Best studio photographers
46 Famous Portrait Photographers You Should Know
Portrait photography is one of the oldest forms of photography. And nearly 200 years on, portraiture remains one of the most popular pursuits within the art form.
This is a history of portrait photography told through the lens of great portrait photographers. We’ll look at the best past and present portrait photographers.
Our journey starts with the great portrait photographers of times past. Then we’ll look at the best portrait photographers of today before finishing with the rising stars of portrait photography. It’s a journey that’s sure to inspire your own portrait photography.
Martin Luther King Jr. by Yousuf KarshThe Enduring Popularity of Portrait Photographers
Portrait photographers have been at the vanguard of the photography craft. They’ve documented some of history’s most famous and infamous individuals. And they brought photography into the mainstream.
Portrait photography has given us the protagonists of our shared history. They’ve connected us to presidents, prime ministers, and stars on the stage and screen. Their portraits are hung in prominent galleries all over the world. And they’ve graced the covers of Time, Vogue, and Rolling Stone. These faces have become part of public consciousness.
But portrait photography isn’t just about the big names. Portraits are about people. And portrait photographers use their cameras to tell personal stories. They capture the spirit of the people they encounter, from farmers to fishermen and businessmen to bandits.
As well as being a discipline in its own right, portrait photography is a feature in many types of photography. Portraits play a significant role in fashion and editorial photography. And you’ll find portraits everywhere, from photojournalism to wedding photography.
Portrait photography endures because we love characters. We want to know the players in the stories humans tell. And the best portrait photographers let us glimpse hearts and souls laid bare on celluloid.
Portrait photography allows us to connect with people we may never know.
46 Famous Portrait Photographers You Should Know
The best source of inspiration for portrait photography comes from looking at the masters. By looking at the work of the most famous portrait photographers, you’ll see how personalities are explored and characters are created.
We’ve split our extensive list of famous portrait photographers into three sections. The first section looks at the all-time greats of the genre. The second section looks at the best photographers of our era. And the final section looks at the rising stars of portrait photography.
If our list of the best portrait photographers inspires you, check out our Profit from Portraits ebook. It has everything you need to know about getting started with portrait photography.
Grace Kelly by Philippe HalsmanFamous Portrait Photographers from History
In this section, we’re celebrating the portrait photographers of the past.
They’re artists who have led the way in portrait photography over the decades, breaking rules and setting standards.
These portrait photographers have created some of the most iconic images of the last 100 years. You might be familiar with some of these photographers, while some names might be new to you. But all of them are worthy of your attention.
1. Julia Margaret Cameron (1815-1879)
Sir John Herschel by Julia Margaret CameronJulia Margaret Cameron was a true trailblazer of portrait photography. Not only was she a woman thriving in a man’s world, but she also developed her own style of portrait photography. Her style wasn’t appreciated in her own time, and many criticized her work.
But over the years, her portraits have been praised for their genuine intimacy. Her portrait photos are softly focused with a natural feel. They were at odds with the stale and static portraits of the Victorian era.
Her subjects were the great and the good of upper-class Victorian society.
Her most prominent subjects were Charles Darwin, Henry Taylor, and Sir John Herschel.
See more of Julia Margaret Cameron’s work here.
“Lago” by Julia Margaret Cameron2. Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952)
“Qahatika Girl” by Edward S. CurtisEdward S. Curtis is one of the most important names in American photography. He was a photographer working in the American west near the turn of the century. His portrait collection is an important historical archive.
Curtis photographed hundreds of indigenous people from various tribal groups across America. They include the Hopi tribes in the southwest and the Inuit peoples of the north.
His subjects include names eternally linked to the myth of the Wild West. The portraits of Geronimo, Red Cloud, and Chief Joseph are particularly special.
Check out Edward S Curtis’s masterworks here.
Geronimo by Edward S. Curtis3. James Van Der Zee (1886-1983)
“Lady With Straw Hat” by James Van Der ZeeJames Van Der Zee was an essential part of the Harlem Renaissance of the ’20s and ’30s.
His portraits are stylish and well crafted. But his work also serves as a historical document for a significant moment in Afro-American history.
Van Der Zee used his camera to document the fashions and figures of a black culture revival in New York. His portraits show a middle-class African-American society. It’s a self-confident community that was thriving culturally.
Some of his notable subjects are dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and civil rights leader Marcus Garvey. He worked mainly in a studio, using lavish props and set dressings.
This James Van Der Zee collection is the best was to see Harlem in its heyday.
“Lady in Chair” by James Van Der Zee4. George Hurrell (1904-1992)
Douglas Fairbanks by George HurrellGeorge Hurrell is a portrait photographer from the golden age of cinema. As the official photographer of the MGM studio, his portraits captured some of Hollywood’s most iconic actors and actresses.
Hurrell’s celebrated list of subjects includes everyone from Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart to Joan Crawford and Marilyn Monroe.
The archetypal celebrity photographer, his portraits are intensely glamorous. His collection strengthens the legend and mystique of this timeless Hollywood era. His style is dramatic, with strong contrasts between light and dark.
If you love Hollywood glamour, this George Hurrell collection is a must-see.
Joan Crawford by George Hurrell5. Angus McBean (1904-1990)
Audrey Hepburn by Angus McBeanAngus McBean is often overlooked when it comes to lists of the most famous portrait photographers. But he shouldn’t be. His portraits were wholly original, blending a sharp style with surrealism and wit.
McBean’s style was less polished and more earthy than his contemporaries. His lighting was sharp and dramatic, which he used for a darker tone in his work. He wasn’t afraid to add surrealist elements or humor, even when working with Hollywood stars.
As a celebrity portrait photographer, he worked with A-listers like Audrey Hepburn, Vivian Leigh, and The Beatles.
This is the perfect book if you want more portraits from Angus McBean.
Hanae Mori by Angus McBean6. Philippe Halsman (1906-1979)
Muhammad Ali by Philippe HalsmanPhilippe Halsman was one of the first great portrait photographers to inject a sense of fun into his work. He had close connections to surrealist artists and was a long-time collaborator with Salvador Dali.
His portraits are joyful and exuberant. His subjects are often snapped in mid-air as they jump and dance before the camera. But despite the humor, there’s always a personal warmth to his images. His portrait photos are uniquely personal.
As well as Salvador Dali, prominent subjects include Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, and Muhammad Ali. His skill behind the camera also led to a career as a fashion photographer.
Click here to see more of Halsman’s Jump collection. Or maybe you prefer his book of portraits.
Marilyn Monroe by Philippe Halsman7. Yousuf Karsh (1908-2002)
Winston Churchill by Yousuf KarshYousuf Karsh is undoubtedly one of the greatest portrait photographers of all time.
You may not be familiar with his name, but you’ve probably seen a few of his portraits.
His name reached global acclaim with his stunning portrait of Winston Churchill in 1941. He went on to photograph some of the most iconic individuals of the 20th Century. These include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Muhammad Ali, and Nikita Khrushchev.
His style is clean and classy. The portraits are posed and deliberate. But they all pack a punch of personality and charm. Most modern portrait photographers owe a debt to Yousuf Karsh.
See the full Yousef Karsh retrospective here.
Nikita Khrushchev by Yousuf Karsh8. Robert Capa (1913-1954)
Ernest Hemingway by Robert CapaSome might be surprised to see Robert Capa on a list of famous portrait photographers. It’s true that he made his name as a photojournalist. But there’s a case to be made about Capa’s abilities as a portrait photographer.
Capa is famed for his courageous war reportage, with stunning images from the Spanish Civil War and World War II.
But as you look through his collection, you’ll find it’s littered with captivating and enchanting portraits.
He died on the job in 1954, shooting the rising conflict in Vietnam. And much of his color photography and portraits have only come to light after his death. His noteworthy subjects include Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso.
Here’s the full collection from Robert Capa.
Capucine by Robert Capa9. Arnold Newman (1918-2006)
Pablo Picasso by Arnold NewmanArnold Newman is an American photographer famed for his “environmental portraits.” Rather than ply his trade in a studio, he took his portrait photography into the wild. Although working on location, his portrait photos were still styled and considered. He combined a sense of freedom with a meticulous approach.
His portraits have been printed in Life, Fortune, and Newsweek magazines. He has portraits of some significant players from the 20th century. These include presidents like Harry Truman and Ronald Reagan and artists and musicians like Picasso and Stravinsky.
You’ll find more of Arnold Newman’s finest portraits here.
Leonard Bernstein by Arnold Newman10. Richard Avedon (1923-2004)
Marilyn Monroe by Richard AvedonRichard Avedon was an American fashion photographer born and raised in New York. His catalog oozes class and elegance. And his work as a portrait photographer is intelligent and creative, setting him apart from his peers.
His work spans several decades of the 20th century. And he has portraits of many notable figures from the arts, fashion, and politics. They include Marilyn Monroe, Bob Dylan, and George H. W. Bush during his time as director of the CIA.
