Tom Ford who asked him to shoot his new Gucci campaign in 2005.
He photographed models including Naomi Campbell, Daphne Guinness and Jean Shrimpton before they were famous too!
Martin Parr
The British photographer has a witty style that is both critical and humorous. He has published more than 20 photobooks that are famous for their bizarre and surreal nature.
It was in 1977 when Martin Parr first picked up a camera and started to shoot social classes of Britian, like the middle-class holidaymakers or homeless people living on the streets…
He is famous for capturing moments (or “decisive moments” as Henri Cartier-Bresson would say) with a nonchalant style, using natural light instead of flash.
Edward Weston
One of the most important names in photojournalism, Edward Weston is best known for his pioneering work with large-format cameras and natural lighting. Weston was born in 1886 and began his career as a painter, but eventually turned to photography after the famous Modernist Alfred Stieglitz exhibited some of Weston’s paintings.
Edward Weston helped transform landscape photography into an art form with his images that revealed the complex relationship between man and nature. He developed new techniques for creating photographs using both light-sensitive paper prints (called “negatives”) and large cameras called view cameras. Throughout his career he traveled extensively photographing scenes from California deserts to Yosemite National Park, Mexico, France–and much more.”
Weston left behind a legacy not only through what he photographed but how he went about it: His work is often cited by photographers working today who use digital media like Instagram or iPhone apps.
Robert Capa
He’s an iconic photographer who is the envy of many. He was famous not just for his fantastic photos but also because he died too young.
“I never knew a man who took so many chances, yet worried so little about the consequences.”
– Cornelius Ryan in The Last Battle (1960)
The famous war photographer Robert Capa risked and lost his life time after time to bring back photographs of the most important political conflicts, wars, and catastrophes of the 20th century. He’s an iconic photographer who is admired by photographers today as much as ever before – all thanks to what has been called “the best picture journalism work from World War II.”
Annie Leibovitz
Annie Leibovitz is an American photographer who has mastered the art of telling a story with each picture. Her photographs are honest and intimate, but also give you insight into your favorite celebrities’ lives outside of just their face on magazine covers.
She combines her understanding of people, their character, and most importantly – themselves to create images which capture the essence of each subject she shoots. When you see a famous person’s face, her photographs tell the story of their good and bad moments.
Leibovitz is famous for photographing John Lennon on December 1980 in front of The Dakota Building where he was killed hours later. Her photograph captures his last few hours before death with such sincerity that it has been named one of TIME magazine’s top ten most influential pictures ever taken.
The Inspiring Life and Career of Annie Leibovitz
Gregory Crewdson
Gregory Crewdson is one of the most significant names out there when it comes to contemporary photography. His photographs are real and have a cinematic quality about them which captures an emotional story that will make you feel like they were created for cinema instead of still life pictures!
Gregory Crewsons work has been exhibited in galleries, museums, and private collections around the world including Tate Modern London, Musee d’Art Moderne Paris France; Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Spain; Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation New York City NY USA.
Dorothea Lange
When Dorothea Lange passed away in 1965, she left an indelible mark on American photography. Her ability to capture the human condition made her one of most influential photographers of all time and a pioneer for photojournalism as we know it today.
In the 1930s, Dorothea Lange captured and documented life in rural America during the Great Depression. Her famous photo from 1936 – Migrant Mother – is often said to be one of her best works ever as she captures a woman who has lost everything that matters to her: home, family, community.
Some time later Dorothea turned away from this subject matter altogether and began working as a portrait photographer on portraits of famous people for magazines or jewelry ads instead. She was even hired by Eisenhower’s staff as his official photographer at first lady Mamie Doudeil’s request–the elder daughter became close with Dorothea through their mutual interest in photography while they were both living abroad (Dorothy stayed with a wealthy Swiss family).
Gerda Taro
War photographer Gerda Taro, also known as the world’s first female photojournalist of her time by some sources is best remembered for haunting photographs she made during Spanish Civil War. She was a Jew born in Germany who came from an unfortunate family that had to flee their home because they were persecuted and later killed due to Nazi concentration camps.
In 1936, she moved to Paris with her lover and fellow photographer Robert Capa. After the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Taro was one of two photographers who documented the first six months of Hitler’s invasion into France. The famous pictures show German troops marching through a French town while tanks are seen on their way towards them. Eventually this would lead to the famous Battle of Dunkirk where British forces were saved from being completely defeated by Nazi offensives thanks to an evacuation plan led by General Gort.
Gerda Taro tragically died at 28 years old when a tank accidentally ran over her during filming as Spanish Civil War came to its end in 1937.
David LaChapelle
David LaChapelle is a world-renowned fashion professional photographer who has captured the essence of some of today’s top models.
David LaChapelle is one of the most controversial fashion photographers in America. He became famous for his provocative celebrity portraits and now infamous advertisements from his early days as a teenage model for Calvin Klein to becoming an artist that transcends fashion, photography, film and music all at once.
LaChapelle’s best known photographs are said to make use of artistic techniques which present an alternative view on reality. He also uses themes from popular culture including politics, advertising, entertainment industry and religion.
Andreas Gursky
Gursky’s work is unlike that of any other contemporary photographer. He takes the most ordinary subjects and makes them extraordinary, as if they were found in a dream or on another planet. Gursky has exhibited his iconic images all over Europe and America to rave reviews from art critics who are constantly searching for new talent with fresh ideas like him. The famous artist was born in Leipzig, Germany on April 30, 1955.
His famous photograph “12-18 Months” is the most expensive photo ever sold at auction–a stunning image of a couple’s new baby daughter who had been photographed for just one minute while her mother changed her diaper which Gursky then digitally altered to be like an aerial shot taken from far away showing only their little house set amid trees and other buildings. He has also made photographs that show famous landmarks such as New York City seen from above with views never before possible because he used drones or helicopters to take his pictures.
Museum curators are always eager to acquire these imaginative works, so they can enliven displays around the world of modern art.
Erwin Olaf
Erwin Olaf is a Dutch artist who has been known for his commercial and personal work. He was born in 1943 and started out as a graphic designer which led to him becoming famous for his work. He was well-known commercial photographer.
When it comes to Erwin’s photography, he is best known for using black-and-white film with an infrared filter that gives the images a sense of mystery along with depicting humanity. He has done many famous projects such as photographing celebrities like Madonna and David Bowie.
He also has published three books about his life including “The Unseen” where he captured different periods of time throughout his career through abstract imagery by using techniques such as layering negatives on top of one another or taking photos at odd angles from synthetic materials placed into water set up alongside large paper sheets put behind glass jars filled with chemicals .
Steve McCurry
The famous photographer, Steve McCurry has amassed fame with his famous work “Afghan Girl.” The photo was one of the most successful photographs in National Geographic history. He is a photojournalist in America and has many other famous photographs on the internet to choose from. His photographs often appear in the National Geographic magazine.
He does not take typical photos of celebrities like Madonna or David Bowie; instead he captures mystery as well as humanity through his photography by using techniques such as layering negatives on top of one another or taking odd angles from synthetic materials placed into water set up alongside large paper sheets put behind glass jars filled with chemicals.
McCurry published three books about himself including “The Unseen” where different periods of time throughout his career are captured though abstract imagery-by using techniques such as layering negatives on top over each other.
Ansel Adams
Ansel Adams is famous for his black and white photographs, capturing nature in a way that no one else could. He was the world’s most famous photographer of all time.
Adams published over 200 prints from 1938-1941, selling them at $25 each to pay off some of the debt he had accrued. His famous images include “The Tetons and Mount Moran”, “Moonrise,” and “Clearing Winter Storm.”
In late 1941, Ansel took a trip around North America, but ended up unable to photograph due to World War II happening. Instead, he focused on teaching other photographers how to use his equipment as well as managing photo exhibits with Marianne Moore who would eventually become his second wife.
Imogen Cunningham
Imogen Cunningham was a talent with an understanding of natural forms, light and shadow. Her photography is iconic for its beauty in the field of botanical art.
She was born in 1883 and died in 1976. She started as a painter, but had an interest in photography which led her to take up the craft during World War I. One of her famous achievements is the photographs she took around 1930 on Point Lobos, California where she photographed kelp forests with scientific curiosity and aesthetic sensitivity.
Ellen von Unwerth
German photographer, Ellen, has a creative way to put her feminism and love for photography together.
She was born in 1961 and currently resides in Hamburg, Germany. Ellen is famous for her nudes of famous women like Naomi Campbell, Cyndi Lauper or Charlotte Rampling.
Her work has been published in German Vogue, French Marie Claire and American Allure magazines.
Ellen’s photography career began when she started working as a photographer for Ralph Lauren before appearing as an assistant to Helmut Newton at the age of 29.
Lillian Bassman
Lillian Bassman had always thought there should be more female photographers so that they could have their voices heard just as much as male photographers did. She was one of the only four female members of Magnum Photos which are over 100 years old now.
Tim Flach
Tim Flach is a well-known animal photographer and conservationist. His art has captured the attention of museums, galleries, and collectors all over the world!
With his first series, “Fruit Bats,” he captured the beauty of wildlife in a way that had never been seen before.
Michael Kenna
With a style that is both elegant and simple, Michael Kenna’s photography captures the raw beauty of nature. Shot in black-and-white with careful attention to light angles, he manages to convey an atmosphere of serenity and calmness through his images.
“I started to realize I wasn’t seeing any pictures that spoke for me. So I thought, well, maybe it’s time to make some more of my own.” Kenna said on his decision to become a photographer in 1977. “I was just doing what I wanted to do and not thinking about how popular or famous the work might be,” he continued.
Michael Kenna also has an extensive list of accomplishments: He is the recipient of two Guggenheim fellowships and 12 National Endowment for the Arts grants; His photographs have been featured in over 60 solo exhibitions as well as 30 group shows at galleries around North America and Europe;
Guy Bourdin
Guy Bourdin became a self-taught photographer and innovator of his time.
