Influential Photographers – Top 5

Influential photographers have certainly played a part in the shaping of photography. I have always had an interest in the history of art and continue to draw strength from the endeavour, experimentation and creative approach of some of these influential photographers. Over the years I have developed a passion for many of them, looking at their influence on both the technical and artistic sides of photography.

In this list I have attempted to narrow my favourite influential photographers down to just five, this proved to be very difficult and indeed subjective. 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. Why not make your own list and add it via our comments form.

Edward Weston 1886 – 1958
Born 1886 in Chicago Edward Weston 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.

Henri Cartier-Bresson 1908 – 2004
Credited with the term ‘The decisive moment’ Henry Cartier-Bresson was born in France and was amongst the most influential photographers of the twentieth century. He was a co-founder of Magnum Photos, he only shot in black & white and never cropped his images. A Leica-wielding legend. 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.

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.

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