Avedon set the standard for portrait photographers to come. The elegance and coolness of his images have influenced many photographers who followed in his footsteps.
You’ve got to see Richard Avedon’s full collection.
Verushka by Richard Avedon11. Herb Ritts (1952-2002)
Stephanie, Cindy, Christy, Tatjana, Naomi by Herb RittsHerb Ritts defined a generation.
He worked with some of the most famous people on the planet throughout the ’80s and ’90s. But to call him a celebrity photographer would be a disservice. His images are the definition of cool. And he produced some of the most iconic images of the period.
His sharp and stylish portraits led him to a career as a fashion photographer. And with his portrait photos, he helped establish the era of the supermodel. He worked with Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Claudia Schiffer.
Take a deep dive into the photography style of Herbs Ritts here.
Claudia Schiffer by Herb Ritts12. Elliott Landy (1942- )
Bob Dylan by Elliott LandyElliott Landy won’t be on everyone’s list of great portrait photographers. And I’ll admit this is a rather personal choice. But Elliott Landy played a significant role in defining an era of pop music.
Landy was a portrait photographer for some of the greatest music artists of the late ’60s and early ’70s. Some notable names are Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.
But his best work as a portrait photographer comes from his collaborations with Bob Dylan and The Band.
If you want more images from this iconic era of music, see Elliott Landy’s Woodstock Vision.
The Band by Elliott LandyFamous Photographers Of Our Time
The following shooters are the most famous portrait photographers of the modern era. They’re the biggest names in portrait photography. And if you don’t know their work already, it’s time you do.
These portrait photographers are at the top of the photography profession. You’ll see their work in galleries across the globe and on the pages of major publications.
13. Annie Leibovitz
John Lennon by Annie LeibovitzAnnie Leibovitz might be the most famous portrait photographer in the world right now. For the last 50 years, she’s blazed a trail in the portrait genre. Her portraits have graced the cover of Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, and Vogue.
Annie Leibovitz has photographed nearly every celebrity you can imagine.
The list includes presidents past and present to rock stars of mythical status. But rather than use their fame to enhance her portraits, her photos add grandeur to her portrait subjects.
She works in studios and on location. But the most striking aspect of her portrait photography is her composition. The shots are structured for a strong impact. But her subjects always have an air of openness.
Check out Annie Leibovitz’s early work here. Or you can dive into her later portraits here.
Arnold Schwarzenegger by Annie Leibovitz14. Steve McCurry
Botswana Girl by Steve McCurrySteve McCurry is one of the most renowned photojournalists. He documents conflicts and hardships across the globe. His portrait work plays a huge part in his journalism, bringing depth and soul to his war reportage.
His subjects are the people he encounters on his travels. They’re the afflicted and the conflicted, the protagonists and the victims. McCurry adds humanity to conflicts that can seem abstract to newspaper readers.
McCurry has an eye for a powerful image. He picks his subjects with precision and photographs them with compassion. His images are some of the most recognizable portraits and stand out in an era of mass media.
If Steve McCurry is your type of portrait photographer, you need to see his In Search of Elsewhere collection.
Yemeni Man by Steve McCurry15. David LaChapelle
Bjork by David LaChapelleDavid LaChapelle has been on the rise as a professional photographer since the ’80s. And as a famous portrait photographer, he now sets the tone of modern pop culture.
LaChapelle has a bold style that combines a kitsch aesthetic with a surrealist sensibility. He’s not afraid to exaggerate with colors or styles. There’s a realism in his work, but he turns it up to 11.
David LaChapelle’s portraits have become a staple of popular music and culture. He’s worked with Lady Gaga, Eminem, and Tupac. Many of his images are just as iconic as the artists themselves.
Lost + Found: Part II is some of LaChapelle’s most adventurous work.
16. Mario Testino
Princess Diana by Mario TestinoMario Testino came to prominence in the ’90s, photographing huge names like Madonna and Kate Moss. But his true breakout came from his photoshoot of Princess Diana. This shoot defined him as a truly famous portrait photographer.
Testino’s portrait style is bright and clean, with a hint of old Hollywood glamor. His shots are styled and considered, with nothing left to chance. But his images have a familial quality. The subjects always seem at ease, like they’re in the company of friends.
See more of Mario Testino’s finest portraits in this collection.
Halle Berry by Mario Testino17. Mark Mann
George Carlin by Mark MannMark Mann is a British portrait photographer. He’s made a name for himself as one of the finest celebrity portrait photographers. He’s worked with famous people in the arts, sports, and politics.
Mann’s portraits are rich in detail and color. He often uses a close-up composition for powerful and intimate portraits.
Mann’s a master of the studio portrait. His lighting is deliberate but warm and sympathetic. He looks for the depths in his subjects.
Mark Mann has had his portraits published in every publication from Vanity Fair to Esquire. And his client list reads like a who’s who of Washington and Tinseltown.
Adam Driver by Mark Mann18. Lorenzo Agius
Amy Adams by Lorenzo AgiusLorenzo Agius is a British photographer. His work encapsulated the feel-good hedonism of the Brit Pop of the ’90s. His early work with Ewan McGregor brought him to prominence. And since then, he’s become one of the most famous portrait photographers.
You can still find the fun-loving aesthetic of his ’90s work in his modern work. His best portrait photos have a cheeky sense of fun. He has the style and compositional skills of a fashion photographer. But he always brings out the humor in his subjects.
Margot Robbie by Lorenzo Agius19. Jimmy Nelson
Zapoteca, Oaxaca, Mexico by Jimmy NelsonJimmy Nelson is a British portrait photographer.
But he’s also an extensive traveler photographing people from every corner of the earth. His portrait photography studies and celebrates traditional cultures worldwide.
Nelson’s portrait photography serves as a window into traditional cultures. His subjects wear the traditional dress of their people. And Nelson explores and examines everything in glorious detail. His portraits celebrate the heritage and roots of ancient cultures.
Massai, Tanzania by Jimmy Nelson20. Peter Lindbergh
Kate Moss by Peter LindberghWith a long and storied career, Peter Lindbergh has become one of the most well-respected portrait photographers in the fashion industry. His catalog is brimming with all the top models of the last few decades. And he’s constantly featured in fashion publications.
Often working in black and white, his portraits are sharp and dramatic. The shots are styled, but they have an atmosphere of casual disruption. His shots often seem like he took them during the break of the shoot.
His relaxed approach brings the personality out of his subjects.
Peter Lindbergh’s On Fashion book is a must-have for fashion fans.
Tatjana Patitz, Lynne Koester, Marie-Sophie Wilson by Peter Linderbergh21. Martin Schoeller
Willem Defoe by Martin SchoellerMartin Schoeller is a German photographer who perfects his trade in Hollywood. By photographing some of the film industry’s biggest stars, he’s become one of the best-known photographers in the world.
Schoeller has a distinct style that sets him apart from other portrait photographers. He’s a fan of the extreme close-up. He heightens the intensity with hard lighting and bright colors. And yet his portraits retain a warmth that’s drawn from his subjects.
He takes two different approaches. One is more minimalist, with nothing but lights and a plain backdrop. And the other is more stylized, with lavish sets and props.
Quentin Tarantino by Martin Schoeller22. Alessio Albi
Amelia Zadro by Alessio AlbiAlessio Albi is an Italian portrait photographer working in the fashion industry.
Relatively new to the fashion photography scene, he’s setting a new standard with his visionary and atmospheric compositions.
Albi’s portrait style blends realism with a stylized approach. He creates an atmosphere of heightened reality. He has a collection of fabulous studio portraits, often in dynamic black and white. But his location shots steal the show with their cinematic vision and depth.
Lisa Louis Fratani by Alessio Albi23. Kenneth Willardt
Doutzen Kroes by Kenneth WillardtKenneth Willardt is a fashion photographer with a passion for close-up portraits. He’s one of the hottest contemporary portrait photographers in the fashion industry. And he’s become a mainstay of all the top fashion magazines.
His portraits are intense, popping with color and energy. Hair, makeup, and set design play a huge role in his photography. All this, combined with his strong compositions, makes his portrait work stand out from the crowd.
Fabianne Tambosi by Kenneth Willardt24.
Jovana RikaloAlexandra Denic by Jovana RikaloJovana Rikalo is a fine art photographer. She uses her portraits to tell magical stories and create fairy tales. She has a unique style that evokes a mythical past, bringing legends to life.
Rikalo uses intricate costumes and set designs to create her scenes. She’s a visual storyteller, and each shot takes us on another step of the journey. Her portraits have incredible attention to detail. And her set design skills are matched by her camera work.
We’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with Jovana Rikalo. Together, we made an incredible guide for Fairytale Portraits. It has all the tips and tricks to make your own.
Anja Lord by Jovana Rikalo25. Philip Edsel
Dakota Luevano by Philip EdselPhilip Edsel is a fashion photographer working in the sports arena. He’s worked with some of the greatest athletes of our generation. And he’s headed projects for the biggest sports brands, like Adidas and New Balance.
When you look through his collection, his portraits are always a highlight.
His black and white photos are sharp and elegant. And his color photography is vibrant with near-neon tones. Edsel brings a cinematic eye to sports editorials.
26. Mert Alas
Zendaya by Mert AlasMert Alas is one of the top portrait photographers in the fashion industry. If you’ve leafed through a copy of Vogue in the last 20 years, you’ve seen some of his work. His work with Gucci and Versace has made him one of the most in-demand fashion photographers in the world.
His style ranges from highly styled to natural and laid back. He often uses lavish sets with extensive costume and makeup design. But much of his portrait work is candid with a fun-loving realism.
Qiuqui by Mert Alas27. Pamela Hanson
Beri Smither by Pamela HansonPamela Hanson is one of the busiest women in portrait photography. Her photography is constantly featured in all the top fashion publications, making her one of the industry’s most famous photographers. Her portraits have recently graced the covers of Elle and Harper’s Bazaar.
Hanson’s photos are intricately put together. But the atmosphere of her shots is always relaxed and natural. She brings the heart and soul out of her subjects, giving her portraits a warm glow.
You’ll find some heart-warming family portraits on her website. They show a different side to her portrait work.
See more of Hanson’s work in her Girls or Boys collections.
Amber Valletta by Pamela Hanson28. Joe McNally
Ray James by Joe McNallyJoe McNally is an American photographer. And his portraits have explored many areas of American pop culture. As an experienced photographer, he’s developed a powerful and unique style.
He’s produced portrait editorials for musicians, athletes, and fashion brands. He never fails to create memorable images. McNally has a detailed and illuminated style. He uses a mix of lighting to bring his subjects to the fore and create a sense of heightened reality.
Pastor Grier by Joe McNally29. Erik Almas
Erik Almas was born and raised in Norway.
But his work as a professional photographer has taken him all over the globe. He’s created images used by some of the world’s biggest companies.
Almas has an expansive style of photography. His shots are bright and open. They contain many intricate details, but they never feel busy. He’s not shy when it comes to post-production techniques. But he also has a collection of minimalist portraits that are just as impressive.
(Model Unknown) Erik Almas30. Lee Jeffries
Frankie by Lee JeffriesPerhaps more than any other portrait photographer, Lee Jeffries has an appreciation for the human face. His portraits are character studies. He examines every detail of the face, leaving nothing unseen.
Jeffries’s style is intense. He often uses extreme close-ups with a razor-sharp focus. And lighting is used to intensify the lines of the faces. Each portrait is a punch of personality. They’re almost intimidating!
Latoria by Lee Jeffries31. Nirav Patel
Britta Bug by Nirav PatelNirav Patel is a fine art photographer based in San Francisco.
Portraits play a huge part in her dramatic photography, as she explores human emotion.
Patel’s portraits have a cinematic tone. Each shot is meticulously constructed to evoke emotion. Patel uses natural and soft lighting to create deeply atmospheric images. The color palette is rich and dark. But the photos buzz with energy.
Eileen Field by Nirav PatelRising Stars of Portrait Photography
Now we’re moving on to the next generation of portrait photographers. These are the artists currently making a name for themselves in the portrait photography arena. They’re the portrait photographers to pay attention to.
32. Rosie Matheson
(Model Unknown) Rosie MathesonRosie Matheson is fast becoming one of the UK’s top portrait photographers. Her award-winning work continues to grab attention in the photography world. Matheson has turned to film photography, mainly using medium format cameras.
Matheson has a casual style of portrait. Her subjects are always relaxed like they’re hanging out with friends.
She likes pastel colors and faded tones. Combined with a soft-focus, her portraits are warm and personal.
33. Sasha Aruntyunova
Elizabeth Warren by Sasha AruntyunovaSasha Aruntyunova is a Russian-American photographer currently living in Paris. Despite her young age, she’s heading straight to the top of the portrait photography world. Her subjects have included Senator Elizabeth Warren and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Sasha uses natural light to create deep and moody portraits. Although light is sometimes at a premium, her atmospheres remain joyful and warm. This approach to light gives us portraits that seem honest and authentic.
Chioma Ebinama by Sasha Aruntyunova34. Justin Hogan
DaBaby by Justin HoganJustin Hogan is one of the finest young portrait photographers working with musicians and singers. He also has a collection of sports photography projects worthy of your attention.
For his portrait photography, Hogan mainly works in black and white.
The deep tones of his work create warmth in his photos. Many of his shots are staged and planned, but they still have a sense of honesty.
35. Ire Chernova
Maylisa by Ire ChernovaIre Chernova is one of today’s best portrait photographers. She’s experimental and daring with her ideas. But she holds true to the original concepts of the genre. She gets to the heart of her subjects with warm and personal portraits.
Her compositions are bold. And she confronts interesting themes in her work. But her portraits are always humane with a soft affection. She always gives her subjects the respect they deserve. And this is repaid with openness from her subjects.
IDK by Ire Chernova36. Rhiannon Adam
Lindsay by Rhiannon AdamRhiannon Adam is an Irish portrait photographer based in London. Her photography combines travel and photojournalism. Portraits play a huge role in her work, as she documents the people she encounters on the road.
Adam has an honest and authentic style.
She photographs people as they are. There’s no fancy trickery or effects. There’s a bond between her camera and her subjects. This approach allows her to give an honest portrayal of real people. Writing also plays an important role in her work, and she’s as skilled with a pen as she is with a camera.
37. Manny Librodo
(Model Unknown) Manny LibrodoManny Librodo uses portrait photography to celebrate different cultures around the world. His shots are stylized and constructed. But they are true and respectful to the traditions they depict.
His color palette is deep and rich. And he enhances the colors of traditional clothing to make his portraits stand out. Librodo’s portraits photos are full of details, with everything deliberate and considered. His library will take you on a trip around the world.
(Model Unknown) Manny Librodo38. J. Flynn
Ambar Driscoll by J. FlynnJ. Flynn is a London-based photographer. And he’s fast becoming one of the most exciting and in-demand portrait photographers in the UK.
His portraits have a casual style. Every shot seems candid and natural. The focus is slightly soft. And the color tones are muted, giving his images a rich but soft finish. The rapport he has with his subjects is clear in every portrait. You feel as if you’re in the company of friends.
J. Appiah by J. Flynn39. Olivia Bee
Maggie Rogers by Olivia BeeIf you’re into the alternative music scene in the USA, you might be familiar with Bee’s work already. She’s a rising star in music photography, with her portraits appearing on album covers and in Billboard magazine.
Her portrait style is earthy and honest. It invokes the portraits of folk and country stars of past ages. Her portraits are down to earth with a hint of 21st-century reverie.
Brandon Flowers by Olivia Bee40. Kelly Ann Bobb
Jabari Quashie and Analise Cleopatra by Kelly Ann BobbKelly Ann Bobb is a professional portrait photographer from Trinidad. She’s new, but she’s already turning heads with her vibrant approach.
She takes a traditional approach to portraits. She shoots in film, using 35mm and larger format cameras. And her studio compositions echo the portraits of photographers from the early 20th century. Her location work embraces her culture and her environment. She celebrates Trinidad with her photography.
Kegan Gulstan by Kelly Ann Bobb41. David Lazar
Balinese Dancer by David LazarDavid Lazar is a young travel photographer from Australia. He has many spectacular landscape and travel shots. But his portraits are the jewels on the crown.
Lazar uses portraits to explore cultures all around the world. He goes on journeys, but it’s about the people he meets. More than any landscape, the people are his subject.
Burmese Man by David Lazar42. Clement Pascal
Samuel by Clement PascalClement Pascal is setting new trends in the world of portrait photographers. He’s new to the fashion business, but his portrait style is becoming more and more popular.
His portraits have a gentle feel.
All the lighting is natural, and he loves muted color tones. It gives his portraits a feeling of familiarity. The subjects are relaxed and natural, making the viewer feel the same.
43. Omar Victor Diop
Self Portrait by Omar Victor DiopOmar Victor Diop is a master of self-portraits. More often than not, he’s his own subject. But he also takes excellent portraits of others. His distinct style is turning heads across Europe and America.
His portraits have a 19th-century influence, often resembling paintings of that period. And there’s a knowing nod to Orientalism in his designs. The stunning portraits are alive with color, using bright reds, yellows, and greens. It’s humorous and celebrates traditional cultures.
