Photographers You Should Study

This category is a carefully curated collection showcasing the artistry and expertise of renowned photographers that you should study from the past and present.

In a world where photography advice is often overwhelming and scattered, my goal is to provide a centralized, inspiring resource for photographers of all ages and skill levels.

My focus is not on fleeting trends or superficial tips from the “it” photographers of the moment; instead, I will highlight photographers who are known for their contribution to the industry and the masters whose works have stood the test of time.

Whether you are a budding enthusiast or a seasoned professional, these pages offer a wealth of knowledge distilled from decades of groundbreaking work, international acclaim, and transformative artistic visions.

Bookmark this page and check back often!

  • Look and think before opening the shutter the heart and mind of the photographer.

    Yousuf Karsh: Capturing the Souls of Icons Through the Lens

    Yousuf Karsh [1908-2002] was an Armenian-Canadian photographer who captured the essence of 20th-century greatness through his portraits of iconic figures. Born in Ottoman Armenia, he fled persecution as a child and eventually settled in Canada, where his uncle ignited his passion for photography. Karsh developed a unique style, often using dramatic lighting and close-ups to reveal the inner depths of his subjects. He famously photographed Albert Einstein with a mischievous twinkle…

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  • I am a perfectionist when i take a picture it's gonna be good.

    Weegee: A Legacy of Timeless Black-and-White Street Photography

    Arthur H. Fellig [1899-1968], better known by his pseudonym Weegee, was an American photographer and photojournalist renowned for his stark black-and-white street photography of New York City. He emerged in the 1930s as a chronicler of the city’s underbelly, capturing the raw and often gritty realities of crime, poverty, and urban life. Weegee’s work was characterized by its immediacy, use of flashbulbs, and unflinching portrayal of the human drama. He was…

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  • It's so simple no one believes me, you strike a pose like George Hurrell.

    George Hurrell: A Legacy of Enduring Glamour and Cinematic Influence

    George Hurrell [1904-1992] was an American photographer who played a pivotal role in shaping the glamorous image of Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. His captivating portraits of Hollywood stars, characterized by their dramatic lighting, striking poses, and sophisticated style, became iconic representations of the era’s glamour and allure. Hurrell’s work was instrumental in establishing the Hollywood star persona, defining the look and style that captivated audiences worldwide. His innovative use…

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  • William Eggleston: A Legacy of Transformative Color Photography

    William Eggleston [1939-] is an American photographer widely recognized for his pioneering role in elevating color photography to a legitimate artistic medium. His work, characterized by its vernacular aesthetic, vivid colors, and everyday subject matter, challenged traditional notions of fine art and captured the essence of American life in the mid-to late-20th century. Eggleston’s photographs often depict seemingly mundane scenes from the American South, from roadside diners and suburban landscapes to…

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  • The thing that influences me the most is my own pictures, particularly those inspired by Roger Ballen's unique style.

    Roger Ballen: A Master of Psychological Black-and-White Photography

    Roger Ballen [1950-] is an American-born photographer and filmmaker known for his haunting and enigmatic images that explore the fringes of society and the depths of the human psyche. His work is often characterized by its stark black-and-white imagery, raw and unfiltered subjects, and a sense of psychological tension and disquiet. Ballen’s photographs often depict marginalized individuals and communities living in desolate and impoverished environments, capturing their vulnerabilities, resiliencies, and the…

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  • Norman parkinson quote i like to make people look as good as they.

    Norman Parkinson: Revolutionizing Fashion Photography

    Norman Parkinson [1913-1990] was a celebrated British fashion and portrait photographer who revolutionized the industry with his dynamic and spontaneous style. He was known for moving his subjects out of the studio and into natural settings, capturing candid moments, and injecting a sense of energy and vitality into his images. Parkinson’s work graced the pages of renowned magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Queen, and he collaborated with iconic figures such…

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  • Larry Sultan believed that the more you try to control the world, the less magic you're getting.