Guy Bourdin was known for his stunning photography, and he had a lot of thoughts about how the media should handle it. He believed that after death, any work shouldn’t be shown or destroyed; instead they needed to find someone who would take care of them in their absence.
Dominique Issermann
The French photographer, Issermann has been working in the fashion and advertising industry for over 30 years. She was famous for her work with the famous French fashion designer, Pierre Cardin.
She has also worked on many famous advertising campaigns that are well-known in France and Europe! She’s one of our favorites because she is so talented and captured some great moments from history! She was one of the most renowned photographers in the history of photography.
Dominique Issermann had always wanted to have a career where she could travel and meet new people which led to her love for photography.
Eugenio Requenco
Eugenio Requeno’s unique pictorial style is sure to capture your attention. He has been working as a photographer since 1975, and his work is famous all over the world.
Requenco’s passion for photography was sparked when he bought his first camera in 1972.
Eugenio Requeno started out wanting to be an artist but then realized that photography would give him more options in life because of its versatility and how it could be used commercially. If you’re looking for some great inspiration Eugenio Requeno is your guy!
Jimmy Nelson
Jimmy Nelson is a British documentary photographer who has traveled to over 150 countries around the world, documenting indigenous and tribal people. He shares his passion with others by teaching photography at universities in London.
Nelson’s famous for his portraits of tribes and tribal people, capturing their way of life in a series with tremendous respect.
He has made many trips to document indigenous cultures around the world, including Borneo at risk from deforestation, Greenland’s shrinking ice sheet and Amazonian jungle threatened by climate change – the most biodiverse ecosystem on Earth!
Jimmy Nelson is one famous photographer who really loves what he does. He travels all over the world documenting everything from controversial subjects like animal poaching to rare cultural practices that are disappearing fast because they’re so remote. His work spans every continent except Antarctica but it isn’t only about photographing landscapes or animals – Jimmy captures some of humanity’s richest traditions while they still exist today.
Georg Gerster
Georg Gerster, famous for his aerial photography of the world’s most famous natural attractions and human impact on them. He has been working in this field since the 1960s and is now one of Europe’s leading photographers. Georg was born in Switzerland, but he grew up around the Swiss Alps which inspired him to photograph them later on during his career as a photographer.
He started out with an apprenticeship at a photo studio where he learned about photography before going off to complete military service in Germany which allowed him to hone his skills because there wasn’t much work available back home at that time.
Richard Avedon
Richard Avedon was a pioneering photographer, and his work captures the human spirit. He is best known for photographing celebrities in black and white with an artistic style that defines glamour as we know it today. His portraits of people like Marilyn Monroe immortalized them forever more than any artist before him had been able to do so successfully (think Van Gogh).
The photographer loved to take pictures of the models on the street, at work in their natural environment. A famous example of this is a shot he took in the 1980s, where his subject was an average restaurant worker who had just served him food. What she didn’t know when posing for Avedon’s camera lens was that the photo would be used on the cover of his first famous book published by Knopf Publishing.
Avedon also famously photographed many famous people: Andy Warhol, James Brown and George Plimpton are some off-the-cuff examples.
Richard Avedon died in 2004 at age 81 after suffering from lung cancer (this was something he always denied). He left behind countless photos which have been treasured by generations since they were taken 50 years ago or more.
Henri Cartier-Bresson
As a street photographer, there is one name that inevitably comes to mind: Henri Cartier-Bresson. His mastery of capturing the decisive moment has left him renowned as an unparalleled artist in his field who helped define the genre’s rules and refine its technique. He was famous for his candid photography, which often captured the world from a child’s point of view.
Henri Cartier-Bresson died in 2004 at age 95. He photographed all over the world before settling down to live and work in France where he eventually became famous as one of its most prominent citizens. It is not hard to imagine why people would want to keep up with him on social media after these words: “I photograph what I have seen, so that others may see.”
Sebastião Salgado
Sebastião Salgado is without a doubt one of the greatest living photographers.
Sebastião Salgado was born in 1944, and he grew up with a famous father. He went to university where he studied law, but his true passion and talent for photography shone through every day as he took pictures of friends and family.
He has been awarded the W. Eugene Smith Grant from the Photographic Society of America; Prix Pictet (Switzerland); Fondation Taylor Prize (UK); Prince Claus Award by the Netherlands’Prince Claus Fund; Guggenheim Fellowship in Photography (USA).
Conclusion
In this post, we’ve looked at the lives of some of the world’s most iconic photographers. What they have in common is that they all found a way to capture something compelling about their subjects and preserve it for future generations. If you want your photos to stand out from those taken by other people with cameras, then take inspiration from these masters and find your own voice as an artist. Whether you use Instagram or film photography, make sure that every photo tells a story worth remembering through its composition, color palette, subject – anything! Remembering who inspires us can be just what we need to figure out our next creative step on the journey of life.