Adama Boudoir by Omar Victor Diop44. Nina Masic
Joyce Almeida by Nina MasicNina Masic is a young German photographer breaking into the fashion business with her elegant and stylish portraits. Her profile is quickly on the rise..jpg)
Masic has a clean and fresh style of portrait. She uses closely-cropped compositions. And she’s able to match everything in her photos to the skin tones of her subjects. It comes together for a styled yet natural-looking portrait.
Daria Skrygina by Nina Masic45. Zhamak Fullad
Evan Mock by Zhamak FulladShe may be young, but Zhamak Fullad is becoming one of the hottest portrait photographers around. Her candid, anarchic style is making her popular with top brands like Calvin Klein and Puma.
Her portraits are characterized by a high-energy and chaotic atmosphere. It’s as if nothing is planned and everything is done on the fly. The DIY appearance also comes from her mixed media approach, as she sometimes uses film and Polaroid cameras.
Reignjudge by Zhamak Fullad46. Caroline Mackintosh
“Lilac Dreams” by Caroline MackintoshCaroline Mackintosh combines fine art and portrait photography, creating fabulous images that promote freedom and openness. And there’s a hint of cultural studies in there too.
Her style is all-natural. The light is natural and everything is shot outdoors. The colors come from the environment and the subjects are in harmony with them. Her work is a celebration of the natural world and our place in it.
Bee Beardsworth by Caroline MackintoshConclusion
That was our list of the best portrait photographers of past, present, and future. Their portraits have excited and enticed us for more than a century. And the rising stars of portrait photography are setting new standards.
This list is packed full of portraits to get you inspired. Check out their work and think about incorporating some of their styles into your own portraits!
Check out our Fairytale Portraits course from Jovana Rikalo—one of the photographers on this list— to get amazing inspiration and instruction for your next portrait!
45 Best Portrait Photographers - Famous Modern Portrait Photographers You Should Know
Portrait photographers take pictures of people showing their emotions and feelings.
Contemporary portrait photographers take fashion portrait photos; photos of strangers, friends, children, family members or even self-portraits. If you are going to become a professional portrait shooter, find inspiration from these 45 world's best photographers of portraits.
The professionals described below are a generation of gifted artists. These great portrait photographers constantly receive tons of likes and have an immense number of followers around the world. If you are only an amateur photographer, I highly recommend you to check out the social media profiles of these 45 best portrait photographers and get inspired by their portfolios.
Location: New York City, U.S.
Mark Mann was born in Glasgow. He learned photography at Manchester Polytechnic and gained his first experience while assisting fashion shooters Miles Aldridge and Nick Knight. Three years later he moved to New York, where he pursued a career as a photographer. Soon he became one of the most popular portrait photographers specialized in shooting sports and celebrities.
His portraiture can be spotted on the pages of such print media as Billboard, Men’s Health, Spin, Esquire, Fortune, etc. Mark's incredible works feature a number of famous artists, for instance, Rihanna, Iggy Pop, Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifah, the Black Eyed Peas and many others. Recently he finished a project called “The Life of Man” which is dedicated to the 80-year anniversary of Esquire. Mark is on the list of contemporary photographers who have had a chance to work with many prominent American figures.
Location: New York City, Paris, Arles
Even though Peter Lindberg started his career as a commercial fashion photographer later than the others (when he was more than 30 years old), he still managed to achieve success in this sphere. Peter's peculiar style is characterized by minimalism. In his images, models are shot in the studio, on a neutral background, wearing conservative outfits, with simply styled hair and barely visible makeup.
His works are clearly inspired by the 1920s expressionistic German school of film photographers.
The recognizable and ageless looks that he demonstrates in his shots, make Peter an absolutely famous portrait photographer.
Location: New York, U.S.
Terry Richardson is one of those extravagant portrait photographers who aren't afraid to shock the public with their explicit imagery. Terry's approach is about shooting well-renowned celebrities in an ordinary, day-to-day-settings using instant cameras.
He actively captures different aspects of sexiness, from real and imitated sexual intercourse to total nakedness. Terry loves to experiment with the idea of involving the photographer in an image one way or another.
Location: Munich, Germany
Martin Schoeller managed to create a totally different perception of familiar portrait photography. He is widely known for the one-of-a-kind technique of shooting famous people extremely close.
His portraiture allowed people to see worldwide prominent figures from a completely new perspective. This portrait photographer's recognizable style, with identical background and lighting in all of his imagery, has drastically changed the way most famous people are perceived.
Location: Lima, Peru
Mario Testino made a breakthrough in the sphere of fashion photography with his exceptional portraits of Madonna, Kate Moss and the members of the Royal Family. In his portraits, Mario recreates certain day-to-day scenes while involving big groups of people in order to make the shot as realistic as possible.
His primary achievement includes more than 40 exhibitions all around the world. When Mario achieved recognition as a celebrity portrait photographer, he decided to try his hand in other roles such as businessman, museum founder, creative director and art enthusiast.
Location: Maryland, US
Olga Gurton takes portrait photos during weddings and engagements. Besides, her portfolio includes family photos, pictures taken at graduation ceremonies, photos of children, etc. After studying cultural arts and photography, she has been taking photos at various events for over 7 years.
The photographer will send you 70-100 images the next day after a shooting.
She will capture the most important moment of the day and let you see the highlights within the shortest time possible. In 4-8 weeks, she will edit the best photos and upload them to a private online gallery. You will get access to top-quality photos that you can print on canvas or use for creating your photo album.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
Starting from the '80s, David became one of the most famous portrait photographers. As a teenager, David worked as a photographer for Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. David's unique perception of popular culture and comical hyperbolized realism is typically referred to as “kitsch pop surrealism.”
There is a hidden meaning in the way he exaggerates the colors, styles and ideas. David photographed the leading stars of the modern music industry such as Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, Madonna, and Tupac Shakur, and athletes such as Lance Armstrong and Muhammad Ali.
Location: New York City, U.S.
Approximately 20 years ago, Lorenzo Agius achieved his first success with his stunning portraits of Ewan McGregor.
He followed this work with the picture of Patsy Kensit and Liam Gallagher under a blanket with a Union Jack print for a Vanity Fair cover, and with this, Lorenzo became one of the most famous modern portrait photographers. You may see his works hanging on the walls of the National Portrait Gallery in London.
In addition, his work was the center of attention during the exhibition arranged by the British Fashion Council in honor of their 25th anniversary at the Natural History Museum He is also one of the professional portrait photographers whose pictures were used during the opening of the Cannes Film Festival.
Location: New York City, U.S.
Kenneth Willardt began developing his photography skills in Denmark, where he was born. Then he decided to try his luck in New York and he soon became one of the greatest contemporary portrait photographers. The majority of Kenneth's works are dedicated to illustration and embodiment of the perception of beauty.
His exceptionally thought-out scenes along with diverse subject matters and tones turn his portraiture into ageless and elegant masterpieces.
For instance, during the last 17 years, Kenneth has been creating promotional images for such famous beauty brands as L'Oréal Paris, Maybelline New York and Garnier Fructis.
Location: Charleston, South Carolina, Southern California
One of the most famous wedding photographers, Corbin Gurkin started her career working in the sphere of wedding photography for many years. In that period, she traveled a lot and even resided in Italy once. Initially, Corbin concentrated on drawing and painting, but after visiting Photographic Workshops in Maine, the art of photography sparked her interest.
Corbin is known for shooting weddings in very exotic but picturesque locations like magnificent Thailand beaches, inspiring villages of Tuscany, California wine districts, the Irish countryside and, of course, romantic Paris. Her images are being constantly published in such print media as Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, Martha Stewart Weddings and Vogue.
Location: Charleston, Southern California, U.
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Olivia Rae James belongs to the list of well-renowned traveling wedding photographers. In her pictures, she depicts the unfeigned beauty of true-to-life events and situations.
Condé Nast Brides and Harper’s Bazaar rightfully entitled Olivia as one of the best wedding photographers in the world. All of her wedding shots look very different, as she tries to highlight the uniqueness of every wedding.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Steve McCurry is one of the world's best-known portrait photographers and photojournalists. He has managed to produce an unbelievable number of images during his career and doesn't plan to stop.
His portraiture may be described as inexplicable, as he pushes all the possible boundaries in terms of art, outlook and worldview.
Location: Sevenoaks, Kent, England
In his portraits, Jimmy Nelson brings up the pressing subject of nations whose heritage is on the verge of extinction. As one of the top contemporary photographers, he is noted for conveying empathy for these particular nations.
The aim of his portraiture is to attract attention to the problem of the disappearance of various cultures in different parts of the globe.
Location: Hoi An, Vietnam
Réhahn isn't only one of the brightest fine art portrait photographers, but he manages to effectively include the documentary style in his works.
He has traveled around India, Vietnam and Cuba in order to take his most prominent portraits. Réhahn captures the genuine communication between people, their reactions, their behavior and their routine.
Location: Mumbai, India
A. Rrajani is an experienced fashion photographer specializing in portrait and commercial photography. He works with various agencies and provides private photography services to clients who want a unique portfolio.
