subject: 3 Famous Photographers You Should Know [print this page] Photography is often the art of the anonymous as we rarely know who was on the other side of the camera. We can all name a few famous photographs, like the famous Time Square picture or the one of iron workers sitting high above a city, but most of the time we don't spend time looking at the history of the medium as art. By understanding influential artists, it can have a big impact on how we see photography and inspire new ideas, so here are three photographers who's influence is recognized worldwide.
Henri Cartier-Bresson
Although his name may not be as familiar, Cartier-Bresson was a legend in the development of modern photography. Considered to be one of the forefathers of photojournalism, Cartier-Bresson spent most of his professional life shooting for magazines like Life. Henri Cartier-Bresson was known for being daring and fearless and captured many photographs from some of the most volatile periods in history like the liberation of Paris during WWII, the Spanish Civil War and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
Famous Photography by Henri Cartier Bresson - The Decisive Moment
Alfred Stieglitz
If you've ever studied photography or taken a photo class then you would likely recognize his name. Stieglitz was married to Georgia O'Keeffe, a legend in her own right, and many of his most iconic images center around her. He was really responsible for getting photography into the public view as a legitimate art form. He did this through the use of creative exhibits featured around the country. Known as the father of pictorialism, Stieglitz helped make photography less about the subject and more about how the photographer can manipulate the photograph.
Famous Photography by Alfred Stieglitz:The Terminal
Larry Burrows
Larry Burrows is a legend among photojournalists. Burrows was best known for his photo coverage of the Vietnam war for Life Magazine and was often referred to as the photographer who went off to war with "film in his socks.". His photographs were some of the most heart wrenching and iconic images during that period and provided the public a view into the conflict. Tragically, Burrows was killed during the war when his helicopter was shot down. However, his photographs and the tales of his heroic actions of helping rescue civilians and soldiers lives on.
Famous Photography by Larry Burrows: One Ride with Yankee Papa 13
Whenever we work in an art medium, it is important to remember the people who came before us and the contributions they made. These three photographers are known for making an enormous influence on photography and helping it become the prominent art form it is today. Make sure to look at photo collections from these photographers as admiring their work can often give you new ideas and inspiration for your own work.
