Portrait Photographers

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a distinguished British photographer and filmmaker acclaimed for his exceptional portraits of prominent figures. His work graced prestigious publications like Vogue and Vanity Fair. Snowdon's legacy endures through over 280 photographs in the National Portrait Gallery's permanent collections. Beyond his artistic pursuits, he championed for disabled individuals and led impactful reforms to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.

Annie Leibovitz is a renowned American portrait photographer celebrated for her captivating portraits of celebrities. Her work is characterized by unique settings and poses that beautifully capture the essence of her subjects. One of her most famous photographs includes John Lennon and Yoko Ono, taken shortly before Lennon's tragic death. Leibovitz's exceptional talent has earned her accolades, such as being declared a Living Legend by the Library of Congress. She also made history as the first woman to have a solo exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington.

Robert Mapplethorpe was an American photographer renowned for his black-and-white photographs capturing a diverse range of subjects. His portfolio encompassed celebrity portraits, male and female nudes, self-portraits, and still-life photography. Notably, he documented the gay male BDSM subculture in New York City during the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1989, his exhibition "Robert Mapplethorpe: The Perfect Moment" sparked a national discussion on public funding for controversial art and the boundaries of free speech protected by the U.S. Constitution.

Melissa Auf der Maur started her music career in 1993 with the indie rock band Tinker and later joined the American alternative rock band Hole. She contributed to the album Celebrity Skin before pursuing her solo career. Auf der Maur has released two studio albums and worked with several artists. In addition to her music career, she is also a photographer and actress, with her work showcased in National Geographic and Sotheby's. Furthermore, she co-owns an arts and performance center in New York.

iO Tillett Wright is a versatile professional with experience in various fields. He is an author, photographer, actor, TV and podcast host, and activist. Having founded street art magazine Overspray, he served as its editor-in-chief before becoming a featured columnist for T Magazine. In 2016, he co-hosted the MTV show Suspect alongside Nev Schulman. Wright's diverse career showcases his talents across different mediums, from writing and photography to acting and television hosting, all while maintaining a strong presence as an activist.

Mathew B. Brady, an American photographer, gained recognition for his photography during the Civil War. Prior to the war, he trained under Samuel Morse and established his own studio in New York City in 1844. Brady's portfolio included portraits of various U.S. presidents and notable figures. Throughout the Civil War, he utilized a mobile studio to document impactful battlefield scenes, providing the public with a realistic view of the war. Unfortunately, Brady faced financial struggles after the war as his photographic style fell out of favor, ultimately passing away in debt.

Cecil Beaton was a celebrated British artist renowned for his exceptional talents in photography, painting, and design. He was particularly acclaimed for his work as a fashion, portrait, and war photographer, capturing the essence of his subjects with artistic sophistication. In addition to his photography, Beaton was a skilled diarist, chronicling his experiences and insights. His creative abilities also extended to stage and costume design for both film and theater productions, earning him numerous prestigious awards. Throughout his career, Beaton demonstrated a remarkable level of creativity, innovation, and attention to detail across various artistic fields.

Amanda de Cadenet, a British photographer, actress, and media personality, is currently based in Los Angeles. She started her career in the 1990s as a presenter for British TV shows and later transitioned to acting in Los Angeles. In the 2000s, she successfully switched to a career in photography, gaining recognition for her work in the field. Furthermore, she has hosted an interview series on the Lifetime Channel, demonstrating her talent and versatility in the entertainment industry.

Aaron Ruell is a versatile American professional known for his work as a director, photographer, and actor. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of the character Kip Dynamite in the popular indie film Napoleon Dynamite. Ruell has also showcased his talent behind the camera, excelling as a director and photographer. His creative contributions in the entertainment industry have earned him a reputation for his artistic vision and storytelling abilities.