Belonging to the group of the most experienced fashion and portrait photographers in the local market, he has worked with famous models from Gladrags, Indian Princess, Femina Next Door Diva, and more. It is wonderful that A.
Rrajani is open to communication with his clients, as he believes that the success of the photoshoot depends on the model’s mood. If a person is uptight, the whole process will be troublesome.
Location: Mumbai, India
Fashion photographer is a well-established agency based in Mumbai. They have a skilled team of professionals with extensive experience in organizing fashion photo shoots. If you search for fashion photographers in Mumbai, you will quickly find this company since it is known for providing high-quality services.
The Fashion photographer team specializes in fashion, concept, thematic and portrait photography. In their portfolio, you will find many eye-catching photos. Their fashion photos have a signature style, which makes them different from pictures taken by other photographers.
This company will help you find the best models and actors. It will organize a great fashion photo shoot to show your outfits in the best light possible.
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Connor Hibbs is engaged in individual portrait shooting and usually takes headshots and beauty portraits.
He adds dramatic and stylish touches to his works. Connor believes that much of your success depends on self-education, so he never passes up the chance to learn new lighting techniques, photography methods, master digital development or editing tools in order to surpass his competitors. Besides, he offers high-quality printing services.
The photographer tries to show every person in a headshot confident and professional, thus creating an image of a good employee. He also takes glamorous portraits that are well worth the cover of a magazine. People interested in couple and family portraits can also address Connor Hibbs, as he is a famed master of this genre as well.
Location: France
This French portrait photographer is widely known thanks to his pictures from North Korea. What is special about this talented professional? His genuine interest in different stories.
Actually, he can tell you something about each person you can see in his shots. Pay attention to his pictures of tribes from Namibia and other exotic countries.
These images evoke really powerful emotions.
Location: Australia
Charlie Octavia is an experienced photographer who organizing workflows for aspiring creatives by selling RAW images for retouchers looking to practice. She was the model and photographer for the Guinness World Record "Most Valuable Lip Art". Her lips were shot for famous Makeup Artist Pat Mcgrath's billion-dollar cosmetics company "Pat McGrath Labs." She also appeared in movies, so many people saw her face on billboards and in advertisements.
Many people call Charlie a chameleon because of her ability to try different roles without looking unnatural. In 2012, she started a modeling academy scouting, finding and teaching models across Australia and worldwide. Her most prominent works include fashion and macro/beauty photos taken in different parts of the globe.
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
If you are looking at a photo of some American celebrity, politician or a high society representative, most probably it was taken by Annie Leibovitz.
Firstly, she became well-known in the industry when she worked as the main photographer at Rolling Stones magazine and then at Vanity Fair.
A great number of Vogue covers were also created under her guidance. She was called one of the top portrait photographers of the second half of the 20th century due to the popular culture vibe reflected in her imagery.
Location: Philippines
This is one of the most famous portrait photographers in the world. He loves taking pictures of new countries and their residents, as well as performing perfect fashion and beauty photoshoots.
Considering there are more than 27 million hits in his Pbase account, I can say that Manny Librodo is really popular. One of the top portrait photographers, he has more than 120,000 followers on his Facebook personal and fan pages. Moreover, he has been a judge at many international photography contests.
Location: San-Francisco, U.S.
UUnlike many other professional portrait photographers, Lisa Kristine takes photographs of social causes and native people.
Being an international humanitarian photographer, she works all over the globe.
Her professional portrait photography makes you think about beauty, diversity and mutual help. She creates incredible visual symbols and asks important questions through her works.
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Like many other famous modern portrait photographers, David Lazar takes most of his pictures while traveling. He aims to transmit real life, as well as show the unique beauty of various cultures and places. This traveling photographer visits places with rich cultural or exclusive traditions.
His shots are currently used for various publications. You can find them in magazines, newspapers, books and journals, for example, in such famous publications as Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Asian Geographic. 2014 was the most successful year for this famous portrait photographer because he won the “Best Culture Photographer” award by Garuda Airways.
Location: Czechia
With his fresh and interesting view of modern photo art, Antonin has created his own, specific and recognizable style.
It is based on personal experience, not privileged voyeurism and intimate conditioning. The ability to show different characters and show immutable truth has made him one of the best portrait photographers in the world. You can see his pictures in a lot of publications in different languages.
He has taken portraits of Mongolia's street children as well as of David Bowie. He took photos of Iraq for Fortune Magazine and of Deborah Harry as well. Anyway, his works look really unique and professional.
Location: Connecticut, U.S.
Talking about the most successful portrait photographers, I can’t help but mention Joe McNally. He was born in the USA, but has worked in approximately 70 countries.
His technical skills are considered to be a great example of true professionalism. Among his clients are CEOs, celebrities, advertisers and magazines. Unlike most other great portrait photographers, he easily works both in the sphere of photojournalism and in advertising.
Location: New-York, U.
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This is one of the American portrait photographers with a really unusual and mixed background. Sasha Arutyunova was born in the capital of Russia, then raised in Florida, and today is based in Brooklyn.
She enjoys taking portraits, but also successfully works in many other genres of modern photography. For example, she loves shooting professional and amateur artists on stage.
Location: New-York, U.S.
Justin Hogan’s monochromic pictures represent one of the most beautiful types of portrait. The music portrait photographer takes really fascinating shots.
They are unique because of their crispness, high-quality and creative approach. You might even think that the photos have been staged. But you will definitely admire their beauty. Justin takes photos in the same style with another good lifestyle portrait photographer, Rodney Gray Jr.
Location: Singapore
Zhang Jingna knows portrait photography techniques that is useful for taking perfect fashion and beauty images.
Her works are published in the top world’s magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar.
Along with this, she has solo exhibitions that demonstrate the beauty of people from different cultures and nationalities, their peculiarities and their specific features.
Location: UK
Brett Harkness works in a wide range of modern photography genres. Based in the UK, he takes portraits, lifestyle and wedding photos, as well as interior shots. He helps his models to feel relaxed and confident.
As a result, they look attractive and natural both in the studio and in various locations. Brett believes that one of the best portrait photography ideas is to take pictures in a place where the person feels most comfortable.
Location: Athems, Georgia, U.S.
You can see the name of Brian Ingram in the list of famous photographers from Georgia. Moved to the U.S., he spent only four years mastering portrait photography tips and secrets to create lots of incredible works.
He's made thousands of realistic portraits. He is constantly developing his professional skills inside and out of his personal studio.
Location: Italy
If you want to see a professional portrait photography gallery, visit Michela Riva’s personal website. You will enjoy excellent fashion images and high-quality portraits. The photographer handles the end-to-end artistic and organizational process of each photoshoot to achieve the best result.
Her works are conceptual; they have a special mood and idea. Moreover, she is really good in visual storytelling and uses this skill in her work. We can say that her personal style is romantic and recognizable.
Location: Los-Angeles, U.S.
This famous portrait photographer comes from the USA. Taking black and white pictures, Herb Ritts adds a unique touch to his works. He follows the principles of classic art and positions his models in the style of antique sculpture. It’s a quite unusual interpretation of fashion and beauty photography, which is really popular nowadays.
He often challenges conventional aspects of gender, race, and other social problems. His photos touch on different topics: from film, fashion and music, to politics and society. This professional prefers the combination of strong forms and clean lines. You can see all this in his works.
Location: Norway
This talented portrait photographer was born in Norway. Capturing the fantastic beauty of his native people and nature, he became famous around the globe.
Thanks to experiments with lightning and illumination, he creates an unusual atmosphere in his photos.
Location: New-York, U.S.
The story of one of the best portrait photographers started in Puerto Rico. Once he met Marcel Marceau, a famous mime actor, who inspired him how to show the beauty of movement. His career as a photographer began in Paris.
Nowadays Omar Z. Robles takes elegant and nice photos of ballet dancers. However, many years ago he shot celebrities, athletes, artists, politicians and other people to develop his personal style as one of the most talented fine art portrait photographers.
Location: Canada
Next in our list is one of the editorial portrait photographers who live in Canada. The main thing you should know is that she has taken photos for I-D, Allure, Vogue and other top world’s fashion magazines.
Her works are full of creativity and demonstrate her good taste.
Location: Los-Angeles, U.S.
American Olivia Bee is one of the contemporary portrait photographers. She understands her mission as showing the charm and grace of everyday life. The photographer has a deep interest in the way memories touch people. And it isn’t important whether they are real facts, or just a fantasy.
Olivia Bee doesn’t want to become one of the most famous portrait photographers. The aim of her work is a professional study of different characters.
Location: New-York, U.S.
Many of the top photographers in the world became famous after working in exotic countries. Parisian Clément Pascal is one of them, because his best shots were taken in Dakar, Sénégal.
