There are many great fashion photographers throughout photographic history, but fame doesn’t tell the whole story. I’m in it for the photographic genius. So whilst you may have searched for the most famous fashion photographers in the world, I’m bringing you the cream of the crop as far as photographic ability goes. Sure Brooklyn Beckham has shot for high paying clients, and he’s famous…but is he good? Well…give the kid a chance, he’s not quite there yet. Only a select few of the many talented people out there are truly great. These photographers have reshaped the industry and created iconic images again and again, that will be remembered for years to come. So sit back, relax and enjoy learning about some of the best photographers to ever grace the world of fashion photography.
Richard Avedon
Richard Avedon was an iconic photographer known for his stunning portraits of both public figures and everyday people. He was born in New York in 1923, and by the age of 17, he had already achieved some success as a fashion photographer. However, it was not until the 1960s that Richard Avedon’s work gained wider prominence. His famous “In the American West” photo series depicted ordinary people living on the fringes of society. These powerful images earned him widespread acclaim, and soon after this success, Richard Avedon began exploring other creative avenues outside of photography.
In addition to his work as a photographer, Richard Avedon also made a number of noteworthy contributions to the field of fashion design. Throughout his career, he worked closely with designers like Bill Blass and Yves Saint Laurent to create cutting-edge fashions that pushed boundaries and inspired new trends. Despite suffering from debilitating migraines towards the end of his life, Richard continued to be an active presence in the art world right up until his death in 2004. Even today, he is widely regarded as one of the most important voices in modern photography and fashion design.
Mert & Marcus
Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott are two of the most celebrated photographers in the fashion industry today. Their work has appeared in top magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Nylon, and they have worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Beyonce, Rihanna, and Kate Moss.
Born and raised in London, Mert and Marcus first met back in high school, where they discovered a shared love of photography. After graduating from college, they both pursued careers as freelance photographers, building their reputation one photo shoot at a time. While their styles differ slightly from one another – Mert favours moodier shots with dramatic lighting and black-and-white film texture, while Marcus is best known for vivid colours contrasting sharply with bright white backgrounds – together they form a powerful creative team that produces stunning results every time.
In addition to their success as photographers, Mert and Marcus are also known for their glamorous lifestyles. They travel constantly between studios in Paris and New York City but always return to London to be near their close-knit circle of family and friends.
Annie Leibowitz
Annie Leibovitz is one of the most celebrated photographers of her generation. Born in 1949, she began her career as a staff photographer for Rolling Stone magazine in 1970. From there, she went on to collaborate with a who’s who of cultural icons, from John Lennon and Mick Jagger to Tina Fey and Barack Obama. In addition to her work in portraiture, Leibovitz has also produced a number of acclaimed photo essays, including a documentation of the last days of the Vietnam War and an exploration of American Puritanism. Over the course of her career, Leibovitz has won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Magazine Editors. She currently lives in New York City with her partner, Susan Sontag.
Steven Meisel
Steven Meisel is one of the most successful fashion photographers of our time. His work has graced the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vanity Fair, to name just a few. Meisel’s career began in the early 1980s, and he quickly rose to prominence in the fashion world. His work is characterized by a bold use of colour and light, and he has a knack for capturing the essence of his subjects. In addition to his fashion photography, Meisel has also shot advertising campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands, including Dolce & Gabbana and Lancome. Outside of his work, Meisel is known for his private life. He is married to Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and the couple has two children. Meisel is also an avid art collector, and his homes are filled with works by Warhol, Haring, and Basquiat. In many ways, Steven Meisel is as fascinating as the people he photographs.
Nick Knight
Nick Knight has shot some of the most iconic images of the last twenty years. He began his career working for British Vogue, and quickly began to make a name for himself with his edgy and innovative style. He has since gone on to shoot for some of the biggest fashion brands in the world, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Givenchy. Knight is also known for his work outside of the fashion industry, having shot album covers for musicians like David Bowie and Kanye West. In addition to his photographic work, Knight is also the founder and director of SHOWstudio, an online platform that showcases fashion films and live-streams fashion shows. A truly multi-talented individual, Nick Knight is one of the most influential figures in the world of fashion today.
Tim Walker
Tim Walker is a British fashion photographer known for his whimsical and ethereal style. He began his career working as an intern at British Vogue, and went on to shoot for a variety of high-profile publications including The New Yorker, W Magazine, and Harper’s Bazaar. In addition to his commercial work, Walker has also directed several fashion films, and published several books of his photography. His work is characterized by its use of bold colours, fantastical staging, and often features famous models and celebrities. Walker’s awards include the prestigious International Fashion Photographer of the Year award, and he has been honoured with solo exhibitions at prestigious museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Helmut Newton
Helmut Newton was a world-renowned photographer who is best known for his provocative and erotic images. Born in Berlin in 1920, Newton began his career as a fashion photographer for Vogue magazine. He soon developed a signature style that featured strong lines, bold colours, and a sense of humour. In addition to his fashion work, Newton also photographed celebrities, nude women, and scenes of urban life. His photographs were often controversial and sparked debates about voyeurism and pornography. Newton died in 2004, but his legacy as one of the 20th century’s most important photographers continues to live on.