Yousuf Karsh, a celebrated Armenian-Canadian photographer, became famous for his portraits of prominent figures. His career took off in the 1930s in Ottawa, and his international breakthrough came with his iconic 1941 portrait of Winston Churchill. Over the span of several decades, Karsh skillfully captured the essence of numerous political leaders, artists, and scientists. His work was featured on the cover of Life magazine more than 20 times, establishing him as one of the most esteemed portrait photographers of the 20th century before he retired in 1993.

Sylvia Plachy is a celebrated Hungarian-American photographer recognized for her impactful photography showcased in numerous New York City publications. She gained prominence as a key staff photographer for The Village Voice. Plachy's images skillfully capture a wide range of subjects and moments, offering a distinctive perspective that effectively communicates stories through visual art. Her significant contributions to the field have earned her widespread praise, establishing her as a highly skilled and influential figure in the photography industry.

Lewis Hine, an American sociologist and photographer, was renowned for his significant contributions as a muckraker. His impactful work played a pivotal role in the establishment of the first child labor laws in the United States. Through his powerful photographs, Hine highlighted social issues and championed for social reform, making him a trailblazer in documentary photography. By capturing the harsh conditions experienced by child laborers, Hine's images were instrumental in driving legislative changes aimed at safeguarding the rights of children in the labor force.

Walker Evans, an American photographer and photojournalist, is celebrated for his work during the Great Depression. He made significant contributions to the Resettlement Administration and the Farm Security Administration, documenting the societal effects of the time. Using a large format view camera, Evans captured the essence of the era in his New Deal projects. His photography aimed to communicate literacy, authority, and transcendence. Evans' works are prominently displayed in museum collections and have been showcased in retrospectives at prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Tina Modotti was a versatile professional with a diverse career that spanned roles in sewing, modeling, acting, photography, and writing. She started her career in the United States before focusing on photography. After moving to Mexico in 1922, Modotti joined the Mexican Communist Party and used her art to support social and political causes. Her photography and activism made a lasting impact on the art world and society.

Brassaï, a Hungarian–French artist, achieved global recognition in 20th-century France for his work as a photographer, sculptor, medalist, writer, and filmmaker. Distinguished among the thriving Hungarian artists in Paris during the interwar period, his creative talent shone brightly. Recent discoveries, including over 200 letters and numerous drawings from 1940 to 1984, have provided scholars with valuable insights into his later life and career. This new material illuminates his professional evolution and significant contributions to the art scene.

Duane Michals is a renowned American photographer known for his innovative use of photo-sequences. His work often incorporates text to delve into emotions and philosophical themes. Michals's unique approach to photography has set him apart in the industry, earning him international recognition and acclaim. He has made significant contributions to the art world through his thought-provoking and evocative images that challenge conventional norms and push the boundaries of visual storytelling. Michals continues to inspire and influence aspiring photographers with his distinctive style and creative vision.

James Van Der Zee was a prominent American photographer known for his portraits of black New Yorkers during the Harlem Renaissance. His work beautifully encapsulated the essence of the period and served as a thorough documentation of that era. Van Der Zee's portraits of influential figures like Marcus Garvey, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and Countee Cullen are among his most celebrated pieces. Through his photography, he made a lasting impact on the cultural and artistic scene of Harlem and is recognized as a key figure in American photographic history.

Marian "Clover" Hooper Adams was an American socialite known for her role as a society hostess in Washington, DC. She was also an accomplished amateur photographer. Clover's influence extended to literature, with her being cited as the inspiration for Henry James's characters in "Daisy Miller" and "The Portrait of a Lady." Following her tragic suicide, her husband Henry Adams commissioned the famous Adams Memorial in her honor. Despite her significant impact on Henry Adams's life, she was largely omitted from his public narrative.

Renowned Malian photographer Malick Sidibé is known for his black-and-white studies of popular culture in 1960s Bamako. With a long and successful career, Sidibé gained international recognition for his carefully composed portraits. His work has been featured in numerous publications and exhibitions worldwide. Sidibé received prestigious awards such as the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale, making him the first African photographer to be recognized. His work is held in esteemed collections including The Contemporary African Art Collection, J. Paul Getty Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art.