    Larry Sultan: A Legacy of Provocative and Thought-Provoking Imagery

    Larry Sultan [1946-2009] was an American photographer known for his insightful and thought-provoking work that explored the nature of photography and its role in constructing reality. He is notably recognized for his collaborative projects with Mike Mandel and his personal series that delved into themes of suburban life, family dynamics, and the American landscape. Sultan’s work often employed a conceptual approach, questioning the veracity of photographic images and challenging viewers’ perceptions…

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  • Seeing is not enough, you have to feel what you photograph.

    André Kertész: A Pioneer of Candid Street Photography

    André Kertész [1894-1985] was a Hungarian-born photographer renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to photographic composition and the photo essay. His work, characterized by its lyrical sensibility, poetic vision, and mastery of light and shadow, captured the essence of everyday life with a profound sense of humanity. Kertész’s early career was marked by his innovative use of unorthodox camera angles and framing, techniques that challenged the conventions of traditional photography. His photographs,…

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  • Through the computer can correct anything, a bad image is a bad image.

    Charles H. Traub: A Legacy of Photographic Innovation and Inspiration

    Charles H. Traub [1945-] is an American photographer and educator known for his ironic and insightful color photography. He is a pioneer in the use of digital photography and has been a leading figure in photographic education for over 40 years. Traub's work is characterized by its sharp observation of everyday life and its exploration of the relationship between photography and reality. He is particularly interested in the way that photography…

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  • The truth is you have too many cameras and you don't take enough photographs.

    Kyle Cassidy: A Visual Storyteller with a Passion for Human Connection

    Kyle Cassidy [1966-] is an American photographer and videographer known for his diverse portfolio spanning documentary, portraiture, and commercial photography. With a keen eye for capturing the human experience and the nuances of everyday life, Cassidy's work has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Barron's Magazine, and The Huffington Post. His photo essays have explored a wide range of subjects, from homeless orphans in Romania to the…

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  • A quote that says when a portrait evokes a feeling, then you've got something.

    Bert Stern: The Original Madman Behind the Camera

    Bertram "Bert" Stern [1929-2013] was an American photographer known for his dynamic and innovative fashion and celebrity portraits. He emerged in the 1960s as a leading figure in the "New Wave" of fashion photography, challenging traditional conventions with his spontaneous and energetic style. Stern's work often featured unconventional poses, bold lighting, and a sense of intimacy that captured the essence of his subjects. He was particularly renowned for his portraits of…

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  • A quote from ruth bernard saying if you can't make the image bigger or more important than what you see,.

    Ruth Bernhard: A Legacy of Sensuous Black-and-White Photography

    Ruth Bernhard [1905-2006] was a German-born American photographer renowned for her intimate and evocative black-and-white photographs of nudes, still lifes, and landscapes. Her work, characterized by its exquisite use of light and its subtle exploration of form and texture, earned her critical acclaim and a place among the leading figures in 20th-century photography. Bernhard's passion for photography was ignited in the 1930s, and she quickly gained recognition for her sensitive portrayals…

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  • There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographers.

    Ansel Adams: The Master of Light and Nature

    Ansel Easton Adams [1902-1984] was an American landscape photographer and environmentalist known for his iconic black-and-white images of the American West, particularly Yosemite National Park. He was a founding member of Group f/64, an association of photographers advocating for "pure" photography characterized by sharp focus and the full tonal range of the negative. Adams developed the Zone System, a method of achieving a desired final print by controlling exposure, negative development,…

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  • It's not when you press the shutter, but why you press the shutter.

    Mary Ellen Mark: A Photographic Legacy of Raw Authenticity

    Mary Ellen Mark [1940-2015] was an American photographer known for her compassionate and empathetic images that captured the lives of marginalized individuals and communities. Her work often focused on the fringes of society, documenting the struggles and resilience of those on the margins. She was particularly drawn to stories of addiction, mental illness, and poverty, and her photographs often conveyed a sense of intimacy and understanding. Mark's work was published in…

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