After that, he successfully worked in Paris, New York and Cairo. Besides being one of the professional portrait photographers, he also specializes in documentary film photography and shoots for the beauty and fashion industry. His works are published in The New York Times, T Magazine, and The WSJ Magazine.
Location: Leipzig, Germany
If you are interested in portrait photographers with some creative background, pay attention to Charlotte Grimm. Starting out as German painter, she now stands among world's best photographers.
She understands photography as not only taking images; the capturing of unique moments and sincere emotions are of vital importance for her. Although her photos may seem dark, they transmit a special mood and inspiration for new experiments.
Location: UK
Being one of the most famous wedding photographers in Great Britain, Alexandra is good at live and promotional band photography.
Furthermore, she is also invited to take actors' headshots, and photos for events, fashion, lookbooks and beauty.
But she has a real talent in photographing loving couples on the best day of their lives.
Location: UK
Talking about the top contemporary photographers in the UK, I want to mention Shelley Richmond. She often travels around the world, taking part in various international projects. Her passion is photographing people in their natural environment, showing contrasts or harmony. Shelley loves adventures, so she is ready for all types of commercial or private photo shoots and other projects.
The Peak District National Park in central England is her favorite place to work. Its beautiful and unique nature gives her a fresh view on portraits and inspires taking unusual pictures. Moreover, she works in the spheres of editorial commissions, brand product photography, and events.
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Some professional portrait photographers are inspired by storytelling and ancient stories. One of these is Helen Warner, who is interested in the myths and legends of Northern Ireland.
You can also see bright supernaturalism and love for the Irish landscape in her works. She successfully experiments with different materials and props to create fantastic and emotive pictures. They seem to be on the border of dream and reality.
Location: Munich, Germany
This celebrity portrait photographer from Germany graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Sarajevo. Then, Nina Masic worked as a graphic designer and started taking photos.
Now she is a successful fashion, portrait and beauty photographer, as well as a high-end retoucher. She works on a freelance basis and really loves her profession.
Location: Perugia, Italy
Alessio Albi isn’t one of the ordinary portrait photographers. He is a skillful and talented professional who creates a special mood and atmosphere in each shot.
His portfolio is full of ideal portrait photography examples. You can see simple and refined but intriguing shots. The models there aren’t just nice faces. Each of them tells a story of love or loneliness, hope or regret, fear or tenderness.
Location: New York City, U.S.
James White graduated from the Art Institute in Chicago. Then he moved to Italy where he learned the technical peculiarities of photography art. James decided on a career as a fashion photographer and he left for New York. There he realized himself in the sphere of professional portrait photography working with celebrities.
James' imagery perfectly represents what Hollywood is chasing after – beauty, sexual appeal and pure lust. The fame of one of the most distinguished portrait photographers even reached some reputable publications like Picture Magazine, Digital Photography Monthly, American and French Photo, Black & White and others.
Location: Manchester, England
The main subjects of Lee Jeffries' photography are homeless people. He is one of the portrait photographers who has attempted to capture at least a bit of hope and faith in their eyes. It results in truly affecting and heartbreaking photos.
You should know that many of the talented photographers from this list don’t have top-quality equipment and plenty of accessories.
So, you shouldn’t buy the most expensive camera to create one of the best photography websites. You can use natural light instead of professional illumination. It’s free. Instead of dreaming about the best camera in the world, you can develop your skills with the device that you already have.
Most Influential Photographers of the Decade PDN Magazine's Top 30 - Russian Photo
Most Influential Photographers of the Decade
PDN Magazine's Top 30
August 28, 2013
Photo: Steven Meisel
The editors of PDN Magazine voted among their readers to choose 30 of the most influential photographers of the decade. PDN Magazine is an American monthly magazine for professional photographers covering all aspects of the photographic industry for more than two decades. Each month, the magazine provides readers with news, analytics, interviews, and a portfolio of recent photographs.
He first picked up a camera at the age of 16, immediately fell in love with photography and quickly realized that he should devote his life to it.
Becker is now a well-known wedding photographer who has been shooting professionally since 1997. When asked why he chose wedding photography, he replies that he likes noisy holidays and people in beautiful clothes. The secret of good shots, in his opinion, is simple: you need to relax and enjoy what is happening.
Penelope Cruz and Woody Allen. Photo by Annie Leibovitz
Today Annie Leibovitz is one of the most sought after photographers in the world. Moreover, many of her works are so famous that they have passed into a different quality: they separated from the personality of the author and began to live their own lives as well-known works of art. And Annie Leibovitz was born in 1949 in the United States, in the state of Connecticut. Her parents often moved, and later she admitted that it is not difficult to become a photographer if from early childhood you see the world already in a ready-made frame, through a car window.
One of the most recognized American photographers.
His works are published in leading publications, and exhibitions attract crowds of spectators. Seth is also a founding member of the D-65 Association of Photographers and author of courses for professional photographers, art directors, photo editors, and advanced hobbyists. In addition, he also collaborates with Adobe, NEC, Canon, X-Rite, Epson and other companies, participating in the creation of products for photographers.
American photojournalist and war photographer. At 19In 76, he began working as a photographer on the staff of the Albuquerque Journal, and four years later he moved to New York and became a freelance artist. Nachtwey has been shooting armed conflicts and social issues, working in South Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe. He also worked on social issues in the USA and Europe.
Sebastio Salgado was born in Brazil, in a small provincial town, and from the late 1960s, having received an economic education, he worked in the Brazilian Ministry of Finance.
At 19In the 70s, having found himself as an economic adviser in Africa, he became interested in photography. As a result, in 1973 he left the ministry and became a professional photographer. He worked for the Sygma and Gamma agencies, and since 1979 became a member of the Magnum Photos photo agency. In 1994, Salgado created his own agency, Amazonas Images.
Jasmine Star first made her name as one of the top 10 wedding photographers of 2009 by American Photo magazine. At the same time, just three years before, Jasmine studied at law school and did not think about taking up photography. She never studied photography professionally, but that didn't stop her from becoming an excellent photographer. Jasmine herself describes her style as "fresh, youthful and fun".
After studying painting and graphic design at Cooper Union and Yale, Jay Meisel began his photography career in 1954. While his portfolio includes the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Miles Davis, he is perhaps best known for capturing light, color, and gesture found in everyday life.
This unique vision has kept him busy for over 40 years shooting annual reports, magazine covers, jazz albums, commercials and more for an array of clients around the world. Some of his commercial accomplishments include five Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers, the first two covers of New York Magazine, the cover of Miles Davis's View of Blue (the best-selling jazz album of all time), twelve years of United Technologies advertising, and a long list of awards from organizations such as PMS, ASMP, ADC, PPA, and Cooper Union.
American photographer who has worked extensively for a variety of periodicals. American Photo magazine called him "perhaps the most versatile photojournalist of our time" and included him in their 1993 list of "The 100 Most Important People in Photography". McNally began his career in 1976 as, oddly enough, a courier for the New York Daily News. Quite far from photography work. But by the end of the 1970s, he was taking pictures for The New York Times, The Associated Press, and United Press International.
From 19He has been shooting for National Geographic for 87 years. From 1994 to 1998 he was a photographer for Life magazine. Collaborates with a host of publications such as Sports Illustrated, Time, Newsweek, Geo, Fortune, The New Yorker, BusinessWeek, Life, Men's Journal and many others. In 1996, the World Press Photo Foundation awarded him the third prize in the People in the News category.
Chris lives in Melbourne, Australia. He shoots mostly in black and white.
Wedding photographer from California. One of the most famous wedding photographers in the world.
Wedding photographer from Chicago. Works in various genres
The secret of Chase Jarvis, an American photographer, filmmaker and entrepreneur, is simple: a creative person must embody his ideas, work hard and believe in himself, then everything will work out. Chase got into photography in a rather atypical way: he inherited a huge amount of photographic equipment from his grandfather.
As a result, he began to learn the secrets of photography through his own observations and practice. Today he is a sought-after photographer specializing in sports and travel photography.
Dane Sanders is a renowned photographer and popularizer of photography. In 2010, Photo District News named him one of the 30 most influential photographers of the last decade. Dane is the author of two books on photography technology and tips for amateur photographers, and is a successful lecturer and guest speaker at WPPI, Imaging USA, and PhotoPlus Expo. In addition, he conducts his author's seminars in different countries of the world. But even this was not enough for Dane, so he also founded a popular annual photographic conference.
Irving Penn
One of the most famous photographers, Irving Penn was born in 1917. In his youth, he studied at the art school, but soon, for some reason, he gave up this occupation and destroyed all his paintings. Whether the world lost the good artist Irving Penn is unknown, but that he gained the famous photographer is absolutely certain.
