Influential photographers – My Top 5

I have developed a passion for many early influential photographers over the years, looking at how their approach to both the technical and artistic sides of photography has influenced those who have followed. I have always had an interest in the history of art and continue to draw strength from the endeavour, experimentation and creative approach of the early pioneering influential photographers within photography.

It has proved to be very difficult to narrow my favourite influential photographers down to just five. They are in no particular order, that would have been too difficult. So here goes, maybe some of you will agree but I am pretty sure that many of you will disagree and have your own thoughts.

Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908 – 2004) Henry Cartier-Bresson was born in France and was amongst the most influential photographers of the twentieth century, he has been credited with the term ‘The decisive moment’. He was a co-founder of Magnum Photos, a Leica-wielding legend who only shot in black & white and never cropped his images. From his many books Paris à vue d’oeil is my favourite, many of the images can be viewed at Magnum Photos.

Robert Doisneau (1912 – 1994) French photographer Robert Doisneau is best known for his street photographs of his much loved Paris, France. The ultimate street photographer, he spent his time capturing ‘the ordinary gestures of ordinary people in ordinary situations’. For a full biography, images and books see Robert Doiseneau.

Edward Weston (1886 – 1958) Edward Weston was born in Chicago 1886 and quickly became one of the most innovative and influential photographers of the twentieth century. Many photographers have been influenced by his experiments using shape, form and light and much of his photography is still as relevant today. To find out more about Edward Weston and see examples of his work visit the Edward Weston website

Elliott Erwitt (1928 -) ‘After following the crowd for a while, I’d then go 180 degrees in the exact opposite direction. It always worked for me, but then again, I’m very lucky’, this quote by Elliott Erwitt sums up perfectly his approach to photography. An advertising and documentary photographer best known for his black and white candid shots. To see more of his work see Elliott Erwitt

Paul Strand (1890 – 1976) Born in New York in 1890 Paul Strand was an early associate of, and strongly influenced by Alfred Stieglitz, he was a photographic pioneer and worked with both still and moving imagery throughout much of his long career. His book Tir A’Mhurain: The Outer Hebrides of Scotland is amongst my favourite photography books of all time, it gives a photographic account of his journey through the Outer Hebrides and his connection with the location and its people. For further information on Paul Strand see The Metropolitan Museum of Art.