Martine Franck was a renowned documentary and portrait photographer celebrated for her compassionate and perceptive storytelling through photography. As a valued member of Magnum Photos for over three decades, she skillfully captured the essence of various cultures and social issues. Her work highlighted her dedication to humanitarian causes and made a significant impact on the photography industry. Franck's contributions extended beyond her photography, as she co-founded and presided over the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation, further establishing her influence in the art community.

Willy Ronis, a renowned French photographer, was known for capturing the essence of post-war Paris and Provence through his lens. His professional career was marked by a profound passion for documenting daily life and the human experience. Ronis had a keen eye for detail and a special talent for showcasing the beauty of simplicity in his photographs. His work not only depicted the landscapes and people of France but also evoked a sense of nostalgia and emotion, establishing him as a celebrated figure in the realm of photography.

Erich Salomon was a German Jewish news photographer known for his groundbreaking work in capturing candid images in diplomatic and legal settings. He transformed photojournalism by developing innovative techniques to discreetly document significant events and personalities in these areas. Salomon's creative approach, utilizing small cameras and available light, established a new benchmark for capturing genuine moments in formal environments. His impactful photographs offered distinct perspectives on the realms of politics, law, and diplomacy throughout his career.

Carlo Dolci, an Italian Baroque painter, was known for his detailed religious artworks. Based in Florence, he became renowned for his intricate depiction of religious themes, often creating multiple versions of the same subject. Dolci's paintings were distinguished by their fine brushwork, vibrant colors, and emotional resonance, drawing patrons from all over Italy. He dedicated himself fully to his art, producing a substantial collection that is still revered for its spiritual depth and technical excellence.

André Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri, a French photographer, is famous for transforming portrait photography by creating the carte de visite. Originally a daguerreotypist, Disdéri patented the small photograph mounted on a card, which gained worldwide popularity due to its ability for mass production. His pioneering techniques in portraiture earned him a prominent position in the photography industry, demonstrating his expertise as a showman and solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in the field.

Charles Nègre, a pioneering French photographer, studied under notable painters before establishing his own studio in Paris. He experimented with various photographic processes, emphasizing movement and composition in his work. Despite initial setbacks, Nègre conducted extensive independent studies, showcasing his technical expertise in printing photographs. His notable projects left a lasting impact on the field of photography before retiring to Nice.

Samuel Fosso is a renowned photographer known for his innovative use of self-portraits to explore various personas and comment on African history. Primarily based in the Central African Republic, he has gained recognition as one of Central Africa's leading contemporary artists. Fosso's work often delves into popular culture and politics, showcasing a unique perspective through his "autoportraits." His talent has been acknowledged through prestigious awards such as the Prince Claus Award and the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize.

Heinz Schubert was a versatile German actor known for his role as Alfred Tetzlaff in the popular German television sitcom "Ein Herz und eine Seele." His charismatic presence and acting skills made him a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. In addition to his acting career, he also worked as a drama teacher, sharing his knowledge and passion for drama. Schubert further displayed his artistic talent through photography, showcasing his creativity and dedication to the arts.

Lotte Jacobi was a renowned American portrait photographer and photojournalist recognized for her striking high-contrast black-and-white portraits. She specialized in capturing intimate, dramatic, and unique humanist portrayals of everyday people, as well as notable artists, intellectuals, and activists from the 20th century in the United States and Europe. Jacobi's photography was distinguished by its capacity to convey the essence and character of her subjects, establishing her as a respected figure in the photography realm for her exceptional and impactful portraits.

Mariana Yampolsky made a significant impact on 20th-century Mexican photography, focusing on everyday life in rural Mexico. Starting with documenting her travels and involvement in arts and politics, she later showcased her work globally in the 1960s, earning accolades and praise. Becoming a Mexican citizen in 1958, Yampolsky continued her photography until her passing in 2002, leaving behind a lasting legacy that offered a distinctive view of Mexican culture.