Already in 1943, his first photograph appeared on the cover of Vogue. He did not like unprincipled works and invented a script for each, and the models turned into actors and played the prescribed roles. Not surprisingly, many of his works are exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
"Salvador Dali of the third millennium" - this is the nickname in the art world received by one of the most successful photographers of our time, David LaChapelle. It is difficult to pass by his works, they evoke a wide variety of emotions in people: shock, amazement, admiration, irritation, but certainly not indifference. Born in 1963 in Connecticut, David took his first photograph at the age of six while on a family vacation in Puerto Rico. It showed his mother sunbathing on the balcony with a glass of champagne in her hand. Looking at this simple black and white shot, David knew for sure that he would definitely become a world-famous photographer.
Eugene Richards is a renowned documentary photographer. His very personal works deal mainly with social issues. They have been exhibited in the most famous galleries and published in the most reputable magazines. Richards has worked as a freelance artist for publications such as Life, National Geographic and The New York Times. His first book, A Little Bit of Comfort and Surprises. The Arkansas Delta, published in 1973, focused on rural poverty in Arkansas. Later, many more of his books were published on poverty, racism and terrorism.
Modern American photographer, film director and cameraman, one of the most important photographers of the second half of the 20th century, Robert Frank was born in the family of a German architect of Jewish origin and a Swiss citizen. Together with his father and brother, in 1935, as a Jew, he was deprived of German citizenship, in 1945 he received Swiss citizenship. From 1941 to 1947 he worked as a photographer in Zurich and Geneva, then in New York.
Until the mid-1950s, he traveled the world a lot, working for Look, Life, Vogue and others. At 19In 1953, Robert Frank, together with Edward Steichen, prepared in New York for the Museum of Modern Art a large exhibition "Post-War European Photographers". Since 1958, he practically did not engage in photography, concentrating on cinema, but since 1972 he again became an active photographer.
Mary Ellen Mark was born in 1940 in Pennsylvania. I started taking photographs at the age of nine. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1962 with a degree in painting and art history. From 19She has been a photojournalist in New York for 67 years. Since 1969, she began working as a photographer on film sets. Since then, Mary Ellen Mark has been on the set of more than a hundred films, and her photographs have been published in the world's most famous magazines for both photography and cinema for more than 40 years.
David Hobbie was born in 1965 and is best known as the world's foremost specialist in artificial light photography.
David has devoted his whole life to this, writing many tutorials and books on the subject, constantly giving master classes around the world and maintaining his own blog Strobist.com, which has more than one hundred thousand unique visitors per day.
This American photographer specializes in social photography. He is most famous for his project "Scar", in which he photographed women with breast cancer and undergoing one or more operations, with ugly scars on their chests. Thus, he wanted to draw attention to this problem, because every year thousands of women find themselves on the operating table due to this disease.
American documentary photographer, one of the most famous contemporary photographers, Steve was born at 1950 years old, and from the mid-1970s he became interested in photography. He repeatedly visited the places of hostilities and took pictures of people crippled by the war, both soldiers and civilians. Steve McCurry is best known for his 1985 photograph of an Afghan girl in a Pakistani refugee camp, which has been reprinted many times and first appeared on the cover of National Geographic magazine.
Ed Kashi is an American documentary photographer, born in 1957. He worked as a photographer in Vietnam, Pakistan, developed numerous social stories: about oil in the Niger Delta, about old age in America, about the development of India and Madagascar. He photographed the daily lives of children affected by the Vietnam War. At times, he took to work with charitable organizations like Azafadi, which helps the poor in southeast Madagascar get out of poverty while keeping their land.
American photographer Stephen Wilks has been a photographer for a quarter of a century, able to combine pure creativity with commercial work. His Day to Night project received the most rave reviews from critics, and this is not surprising, because the photographer spent dozens of hours on each shot, shooting the city first during the day and then at night, and painstakingly connecting the photos. Stephen Wilks' work is in private collections and museums, he arranges solo exhibitions and is actively published in leading magazines.
And although he is considered mainly a commercial photographer, even in commissioned shots he brings an element of pure creativity, which makes them unlike others.
Yuri Arkurs is the best-selling stock photographer in the world. In January 2008, for example, he made $64,000 selling photographs through microstock, setting an all-time record. Together with sales through classic photobanks, his total income was more than $80,000 in just one month. Its current figures are more than 1,100,000 sales per year only in 16 main photo banks. Buyers of his photographs include Time, MTV, Sony, MSN.com, Microsoft, Canon, Samsung, Hewlett Packard and others. In 2008, given the popularity of his shots, Hasselblad Corporation provided him with a unique and extremely expensive h4DII-39 medium format camera.with a 39 megapixel sensor.
Elliott Erwitt was born in France to Russian parents. Then the family moved to Italy, where he spent the first ten years of his life, and just before the start of World War II, he ended up in the USA.
In Los Angeles, in college, he studied photography. At first, Elliott made a living making portraits of stars with a facsimile of their signature on the image. In the 1950s, he ended up in the army, working there as a photographer's assistant. Since 1953, Elliott Erwitt has been an employee of the Magnum Agency. Thanks to this, he became one of the most famous reportage photographers, whose pictures reflected all the main events of world history over the past 50 years.
(main photo)
Steven Meisel was born in 1954. He started his career as an illustrator in the advertising department of clothing manufacturer Halston and did not even think of becoming a photographer someday in the future. But one day he ended up in the Elite modeling agency for work. Steven was interested in the work of photographers, and he was allowed to take some pictures of models. This is where his passion for photography began. For a long time he combined his main work and his hobby: he painted on weekdays and photographed on weekends.
But at some point, the advertising photo won. Steven Meisel is considered the creator of many supermodels: he promoted Sasha Pivovarova, Snezhana Onopko, Coco Rocha and many others. The main publication for him is the Italian Vogue, where he is allowed to actively experiment and create informal materials.
William Eggleston mainly photographs the world around him. His large-format shots immortalize the most ordinary scenes. He grew up in the southern United States, among the cotton plantations in the Mississippi Delta, and from the late 1960s he created a portrait of his native south, trying to preserve as much detail as possible. Without a specialized education, William studied on his own, using illustrated books by Walker Evans, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank. Today, Eggleston's work is widely published, and he himself is tacitly hailed as a pioneer of color photography, for being one of the first to use color not only in commercial, but also in creative photography.
It was with his works that the appearance of color photography in museums and private collections began. William Eggleston Exhibition 1976, hosted by John Szarkowski, Director of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, heralded color photography as an art form.
Martin Parr is a contemporary English photographer and photojournalist. He studied photography from 1970 to 1973 at Manchester Metropolitan University and then practiced extensively as a reportage photographer. Since 1994, Martin Parr has been a member of the Magnum Agency, although very many within the agency itself were strongly opposed to his admission, since his style was seen as unnecessarily provocative, and his work itself as a ridicule of others. Yet Martin remains one of the greatest photographers of our time. Parr's works indeed depict reality somewhat grotesquely: the gray and boring everyday life, the joyless withering of old people, the ugly and funny sides of human existence. Martin Parr actively publishes his works, more than twenty of his books have been published to date.
Yervant Zanazanyan became seriously interested in photography at the age of 11, and the start of the young amateur turned out to be more than successful: he won a real, adult photo contest. His father, an Armenian by nationality, worked in a slightly exotic position as the official photographer of the King of Ethiopia, so from the age of six the boy got used to handling photographic equipment, helping his father in his laboratory. Having matured, he went to study in Australia, where he applied his abilities in various genres, such as portrait, landscape, still life. For some time he was engaged in reportage shooting. However, Yervant Zanazanyan gained true fame as a wedding photographer, showing a rare vision of the beauty of the moment and the ability to capture emotions in a still frame.
Before graduating from university, Jose Villa was a typical Californian, active and carefree. He became interested in photography in his youth, and began shooting weddings immediately after graduating from an art university.
At first it was just a way to make money, but after only a couple of years of his work, such magazines as Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Elegant Bride, InStyle Weddings, Brides, Pacific Weddings, Southern Weddings began to publish. Now it costs a lot of money to invite Jose Villa as a wedding photographer, and the queue for him takes almost six months.
José Villa himself speaks of his vocation as follows: “People often ask me how I developed my style and how I create my shots, which always stand out from the rest of the variety of wedding photographers. I usually answer that I am a photo artist. I mix photography and fine art in my wedding photography. For me, all these celebrations are an occasion to create something beautiful and amazing, even if I have to be in the center of these events.”
Fashionable young photographers with an interesting instagram: Charlotte Wales, Julia Noni and others | Vogue
You have already heard about some of them, some we mentioned when we talked about the most beautiful advertising campaigns of the past year, some you will hear about for the first time.
Who they are, the most fashionable young photographers, and why you should subscribe to them on Instagram, we tell in detail.
