4 Photographers That You Should Know About

Photography is one of the more modern forms of art. Since the invention of the camera in 1816 by French inventor, Joseph Niepce, humans have been using cameras to document events and objects as well as , and create images with deep meanings and messages. Whilst the modern phone has allowed us to take as many pictures as we want at any time of day, photography as an art form continues to be popular and more accessible.

Although photography is often seen as an easy and basic form of art when executed well and with the right eye, photography can be just as impactful as any other expressive art form. With so many types of photography from portraits to wildlife photography there's such a  diverse and interesting range of photographers all with their own styles and  messages. 

So, if you want to learn more about photography and the people behind the camera, here are some of the most influential photographers that you should know about.

Ansel Adams

Born in the early 1900s, in the USA, Ansel Adams was a photographer and environmentalist, famous for his black and white images with deep contrast and depth. He based many of his images around the mountains of Yosemite with his most notable works being the moon over the half dome and clearing winter storms. He is noted for advocating the pure art form of photography which favored shape focus and tonal ranges. Overall his work reflects his love of American nature as well creating a moody and tonal scene. 

Cindy Sherman

Cindy Sherman is another American, this time hailing from New York City who played through gender and expression through her elaborately staged self portraits which depict her in many different situations and as many different characters. Mostly untitled, she transforms herself using heavy make up, costumes and wigs to channel fictional archetypes and cultural cliches. Over time her work has grown to become more grotesque and surreal with more digital manipulation. 

Diane Arbus

Diane Arbus is one of the most influential and original artists of the 20th century with her photos of strippers, carnival performers and middle class families. Her most notable photos included a portrait of two identical twins which was praised for its raw yet error atmosphere. She is most noted for expanding notions of acceptable subject matter and violating traditional distance between photographer and subject. Her more unusual subject matter for the time period including cross dressers and disabled were unique and cemented Dianne as a pioneer of photography.

Dorothea Lange

Dorothea is best known for her american depression photography which helped to document the effects of the great depression and humanize the severe effects it has on the American people. Mostly shot in black and white her empathetic documentary style imagery captures the profound injustice with low angels, natural lighting and raw authenticity. 

Final Thoughts

From Snapfish canvas prints to documentary photography these 4 photographers, no matter their style have changed the photography world with their beautiful and raw photographs.