Peter Lindbergh
Peter Lindbergh is a German photographer and film director best known for his work in the fashion industry. He began his career in the late 1960s, working as a commercial photographer for various magazines. In the 1980s, he began to work with leading fashion houses, shooting advertising campaigns and editorial spreads for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and other publications. His iconic black-and-white images have Had a profound impact on the industry, helping to redefine the standard of beauty. Throughout his career, Lindbergh has remained committed to his artistry, creating timeless images that celebrate the human form. Today, his work is widely acclaimed, and he is considered one of the most important photographers of our time.
Bruce Weber
Bruce Weber is an American photographer and fashion designer, best known for his work in advertising and magazines. He began his career as a fashion editor at Playboy in the 1970s, before moving into photography in the 1980s. His work is characterized by its use of natural light and settings, as well as its focus on youth and beauty. In addition to his commercial work, Weber has also produced several fine art photography books, including A House Is Not a Home and Memories of Summer. He currently lives and works in New York City.
Edward Steichen
Edward Steichen was an American photographer, painter, and curator. He is best known for his work in fashion photography and as the Director of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art. Throughout his career, Steichen sought to use photography to capture the beauty of the world around him. His work frequently explored themes of light and shadow, as well as the relationship between nature and humanity. In addition to his photographic work, Steichen was also an accomplished painter. His paintings are characterized by bold colours and a striking use of light and shadow. In total, Edward Steichen had a profound impact on both the world of photography and the art world more broadly. His work continues to inspire photographers and artists today.
David LaChapelle
David LaChapelle is an American artist known for his distinctive style of colourful, often surrealistic photography. His work often addresses social and political issues, and he has shot campaigns for a variety of brands and publications. LaChapelle began his career as a photographer for Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine in the 1980s. He went on to shoot portraits of celebrities like Tupac Shakur and Madonna, as well as fashion editorials for Vogue and Vanity Fair. In the 1990s, he began experimenting with more experimental, theatrical techniques, creating stylized images that often incorporated elements of pop culture. In the 2000s, he focused on painting and directing music videos, documentaries, and films. LaChapelle continues to produce boundary-pushing artwork that challenges viewers to think critically about the world around them.
Steven Klein
Steven Klein is an American photographer and filmmaker who is best known for his bold, edgy visuals, widely considered as a controversial fashion photographer. Klein often collaborates with celebrities and fashion brands on daring projects that push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable. While some have criticized Klein for being too controversial, there is no denying that he is a talented artist with a distinct vision. In addition to photography, Klein has also directed music videos and commercials. He has even dabbled in acting, appearing in several films and television shows. Despite his various pursuits, Steven Klein will always be first and foremost a photographer. And it is through his photography that he has made the biggest impact on the world.
Mario Sorrenti
Mario Sorrenti is a fashion photographer known for his sensual, intimate images. Born in 1971 in New York City, Sorrenti was raised in a creative household; his mother was a model and his father was a photographer. After a brief stint as a model himself, Sorrenti turned his attention to photography, studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He soon began working for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and his work has appeared in numerous other publications. In addition to fashion photography, Sorrenti has also captured portraits of some of the world’s most famous faces, including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Madonna. His intimate images often feature close-ups and soft lighting, conveying a sense of vulnerability and intimacy.
Glen Luchford
Glen Luchford is a highly acclaimed fashion photographer with a unique aesthetic and an incredibly diverse body of work. Born in the UK, he began his career by shooting music bands on tour, working closely with high-profile musicians to create dynamic and memorable images. Over time, his work has evolved to focus almost exclusively on fashion photography, exploring themes of beauty and femininity through compositions that are bold and often abstract. His photos have been featured in leading fashion magazines around the world, earning him countless accolades as well as recognition as one of the most talented photographers of his generation. In addition to his photography work, Glen is also active in the community, using his platform to promote diversity and inclusion in arts and culture. He has served on several boards for arts organizations, helping to nurture emerging talent and push creative boundaries throughout the industry. Overall, Glen Luchford is a truly incredible photographer who has left an indelible mark on the fashion world by challenging traditional notions of beauty and pushing the limits of artistic expression.
While there are many talented fashion photographers out there, these are some of the greatest of all time. Each has a unique vision and approach to their work that I hope will inspire you in your own work. Let me know if I’ve missed your favourite in the comments below.