Charlotte Wales New York, London @charlottemwales
Charlotte Wales is probably the most innovative young photographer at the moment. Her work, referring to the gloss of the 80s, can sometimes be confused with the originals. Charlotte studied fine arts in London at Central Saint Martins and planned for her future artistic activities to be connected with political and social issues. After graduating in 2008, when she was faced with the need to earn money, she decided that it would be more correct to take up fashion photography rather than put up art for sale. Starting as an assistant, she worked as the manager of renowned photographer Daniel Jackson for three years, after which she began shooting herself, mostly editorials and lookbooks, and in 2014 she made her first story for British Vogue. In the past two years, her popularity has skyrocketed, and her latest work, the Chloé spring-summer 2017 advertising campaign, is a testament to her success.
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Julia Noni New York @julia_noni
Julia Noni studied fine arts in Düsseldorf, and after learning the basics of design, photography and performance, she returned to her native Italy to start her career as a photographer. Mastery of color and composition, together with sensitivity to the movements, postures and gestures of models, allowed her to succeed in fashion photography. The choreographer's flair turned out to be useful not only for editorials - in 2014, together with Nike, she shot Kenyan runners in the Run The Way You Were Meant To project - so the beauty of movement came to the fore. From 2013 until today, Julia has done many editorials for Vogue in Russia, Germany, Japan and China, as well as campaigns for Dior, H&M, Issey Miyake, Kenzo and Sephora.
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Ben Thoms London @ben_toms
Ben Toms is a master of the digital camera, but is not afraid to occasionally experiment with VHS and create collages with artists.
He has been shooting for Vogue since 2010, but over the past couple of years his style has changed and become recognizable. Perhaps for the soft, powdery shades, Ben fell in love with Chinese Vogue so much - in 2016 he shot five editorials for them. Editorials are Ben's main work, but he also has several big campaigns in his portfolio - A.P.C., MSGM, Versus and Opening Ceremony.
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Zoe Gaertner Los Angeles @zoeghertner
Zoe Gertner's style is characterized by minimalism, attention to detail, geometry and light. A master not only of fashion and portrait photography, but also of stunning still life photography, she has been shooting for British Vogue, Céline, Hermès and many more for five years, always with natural light. Her portfolio also includes equally beautiful atmospheric videos, as well as two books dedicated to beauty - Simple Pleasures and New York Flowers.
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Philippe Jarrigon Paris @philippejarrigeon
Philippe Jarrigeon's photographs are easy to recognize: bright colors, contrast and a touch of surrealism are always present in them.
His main passion is still life, he finds particular interest in the interaction of objects with each other and with people. Studying at the Swiss art school ECAL allowed him to move from studying industrial design to photography. For Philip, it is important that the photograph is not only perfectly executed, but also filled with humor, so that the viewer has the opportunity to look at familiar things from a different angle. Philip is simultaneously busy with commercial work, his own projects and participation in exhibitions, as well as the release of his own magazine. Among his customers are French Vogue, Hermès, Chanel, Kenzo and Snoop Dogg.
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Amira Fritz Berlin @amirafritz
Amira Fritz, the author of portraits of the duo Ibeyi for the January issue of Vogue Russia, can use analog photography to create visionary images and convey fleeting moods. It is difficult to find signs of time or events in her photographs, the main characters in them are people, geography and nature, they appear before the viewer as if in a dream.
Amira's style was influenced by her work as a cinema mechanic in Vienna and Berlin, where she studied photography and, surprisingly, mathematics at the time. Amira shot for Russian, German and Italian Vogue, and in 2013 she made a campaign for the Chinese brand JNBY, for which she went on a trip from Shanghai to Paris, finding models on the way and shooting them against the backdrop of her native nature. So she traveled through Mongolia to the shores of Lake Baikal, through Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Germany and finally France and created a series of photographs of changing landscapes and the same diverse portraits echoing them.
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Jamie Hawksworth London @jamie.hawkesworth
Jamie Hawkesworth's rise to fame begins with a series of photographs of passengers he met at a bus stop in Preston over the course of four years. In Preston, before taking up photography, Jamie studied forensics and criminal procedure and needed a camera to capture evidence.
He did not think about artistic photography at that time and began to study it only because he failed the legal course. The best photos taken at the bus stop in Preston, Jamie released in the form of a book. They are all filmed and printed by hand. The types that Hawksworth chooses for portraits, and the technical execution, have haunted the fashion industry ever since. Jamie combines work on personal projects with shooting for J.W. Anderson, Miu Miu, Zara, Alexander McQueen and, of course, Vogue. Jamie likes to combine work with travel: he shot the Trademark spring-summer 2015 campaign in India with local teenagers, for J.W. Anderson spring-summer 2015 he found models on the coast of his native Suffolk, and for Miu Miu resort 2015 he went on a trip to Russia and completed the studio pictures of landscapes from Lake Baikal.
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Harley Weir London @harleyweir
From December 2nd to 19th, the Foam Museum hosts the first solo exhibition of Harley Weir, which has been setting the pace for fashion photography for three years now.
The name of the exhibition Boundaries speaks of her main interest: the constant violation of borders, whether it be the literal border between Israel and Palestine in the Boundaries series of the same name, the border crossed by the refugees whose campgrounds in Calais she filmed for the book Homes, or the borders of what is allowed and accepted in photos, especially glossy ones. Eroticism and the desire to show the beauty of everything natural and natural "in common" her work with other violators: the photographer Nabuyoshi Araki, Balthus and Egon Schiele. Harley, Jamie's ex-girlfriend, also likes to travel and visited Russia a couple of years ago, after which she released the Mother Russia series.
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Colin Dodgson New York, London @colin_dodgson
Soft colors, natural light and childish models are the main ingredients of Colin Dodgson's shots. In addition, it is impossible beautiful nature, sunsets and sunrises, pink shades.
His work is reminiscent of the continuation of the films of Sofia Coppola, they are perfect, almost cloying. They are saved from sweetness by the humor with which Dodgson and his models perceive what is happening. His trophies include shooting for Vogue, advertising campaigns for Louis Vuitton, Simone Rocha and Zara, two exhibitions and the STILL LIVES zine.
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Petra Collins New York @petrafcollins
Last fall, Petra Collins created a video accompanying the Georgia O'Keeffe exhibition at the Tate Gallery, interpreting the idea of the repetition of body shapes in nature. For five years now, she has been participating in various major exhibitions and shooting for Vogue, she has participated in Gucci shows and advertising campaigns more than once, and posed for Ryan McGinley. She became recognizable thanks to her instagram, the main characters of which are young girls, sparkles, flowers, pink shades.
It girl and artist, Petra Collins had no intention of taking up photography until she discovered the work of Ryan McGinley. The love of youth and freedom that McGinley conveys in her work gave Petra inspiration and a desire to shoot herself - before that she hated the photography classes she attended at an art school in Toronto. Petra is interested in topics that are considered unattractive or even taboo: for example, in 2013, Instagram blocked her account for photos in which hair was visible from under a bikini. This caused a heated discussion on the Internet - they discussed the censorship policy of Instagram. Petra finds models for filming mostly on the same instagram - these are bright personalities, often far from model standards, each of which Petra finds attractive.
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Benjamin Vnuk Paris @benjaminvnuk
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Swedish photographer Benjamin Vnuk started shooting inspired by the classics Richard Avedon and Irving Penn.
His passion for photography is associated, like many others, with the purchase of a digital camera. Before starting to shoot on his own, he worked as an assistant to Michael Jensen, a master of classic glossy photography. In 2016, Benjamin found his ideal medium format camera Mamiya RZ67 and now shoots on film, preferring natural landscapes, old apartments and country houses to studios. But, of course, the main thing in his photographs are unusual and exquisitely beautiful girls and boys.
Hart+Leshkina New York @hart_leshkina
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The creative duo of Eric Hart and Tanya Leshkina create works that make you feel the breath of the body and the beauty of everyday life, the depth of sensations and the constant movement of time. Flowers frozen in the air for a moment, a portrait of a girl breathing youth, and a naked figure of an elderly woman - each photo is filled with light and a feeling of freshness.
In 2016, their book Beyond the Clouds was published, dedicated to the fragility of the human body and the sensations associated with it. The exhibition of the same name was held in Moscow at the ART4 Museum. Hart+Leshkina's commercial work includes shooting for Vogue, COS, Fendi, advertising campaigns for Levi's and Opening Ceremony.
Coco Captain London @cococapitan
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Spaniard Coco has loved photography since she was a child, and during her first independent travels, her passion became serious when she realized that she could preserve memories of people and places them in the pictures. Fashion photography is her main occupation, through which she earns a living, but within the profession she tries to work primarily with people. Even if these are professional models, she is interested in individuality, the human qualities of others and her own inner world. In her first solo exhibition in 2014, Let Me Not Introduce Myself the Pleasure Is Yours, she showed a series of self-portraits that, she says, do not necessarily reflect her personality, but rather more abstract ideas, such as consumption and the nature of choice.