Horacio Coppola was a renowned Argentine photographer and filmmaker celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to the visual arts. He was known for his pioneering and experimental techniques in photography, blending surrealism and modernism to create striking imagery. Coppola's work offered a fresh interpretation of urban landscapes and human life, characterized by his exceptional use of composition and lighting. Through his artistic vision and technical prowess, he became a significant influence in the realm of photography, leaving a lasting legacy on the medium.

Otto Steinert was a renowned German photographer who co-founded the avant-garde photography group Fotoform. Alongside his photography, Steinert was highly respected as an educator. He taught at the Folkwang Hochschule school in Essen for close to twenty years, from 1959 until his passing in 1978. Steinert's impact went beyond his own photographic work, as he shared his expertise and love for the art with aspiring photographers during his time as an educator.

Jerome Liebling was an American photographer, filmmaker, and teacher known for his impactful work in documentary filmmaking and photography. He served in the armed forces during World War II before pursuing studies in art and design. Liebling taught film and photography at the University of Minnesota and collaborated with filmmaker Allen Downs on award-winning documentaries. He received prestigious awards and grants, including Guggenheim Fellowships, and his work is featured in renowned museums worldwide. Liebling's career was highlighted by a retrospective exhibition showcasing his 50 years of photography in New York City.

Bob Willoughby was a renowned photographer known for capturing iconic moments in film and celebrity culture. His big break came while photographing Judy Garland during the filming of A Star is Born, leading to a groundbreaking assignment by Warner Brothers. Willoughby's innovative techniques, such as building the first remote radio-controlled camera for on-set still photography, set him apart in the industry. He continued to photograph stars like Audrey Hepburn and Frank Sinatra, while also illustrating ancient Irish poetry and authoring books on photography. His work is celebrated worldwide, and his legacy lives on through the Motion Picture and Television Photo Archive.

Hugo Erfurth was a distinguished German photographer known for his captivating portraits of celebrities and cultural icons in the early 20th century. He gained widespread recognition for his exceptional ability to capture the essence of his subjects with a keen eye for detail. His diverse portfolio showcases his versatility and skill in portraying individuals from various fields, solidifying his reputation as a master portrait photographer.

Pia Arke was a Danish visual artist, photographer, and writer recognized for her creative utilization of a life-size camera obscura to document the landscapes of Greenland. Her work is esteemed for its distinctive viewpoint and critical exploration of postcolonial themes in the Nordic region. Arke's artistic endeavors have established her as a leading postcolonial critic in the field. Her photography and writings have had a lasting influence on the art world, inspiring numerous individuals with her unique methods and perceptive observations.

Bob Fitch was a renowned American photographer known for his contributions to the civil rights movement. His powerful photographs captured significant events and key figures of the era, showcasing the challenges and successes of the movement. Through his impactful images, Fitch played a crucial role in raising awareness about social injustices and motivating positive change. His commitment to capturing the essence of the civil rights movement through his photography established him as a highly respected figure in the field, leaving behind a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Brendan North is an acclaimed American photographer and filmmaker known for his expertise in portrait, fashion, and lifestyle photography. He has gained widespread recognition for his work shared on YouTube and Instagram, amassing a large following on these platforms. North is highly sought after by major companies and brands for his creative photo shoots. His versatility as an artist is evident in his diverse portfolio, including cover art for notable singles. With a talent for capturing emotions and creating captivating black-and-white images, Brendan North is a rising star in the photography world with a promising future ahead.

Kurt Iswarienko is a versatile professional known for his work as a celebrity photographer, electrician, and cinematographer. With a background in films such as ‘The Pandora Project’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,’ he has transitioned into still photography, creating story-driven images that have garnered attention globally. Kurt's impressive portfolio includes collaborations with renowned actors and brands like ‘Uniqlo’ and ‘Netflix,’ showcasing his talent in capturing captivating visuals for both commercial and artistic purposes.