In this lesson, we aim to inspire you by highlighting the creativity of some of the masters of photography. You will learn about their lives, their specific interests in photography, and their contributions to art photography.
Ansel Adams (1902) is best known for his black-and-white photographs of the northwest. Adams was inspired by Paul Strand’s work and, in 1932, co-founded the group “f/64”, which focused on achieving maximum depth of field and detail reproduction. Adams developed the “zone system,” allowing photographers to translate light into specific densities for greater control. He is renowned for his efforts in National Parks, publishing 24 books to raise awareness and public interest in their preservation.
Below are some of Adams’ black-and-white masterpieces. Notice the precision with depth of field and his interest in texture and tonal range (from white to black). If you’re interested in black-and-white photography, studying Ansel Adams further will significantly enhance your skills.
George Brassaï
Gyula Halasz, better known as Brassai, self-taught in photography, moved to Paris in 1924. His night photography captured both characters of Paris’ nightlife and its breathtaking architecture. His world-famous book, *Paris de Nuit*, documents these stunning images. Brassai’s technical skill and fascination with society’s nocturnal life continue to inspire photographers today.
Below are some of Brassai’s works, celebrated for their surreal qualities and technical mastery.
Robert Capa (born Andre Friedmann) is renowned for his war photography. After studying political science, Capa began his career in photography, eventually documenting five major wars, including WWII. His iconic photo, “Death of a Spanish Loyalist,” garnered international acclaim. Despite losing most of his D-Day photographs due to a darkroom error, Capa’s remaining work from that day continues to be among the most famous war photographs in history. His motto, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough,” defined his career.
Below are some of Capa’s most famous images:
Ed Van Der Elsken was a Dutch freelance photographer whose works focused on the realities of socio-political life and marginalized individuals. His series on Jazz between 1955-1961 captured natural light and atmosphere without the use of flash, preserving the mood of the scenes he shot. Elsken’s work often expressed the struggles of everyday people, particularly through his black-and-white compositions.
Below are some of Elsken’s most impactful photos:
Floria Sigismondi
Floria Sigismondi is an internationally recognized photographer and director, known for her work with artists such as Christina Aguilera, David Bowie, and Marilyn Manson. Her distinct style, which she describes as “entropic underworlds inhabited by tortured souls and omnipotent beings,” earned her numerous awards, including the 2004 Juno Award for Best Music Video and the 2003 MTV European Award for Best International Video.
Take a look at Sigismondi’s unique style through these photos:
