What Makes the Greatest Street Photographers Stand Out?

The most famous street photographers are often remembered not just for recognition, but for the impact their work had on the genre. Many of the great street photographers share common traits, including patience, strong observation skills, and the ability to capture decisive moments in everyday life.

Famous Street Photographer: Henri Cartier-Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson is widely considered one of the most famous street photographers in history. His concept of the “decisive moment” influenced generations of photographers and helped establish him as one of the great street photographers of the 20th century.

Henri Cartier-Bresson's journey into photography began in 1931 when he acquired a Leica camera. His interest in art and painting eventually led him to photography, and he studied under renowned photographers such as André Kertész and Martin Munkácsi.

Most Famous Work: "Behind The Gare St Lazare" - This iconic photograph of a man jumping over a puddle behind the Gare St. Lazare encapsulates Cartier-Bresson's philosophy of capturing that perfect fleeting moment in street photography. His famous book ‘The Decisive Moment’ features some of his most celebrated images. The book was described by Robert Capa as “a Bible for photographers.”

Early Life and Education

Cartier-Bresson showed an early interest in drawing and painting. He attended École Fénelon, a Catholic school in Paris, where his artistic talents began to flourish. However, his formal education was somewhat irregular, as he was more interested in creative pursuits than traditional academics.

Cartier-Bresson’s formal education in the arts began in earnest when he attended a private art school run by the famed painter André Lhote in 1927. Lhote was a Cubist painter and a significant figure in the French art scene, known for his theories on composition and form. Under Lhote’s tutelage, Cartier-Bresson developed a deep understanding of artistic principles, particularly composition, which would later influence his approach to photography.

Despite his passion for painting, Cartier-Bresson found the conventional art world somewhat restrictive. His interest began to shift after he discovered the photographs of Eugène Atget and the surrealist work of Man Ray. This exposure to photography as an art form intrigued him, leading him to experiment with a camera.

Impact on photography

Henri Cartier-Bresson's impact on photography was immeasurable. His legacy extends beyond his own remarkable images, as he played a vital role in shaping the ethos of Magnum Photos and inspiring countless photographers to seek the extraordinary in the ordinary, to capture the fleeting beauty of the world through their lens. His work remains a timeless testament to the power of observation, timing, and an unwavering commitment to the art of photography.

Famous Street Photographer: Dorothea Lange

Our second famous street photographer - Dorothea Lange was a pioneering American documentary photographer and photojournalist known for her iconic images of the Great Depression.

Her early interest in photography led her to study under several influential photographers and artists. Lange's career took a significant turn when she began documenting the struggles of migrant workers during the 1930s.

Most Famous Work: "Migrant Mother," which became a symbol of the era's hardships. Her dedication to social and political issues through her photography made her an essential figure in the history of documentary and street photography.

Early Life and Education

Dorothea Lange was born on May 26, 1895, in Hoboken, New Jersey, to second-generation German immigrants, Heinrich Nutzhorn and Johanna Lange. Her early years were marked by significant challenges that profoundly influenced her perspective on life and, subsequently, her photography.

When Lange was twelve, her parents separated, and she adopted her mother's maiden name, Lange. This period of family upheaval and financial instability further shaped her sensitivity to social issues and human suffering.

Lange's formal education was somewhat unconventional. Despite her family's financial difficulties, her mother was determined that Lange would receive a good education. She attended public schools in New York City, where she moved with her mother after her parents' separation.

After high school, Lange decided to pursue a career in photography, a relatively unconventional choice for a woman at the time. She enrolled in a teacher training program but soon realized that her passion lay elsewhere. In 1914, Lange began taking photography classes at Columbia University in New York City. She studied under the tutelage of Clarence H. White, a renowned photographer and a key figure in the Photo-Secession movement, which emphasized the artistic potential of photography.

Under White's mentorship, Lange developed a deep appreciation for the artistic aspects of photography, learning about composition, lighting, and the importance of capturing genuine human emotions. White's influence helped shape her technical skills and her approach to photography as a means of storytelling and social commentary.

Impact on photography

Lange's contributions to documentary photography earned her numerous accolades, including the first solo exhibition of a woman photographer at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1966, a year after her death.

Dorothea Lange's work not only documented a crucial period in American history but also laid the foundation for a socially conscious approach to photography. Her images remain a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity of photography to bear witness to the complexities of society.

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Famous Street Photographer: Garry Winogrand

Our third famouse street photographer - Winogrand's work is characterized by its raw energy and candidness. He was known for his prolific output, capturing the chaos and vibrancy of urban life in America during the mid-20th century.

Garry Winogrand's fascination with photography began during his time in the U.S. Air Force. After serving, he studied painting at Columbia University but shifted his focus to photography, exploring the streets of New York City and honing his unique style.

Most Famous Work: "Women Are Beautiful" - Winogrand's 1975 book is a collection of candid shots of women on the streets of New York City, showcasing his talent for capturing the essence of female beauty and urban life.

Garry Winogrand was born on January 14, 1928, in the Bronx, New York City, to a working-class Jewish family. His father, Abraham Winogrand, was a leather worker, and his mother, Bertha, worked in a factory. Growing up in the Bronx, Winogrand was exposed to the vibrant and diverse culture of the city, which would later become a central theme in his work.

Winogrand's early life was marked by the bustling environment of New York City, where he developed an interest in the visual world around him. His initial artistic inclinations, however, were directed towards painting rather than photography.

After graduating from high school, Winogrand briefly attended the City College of New York, where he studied painting. However, his academic pursuits were interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1946, serving for two years. Following his military service, Winogrand returned to New York with a renewed focus on finding his artistic path.

In 1948, Winogrand enrolled at Columbia University, where he initially continued studying painting. It was at Columbia that he discovered photography, which quickly captivated his interest. He took a photography course taught by Alexey Brodovitch, the legendary art director of Harper's Bazaar. Brodovitch's influence was significant, as he encouraged Winogrand to explore the dynamic possibilities of photography and to think about capturing moments in innovative ways.

In addition to his formal education at Columbia, Winogrand studied at the New School for Social Research. There, he was influenced by the photographer and teacher Sid Grossman, who introduced him to the idea of using the camera to explore social issues and personal expression. Grossman's emphasis on photographing real-life scenes and the spontaneity of street photography resonated with Winogrand and played a crucial role in shaping his approach.

Impact on photography

Despite his prolific career, Winogrand's work was not without controversy. His later photographs often left more questions than answers, challenging traditional notions of composition and narrative. Some critics found his later work chaotic, while others saw it as a deliberate departure from conventional photography, embracing the spontaneity and ambiguity of life.

Tragically, Winogrand passed away in 1984 at the age of 56. Posthumously, his work has gained continued recognition, with retrospectives and exhibitions showcasing the breadth and depth of his contribution to street photography. Garry Winogrand's legacy lives on as a testament to the power of capturing the essence of the streets, freezing moments in time that continue to resonate with viewers and inspire contemporary photographers.

Famous Street Photographer: Vivian Maier

Our fourth famouse street photographer - Maier's work remained undiscovered until after her death, but it has since garnered significant attention. Her images, often self-portraits reflected in windows, offer a unique perspective on the streets of Chicago.

Vivian Maier's journey into photography was a private one. She worked as a nanny for several decades, during which she captured thousands of photographs as a hobby. Her talent remained largely unknown until her work was discovered posthumously.

Most Famous Work: The discovery of Maier's extensive archive of street photographs, particularly her self-portraits reflected in windows, has garnered widespread acclaim in the posthumous recognition of her talent.

Early Life and Education

Vivian Dorothy Maier was born on February 1, 1926, in New York City to immigrant parents. Her mother, Maria Jaussaud, was French, and her father, Charles Maier, was Austrian. The family dynamics were complex, and her early years were characterized by instability. Her father left the family when Maier was still young, and she spent much of her childhood moving between the United States and France.

Maier's early life in France is not well-documented, but she spent significant time in the village of Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur, in the French Alps, living with her mother’s family. This rural setting contrasted sharply with the urban environments she would later photograph extensively.

Vivian Maier's formal education was minimal, and much of her learning came from her experiences and observations. There is little evidence to suggest she received any formal training in photography during her youth. Her self-taught approach to photography allowed her to develop a unique and unfiltered perspective, free from the constraints of traditional photographic techniques and theories.

While working as a nanny, Maier carried her camera with her everywhere, documenting the world around her with an acute sense of curiosity and observation. Her Rolleiflex twin-lens reflex camera became an extension of herself, allowing her to capture candid moments in the lives of strangers and the urban landscape.

Impact on photography

In 2011, the documentary film "Finding Vivian Maier" brought her story to a broader audience, exploring her life, her reclusive nature, and the unexpected legacy she left behind.

The film revealed Maier's complex personality and shed light on the challenges she faced, including financial struggles and periods of homelessness.

Vivian Maier's posthumous recognition as a remarkable street photographer has led to numerous exhibitions, books, and a renewed appreciation for her contribution to the art form. Her story serves as a reminder of the unassuming brilliance that can exist in everyday life, waiting to be discovered and celebrated.

Vivian Maier's work continues to inspire photographers and enthusiasts alike, emphasizing the enduring power of capturing the beauty in the world, even when the artist remains unseen.

Famous Street Photographer: Robert Frank

Our fifth famouse street photographer - Frank's groundbreaking book, "The Americans," is a seminal work in street photography. His images provide a critical commentary on American society during the 1950s, offering a fresh perspective on the nation.

Robert Frank's early exposure to photography was as a commercial photographer in Switzerland. However, he found his true passion in documentary photography and moved to the United States to pursue it.

Most Famous Work: "The Americans" - This groundbreaking book features Frank's poignant images of American society in the 1950s. It's a seminal work that offers a fresh perspective on the nation's culture and people.

Early Life and Education

Robert Frank was born on November 9, 1924, in Zurich, Switzerland, into a well-off Jewish family. His father, Hermann Frank, was a German Jew who had fled to Switzerland to escape persecution, and his mother, Rosa Zucker, was from a wealthy Swiss Jewish family. The Franks lived comfortably in Zurich, but the rise of Nazism in Europe and the ensuing turmoil had a profound effect on young Robert.

Growing up in a sheltered environment during a time of significant political upheaval, Frank developed a sense of disillusionment with the rigidity and conservatism of Swiss society. This early exposure to the darker aspects of human nature and societal constraints influenced his later work, which often explored themes of alienation, discontent, and the human condition.

Frank's formal education did not follow a traditional academic path. He showed an early interest in art and visual expression, initially focusing on graphic design and painting. After completing his basic education, Frank apprenticed with Hermann Segesser, a commercial photographer in Zurich, where he learned the technical aspects of photography. This apprenticeship marked the beginning of his formal engagement with the medium.

In 1942, Frank created his first handmade book of photographs, a compilation of images he had taken in and around Zurich. This early work demonstrated his budding talent and his ability to capture candid moments and everyday scenes with a distinctive eye.

Impact on photography

Beyond "The Americans," Frank continued to experiment with photography and filmmaking, pushing artistic boundaries. His later work included collaborations with writers and poets, as well as explorations of personal themes in both still photography and film.

Robert Frank's impact on the photographic landscape extends far beyond the pages of "The Americans." His willingness to confront societal norms and his ability to distil the complexities of human experience into powerful images have solidified his place as a visionary in the world of photography. Frank's work continues to be studied, celebrated, and discussed for its enduring influence and its role in reshaping the trajectory of documentary photography.

Famous Street Photographer: Joel Meyerowitz

Our sixth famouse street photographer - Meyerowitz is known for his vibrant and colourful street photography. He was one of the early adopters of colour film in the genre and has produced captivating images from various cities worldwide.

Meyerowitz started as an art director but was captivated by the street photography of Robert Frank. This influence prompted him to take up photography full-time, eventually transitioning from black and white to colour photography.

Most Famous Work: "Cape Light" series, which captures the tranquil and ethereal beauty of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is among his most celebrated work, known for its exquisite use of colour.

Early Life and Education

Joel Meyerowitz was born on March 6, 1938, in the Bronx, New York City, to a middle-class Jewish family. Growing up in the vibrant and diverse environment of the Bronx, Meyerowitz was immersed in the dynamic urban culture that would later become a central theme in his work.

Meyerowitz's early interests were not initially focused on photography. He attended Ohio State University, where he studied painting, art, and medical illustration. His formal education in the arts provided him with a strong foundation in visual composition and an appreciation for the creative process, which would later influence his photographic style.

Meyerowitz's transition to photography came somewhat serendipitously. In 1962, while working as an art director at an advertising agency in New York City, he was assigned to accompany photographer Robert Frank on a shoot. Watching Frank work with a small 35mm camera and capture candid moments on the streets of New York was a revelation for Meyerowitz. Inspired by Frank's ability to capture the spontaneity and vibrancy of urban life, Meyerowitz decided to pursue photography full-time.

Quitting his job, Meyerowitz borrowed a 35mm camera and began exploring the streets of New York City, capturing the ebb and flow of everyday life. His early work was influenced by street photographers like Robert Frank and Henri Cartier-Bresson, who emphasized the importance of capturing decisive moments and the candid beauty of daily life.

Although Meyerowitz did not receive formal training in photography, his background in painting and art played a crucial role in his development as a photographer. He educated himself by studying the works of established photographers and by practicing tirelessly on the streets of New York. His self-directed education allowed him to experiment with different styles and techniques, ultimately leading him to develop his unique voice.

Impact on photography:

In 2018, Joel Meyerowitz became the first photographer to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Photography award from the Sony World Photography Awards, recognizing his substantial impact on the medium.

As a pioneer in colour street photography, Joel Meyerowitz has influenced subsequent generations of photographers and has helped reshape the perception of colour as a legitimate and expressive medium in documentary and street photography. His dedication to capturing the vibrancy and complexity of life on the streets has left an enduring legacy in the world of photography.

Famous Street Photographer: Lee Friedlander

Our seventh famouse street photograher - Friedlander's work often incorporates reflections, shadows, and multiple layers within a single frame. His unique approach to composition and his ability to find beauty in the chaos of the street make him a true street photography icon.

Friedlander's interest in photography began when he received a Brownie camera as a gift. He initially pursued photography as a hobby but soon turned it into his profession, exploring the streets of New York City.

Most Famous Work: Friedlander's "Self Portrait" series, where he often incorporates his own shadow or reflection in urban scenes, is a hallmark of his innovative and self-reflective style.

Early Life and Background

Lee Friedlander was born on July 14, 1934, in Aberdeen, Washington, a small logging town. His parents were immigrants; his father was of Swedish descent, and his mother was from Germany. Unfortunately, Friedlander's mother passed away when he was just seven years old, a loss that deeply affected him. His father, a carpenter, raised him in a relatively modest household.

Growing up in Aberdeen, Friedlander developed an early interest in photography. By the age of 14, he was already experimenting with cameras and developing his own photographs. His fascination with the medium was partly fuelled by the rural and industrial landscapes surrounding him, which would later become prominent subjects in his work.

After graduating from high school in 1952, Friedlander decided to pursue photography more seriously. He enrolled at the Art Centre College of Design in Los Angeles, one of the leading institutions for commercial art and design at the time. However, his stay at the college was brief; he attended for only a year before moving to New York City in 1956. The vibrant art scene of New York offered him more opportunities and exposure to the broader photographic community.

Impact in photography

In the 21st century, Friedlander continued to experiment with new techniques and technologies, incorporating digital photography into his repertoire. He also explored themes related to aging, mortality, and his personal experiences in projects such as "Sticks and Stones" (2004).

Lee Friedlander's influence extends beyond his images; he has become a revered figure in the photography community. His willingness to challenge traditional notions of composition and his ability to find beauty in the chaos of the street have inspired generations of photographers. His work stands as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of photography and its power to capture the complexity of the human experience.

Famous Street Photographer: Saul Leiter

Our eighth famous street photographer - Leiter's work is known for its painterly qualities and the use of colour. He often shot through rainy windows, creating a dreamlike atmosphere in his images. His work challenges traditional notions of street photography.

Leiter's photography career began after he moved to New York City to pursue painting. He found inspiration in the city's street scenes and began capturing them through his camera lens.

Most Famous Work: Leiter's colourful and abstract street scenes, often shot through rainy windows, have gained recognition as a unique and poetic contribution to the genre.

Early Life and Education

Saul Leiter was born on December 3, 1923, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was raised in an Orthodox Jewish family, and his father was a well-known Talmudic scholar and a prominent rabbi. Leiter's upbringing was steeped in religious tradition, and there were expectations that he would follow in his father's footsteps. However, Leiter's interests lay elsewhere.

From a young age, Leiter showed a keen interest in art. He was particularly drawn to painting, a passion that would accompany him throughout his life. His early exposure to art books and museums ignited a lifelong fascination with visual expression.

Leiter's formal education began with his religious studies, but his passion for art eventually led him to diverge from this path. In the early 1940s, he attended theological college but decided to leave to pursue his interest in painting. This decision marked a significant turning point in his life.

In 1946, at the age of 23, Leiter moved to New York City, a vibrant centre for art and culture. The move allowed him to immerse himself in the city's dynamic art scene and to pursue his artistic ambitions more freely. In New York, Leiter studied briefly at the New School for Social Research, where he was exposed to various modernist ideas and artistic techniques.

Impact on photography

Leiter's work extended beyond the streets, as he was also known for his fashion photography, contributing to prestigious magazines such as Harper's Bazaar. His fashion images, like his street photography, bore his distinct style, characterized by a blend of spontaneity and a painter's appreciation for composition.

Saul Leiter's legacy has continued to grow posthumously, as his influence on contemporary photographers becomes more apparent. His ability to capture the essence of fleeting moments in the streets of New York, his innovative use of colour, and his unique vision have left an indelible mark on the world of photography. Saul Leiter's work encourages us to see the beauty in the mundane and to appreciate the quiet poetry that exists within the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Famous Street Photographer: Daido Moriyama

Our nineth famouse street photographer - Moriyama's gritty, high-contrast black and white images capture the energy and intensity of Tokyo Street life. His work is bold and unapologetic, reflecting the pulse of the city.

Moriyama's entry into photography was influenced by his early exposure to William Klein's work. Moriyama started as an assistant to a photographer and quickly developed his signature gritty and high-contrast style.

Most Famous Work: Moriyama's "Provoke" magazine, published in the late 1960s, challenged conventional photography with its gritty, high-contrast images that captured the essence of Tokyo's street life.

Early Life and Education

Daido Moriyama was born on October 10, 1938, in Ikeda, a small town in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. He grew up during a tumultuous period in Japanese history, with World War II and its aftermath deeply affecting the nation. Moriyama's childhood was marked by the instability and challenges of post-war Japan, which influenced his later work's themes of impermanence and the fragmented nature of reality.

Moriyama's father was a civil engineer, and his family moved frequently due to his father's work. This constant relocation exposed young Moriyama to various landscapes and environments, contributing to his fascination with urban and suburban settings. Despite the disruptions, he developed an early interest in the arts, particularly literature and film, which would later inform his photographic sensibility.

Moriyama's formal education began at Shimizudani High School in Osaka. During his teenage years, he was heavily influenced by American literature and culture, particularly the works of Jack Kerouac and the Beat Generation. This interest in Western culture was somewhat unconventional in Japan at the time and contributed to his rebellious and avant-garde approach to art.

After graduating from high school, Moriyama initially pursued graphic design, enrolling in the Osaka School of Design in 1958. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay in photography. In 1960, Moriyama moved to Tokyo, a city that would become the central subject of much of his work. In Tokyo, he joined the influential photography agency VIVO, where he worked as an assistant to the acclaimed photographer Eikoh Hosoe.

Impact on photography: Moriyama's influence extends beyond his work in still photography. He has experimented with filmmaking, and his multimedia installations have been featured in prominent exhibitions worldwide. Despite his rebellious and unconventional approach, Moriyama has received international acclaim and has been honoured with numerous awards for his contributions to photography.

Daido Moriyama's impact on the world of street photography is profound. His unapologetic and daring style has inspired a generation of photographers to embrace a more subjective and visceral approach to capturing the urban experience. Whether capturing the bustling streets of Tokyo or exploring the boundaries of the photographic medium itself, Moriyama's work remains a testament to the power of photography to push artistic boundaries and challenge established norms

Famous Street Photographer: Alex Webb

Our tenth famouse street photographer - Webb's work is characterized by complex compositions and vibrant colours. He often explores the concept of "the edge," capturing moments where different worlds collide, creating a visual tapestry of human interactions.

Webb's journey into photography began during his time in college, where he studied literature and history. His passion for travel and culture led him to explore the world through the lens of his camera.

Most Famous Work: Webb's project "The Suffering of Light" showcases his captivating use of vibrant colours and intricate compositions, often exploring the complex interplay of cultures at the crossroads of various regions.

Early Life and Education

Alex Webb was born on May 5, 1952, in San Francisco, California. He grew up in a family that valued education and the arts. His father, an economist, and his mother, a literature teacher, encouraged intellectual curiosity and artistic exploration. Webb's upbringing in a culturally rich environment fostered his early interest in visual storytelling and the world around him.

During his childhood, the family moved to New England, where Webb spent most of his formative years. The diverse landscapes and vibrant urban scenes of the East Coast would later influence his photographic eye. Webb was particularly drawn to the arts from a young age, exploring painting and literature before ultimately gravitating toward photography.

Webb attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, a prestigious preparatory school known for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong emphasis on the arts. It was at Phillips Academy that Webb first seriously engaged with photography. He began taking photographs and experimenting with the medium, inspired by the works of notable photographers he encountered through his studies.

After graduating from Phillips Academy, Webb went on to study history and literature at Harvard University. While at Harvard, he continued to develop his interest in photography, taking courses at the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts. During this time, he was introduced to the works of legendary photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank, whose influential styles left a lasting impression on him.

In the early 1970s, Webb studied photography at the Apeiron Workshops in Millerton, New York. These workshops were crucial in shaping his technical skills and artistic vision. Under the guidance of master photographers like Bruce Davidson and Charles Harbutt, Webb honed his ability to capture the complexities of human experience through the lens.

Impact on photography

In addition to his photographic work, Alex Webb has published numerous books, including "La Calle: Photographs from Mexico" (2003) and "The Suffering of Light" (2011), a retrospective of his career. Webb's impact extends beyond his individual images; he is known for creating immersive photographic experiences that invite viewers to engage with the intricate details and narratives within each frame.

Webb's dedication to exploring the world's diverse cultures through his lens, his masterful use of colour, and his ability to create visually rich and layered compositions have solidified his place as a preeminent figure in contemporary photography. His work serves as an inspiration for photographers seeking to capture the complexity and beauty of the human experience through the lens of a vibrant and ever-changing world.

Honourable mention: Mr Whisper

Ore eleventh famous street photographer - Mr. Whisper's work is characterised by its cinematic quality, often capturing London's nightlife with a focus on mood, light, and atmosphere. He specialises in low-light street photography, utilising natural and available light sources to create evocative images that tell a story. His approach involves a keen eye for composition and a preference for prime lenses, which contribute to the distinctive look of his photographs.

Most Famous Work: One of Mr. Whisper's most notable works is a photograph featuring a black car illuminated by red neon lights from Michael Jackson advertisements in London. This image exemplifies his cinematic approach to street photography, capturing the interplay of light and shadow in urban settings. He meticulously planned the shot, waiting for the right moment when a black car would pass under the vibrant signage, creating a silhouette effect that highlights his attention to detail and composition.

Early Life and Education

Balwinder Bhatla, known professionally as Mr. Whisper, has a background in digital advertising, having worked his way up from a designer to a creative director over 15 years. His transition into photography was influenced by his experiences during daily commutes on the London Underground, where he began capturing candid scenes of city life. This hobby evolved into a passion, leading him to pursue photography professionally.

His initial foray into photography was facilitated by the advent of Instagram, which allowed him to share his images and gain a following. Starting with smartphone photography, he eventually transitioned to using Fujifilm cameras, appreciating their design and functionality, which complemented his street photography style.

Impact on photography: He is particularly influential in the niche of low-light and night-time street photography. In an age where many photographers avoid shooting in dim conditions, Mr. Whisper leans into the challenge, using shadows, reflections, and artificial light to build tension and mood in his compositions. This has inspired a wave of photographers to embrace night photography and explore storytelling through ambient city light.

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Why These Famous Street Photographers Still Inspire Today

The work of these famous street photographers continues to inspire photographers around the world. Their ability to capture spontaneous moments and tell stories through everyday scenes is what makes many of them among the great street photographers in photographic history.

Who are the most famous street photographers?

Some of the most famous street photographers include Henri Cartier-Bresson, Garry Winogrand, Vivian Maier, and Lee Friedlander.

What makes someone a great street photographer?

Great street photographers combine observation, timing, and storytelling to capture authentic moments in public spaces.

From our course:

Conclusion

These famous street photographers have left an indelible mark on the world of photography. Each one has a unique vision and approach to capturing the essence of life in public spaces. Whether you're an aspiring street photographer or simply an admirer of the art form, studying their work can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your own photography journey.

In the ever-evolving world of street photography, these photographers serve as a testament to the power of the genre to capture the human experience, one candid moment at a time. Their work continues to inspire and shape the way we perceive and document the world around us.

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10 Questions With Sujata Setia

Your background was initially in television and radio journalism- what sparked the change in career? Tell us a little bit about how you got into photography.

“It was by chance. I am not formally trained in the language of photography. However, for as long as I remember, art has been my anchor. I was diagnosed with clinical depression in 2010, a year following my move to the UK from India. In late 2013, following the birth of my daughter and the simultaneous deterioration of my mother’s health, I found my existence suspended within a liminal space… that between grief and joy, dying and birthing. Taking photos of my newborn child then became a means of active forgetfulness. So, in that sense, my practice is autobiographical in nature. 

I started out as a family photographer in 2014. I would say I was primarily making images of my curiosities back then. I was curious about what a perfect childhood devoid of abuse, trauma and coercion would look like. So, I made works that were almost tyrannical in their depiction of superbness, an imaginary utopia. Losing my mother in 2019 however, finally forced me to see my inner landscape as a site of struggle and as a natural extension to that, study narratives from the margins that have for long been unseen and unarchived.”

What are your influences when you create photography? Are there any other artists or photographers who have influenced your style or approach? 

“My greatest influences have always emanated from a personal context.  My relationship with photography has been that of identifying my strongest emotions and then finding a correlation; a representation for them in the world.”

What is your creative process like? 

“I am always dreaming of ideas, thoughts, ways, and scenarios in which I can say what I want to say through photography. But the problem that I have, which is much like that of all other artists, is that I am very bad at implementing those ideas. Well initially I used to be. But then I started writing down my ideas; I have a yellow diary. That is my most precious treasure, I write all my ideas in it whenever they come; I make sure to write them down. That’s the first step. 

Like I said, my ideas always are born from a personal place. From my own lived experiences. So, the pain which is deepest and strongest inside me, that becomes the foundation for my photographic idea. Like when I had to find closure to the passing of my grandmother, I came up with the concept of gifting photographs to other grandparents with their grandchildren. 

Whatever I do though, each year I work on a personal photographic project that has nothing to do with my client work. That becomes my anchor. Whenever I have nothing else to do, I go back to my project and create something around it. And then of course it’s just about reaching out to the right models for that photoshoot and taking the pictures.”

How do you navigate the balance between commercial work and personal projects in your career?

“I’ve just always focused on my personal work to be very honest, and somehow the client work has come through that. I think in your profession if your passion becoming your driving force then money follows somehow. I have always believed that. I don’t run after client work. I just make my personal work and keep posting it. You just have to be consistent with putting your work out there. That’s very important and then if your work is coming from a really strong personal place and it’s filled with passion and meaning and has a narrative that has a universal appeal, then believe me, commercial work will follow.”

Your first series, “Changing the Conversation” is truly moving, what was your initial inspiration for this series? 

“I created that work for my daughter. She’s nearly eleven now but when I started that series, she was eight. And she was at that stage in her life where her opinions and world views were being formed. She was seeing herself as the brown girl with the dark skin in her group of friends at school. You know that age where you start noticing your own differences and start questioning them. 

I have been through that. I have always been a very short person growing up in India where the standard of feminine beauty is so markedly cast out that you cannot be an inch more or less than that standard or else you will be “ugly.” So, I was an ugly child all along, you know. I just wanted to make sure my daughter doesn’t grow with that binary definition of beauty. Beauty is just so, so much more than [that]. Beauty is inclusive. Beauty is unique. Beauty is in differences. That’s what inspired me to create this series.”

Was there a particularly stand out memory of the creation of this series? 

“Every single session done as part of this series was memorable. I learned and continue to learn so much. It has helped break down my own preconceptions about the world and how and what it should be like.”

What was your most challenging moment during the creation of this series? 

“The first day of reaching out to the first participant. That first step in the direction of implementation from the conception stage was by far the most challenging. To muster the courage to try and do something entirely different from all my other body of work. I had no clue how the pictures would look. What am I trying to say? Will the person I am reaching out to reply to me as well or not? I was so damn scared.”

Did you ever worry about portraying these sitters due to the biases attached to them? How did you tackle the ethics of this project?

“It was hard. It continues to be hard. I had a million questions in my mind, and I had no one to help me with the answers. I was taking a huge chance, and I was also dragging someone with me into it. My worry was that I am trying to talk about differences and that is not “normal” in photography. Photographers capture “beauty” in the standard definition of that word. But my worry was will I be able to say what I want to say in the right manner. Will I also be able to do it in a collaborative way making sure the person whose story is being narrated has 100 percent agency to decide how their narrative should be showcased? And will I be able keep my personal agendas and vanity out of this project? Because this work is not about me. It is about them, the “other.” So, I always apologised. I stayed humble. I stayed a student, a learner, all along the making of this series. I left my ego and my hunger for more Instagram post likes and more personal recognition out of the door when I went in to meet the participants for this series. I became a medium through which they tell their story in their own way.”

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How do you stay motivated and continue to evolve in your practice?

“I just don’t know how to be anything else other than be this person who continues to create. My work is changing every single day, but I think evolving is the only way I know to exist.”

Have you ever found it challenging to develop a relationship between yourself and your sitter? If so, how did you overcome this, and what advice would you give to beginner portrait photographers? 

“Never. I just go in with my guard down. I stay vulnerable. I don’t judge. I don’t expect. I just ask and allow for them to talk for as long as they want to. People forget to ask questions. As humans we are natural talkers. Everyone has so much to say, we are so desperate to talk that we forget to be a listener. To my fellow portrait photographers, if I have any advice at all to give then it’s just this… be a listener.”

If you could give yourself from ten years ago one piece of advice, what would it be?

“Great question, I think it would be to take more risks [and] invest more back into my business. I was just so happy to bring money on the table back then and I was a new mother, I wanted to give my daughter experiences and in that, I chose to not invest back in the business. That’s important. While we are artists, we must learn to also be shrewd businesspeople. Artists are eccentric beings, and so is our industry. Work is never consistent so it’s important to make sure we are making judicious business decisions in good times to protect ourselves from fair-weather days.”

If you’re looking to take your family portraiture to the next level and learn about everything that comes with being a professional family portrait photographer, check out the Fine Art Family Portraiture Course.

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In this blog, we'll explore 10 of the most influential portrait photographers and the iconic images that made them famous.

What is Fine Art Portrait Photography?

Fine art portrait photography focuses on artistic expression rather than simply recording a person’s appearance. Photographers use lighting, composition and symbolism to create portraits that tell a story or evoke emotion. Many famous portrait photographers have blurred the line between traditional portraiture and fine art portrait photography, producing images that feel closer to paintings or gallery pieces than simple photographs.

Famous Portrait Photographer: Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz is widely regarded as one of the most famous portrait photographers of our time. Her work spans celebrity portraits, fashion photography, and editorial photography, with fine art portrait photography, using elaborate lighting and conceptual staging to create iconic images. Her ability to capture the essence of her subjects, whether it's a famous actor or a world leader, is unparalleled.

Leibovitz began her career as a staff photographer for Rolling Stone magazine in the early 1970s. Her talent for capturing the essence of the counter-culture and music scene quickly propelled her to prominence in the world of photography.

Most Famous Work: "John Lennon and Yoko Ono" (1980) - This iconic photograph, taken just hours before John Lennon's tragic death, features the couple in a tender and intimate embrace. It has become an enduring symbol of love and loss.

Early Life and Education

Annie Leibovitz developed an interest in the arts at an early age. She attended the San Francisco Art Institute, where she studied painting. However, her passion for visual storytelling soon led her to photography. While still a student, Leibovitz's talent caught the attention of Rolling Stone magazine, ultimately leading to her first job as a staff photographer for the publication.

Rolling Stone Era: Leibovitz's early work at Rolling Stone in the 1970s marked the beginning of her illustrious career. She quickly became the chief photographer for the magazine, capturing the cultural and political zeitgeist of the time. Her ability to intimately connect with her subjects, often musicians and counterculture figures, resulted in iconic images that defined an era. Notable works from this period include her intimate portraits of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, often cited as some of the most memorable images in rock and roll history.

Signature Style

Leibovitz's style evolved as she transitioned to Vanity Fair in the 1980s. Her work at the magazine expanded beyond music, incorporating Hollywood celebrities, politicians, and cultural figures. Her visually stunning and often provocative portraits continued to make a significant impact, earning her a reputation as a master of contemporary portraiture.

Awards and Recognition

Annie Leibovitz's contributions to photography have earned her numerous accolades, including the title of a Living Legend by the Library of Congress. She has received the Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, one of France's highest honours.

Famous Portrait Photographer: Richard Avedon

Richard Avedon's minimalist and bold style is celebrated in the world of fashion and portrait photography. His influential work for publications like Harper's Bazaar and Vogue redefined how we perceive beauty in fashion photography and in fine art portrait photography.

Avedon's interest in photography developed during his time in the Merchant Marine during World War II. After the war, he studied photography under Alexey Brodovitch, the influential art director of Harper's Bazaar.

Most Famous Work: "Dovima with Elephants" (1955) - Avedon's striking fashion portrait of model Dovima amidst elephants at a circus is a legendary image in the fashion world, known for its elegance and surrealism.

Early Life and Education

Family Background: Richard Avedon grew up in a family involved in the fashion business. His father owned a women's specialty store, providing Avedon with early exposure to the world of fashion and style.

Education: Avedon attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, where he showed an early interest in photography. He later studied at Columbia University but left before completing his degree to pursue a career in photography.

Early Career - Apprenticeship: Avedon started his career as an advertising photographer and quickly gained attention for his innovative approach. He honed his skills working as a photographer in the Merchant Marine during World War II.

Harper's Bazaar: A turning point in Avedon's career came in 1945 when he was hired as a staff photographer for Harper's Bazaar. His work with the magazine introduced a fresh and dynamic style to fashion photography and fine art portrait photography.

Impact on Portraiture

Environmental Portraits: Avedon is credited with popularizing environmental portraiture, capturing subjects in their natural surroundings. This approach humanized his subjects, whether they were celebrities or everyday people.

Intimate Celebrity Portraits: Avedon's celebrity portraits, often featured in Vogue and other prominent publications, were known for their intimacy and ability to reveal the personality of the subject. Notable subjects include Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Andy Warhol.

Awards and Recognition

Avedon's work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums worldwide. He received numerous awards, including the International Centre of Photography's Master of Photography Award in 1993.

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Famous Portrait Photographer: Diane Arbus

Diane Arbus had a unique and thought-provoking approach to fine art portrait photography. Her photographs often depicted people on the fringes of society, challenging societal norms and perceptions of beauty. Her work is both haunting and captivating.

Diane Arbus's photography journey began when she and her husband, Allan Arbus, started working together as fashion photographers. Her interest in photographing people on the fringes of society developed later in her career.

Most Famous Work: "Identical Twins, Roselle, New Jersey" (1967) - This haunting image of two identical twin sisters became an iconic representation of the complexity of identity and human connection.

Early Life and Education

Privileged Background: Diane Arbus grew up in a privileged environment in New York City. Her family owned Russek's, a prominent department store, providing her with financial security but also a sense of social isolation.

Artistic Beginnings: Arbus's interest in photography began when she received her first camera from her husband, Allan Arbus. The couple initially worked together in a commercial photography business.

Studies with Lisette Model: Arbus studied photography with Lisette Model, a photographer known for her candid and empathetic approach. Model's influence played a crucial role in shaping Arbus's distinctive style.

Signature Style

Documentary Style: Arbus's work is often categorized as documentary or street photography. Her photographs have a raw and unfiltered quality, capturing subjects in their natural environments.

Fringe Communities: Arbus became known for her exploration of marginalized and unconventional communities. She photographed individuals who lived on the outskirts of societal norms, including circus performers, transgender people, and those with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Awards and Recognition

Diane Arbus's work gained even greater recognition after her death by suicide in 1971. The controversial nature of her subjects, combined with her unique approach, contributed to her enduring influence on contemporary photography.

Posthumous retrospectives of Arbus's work have been held at major institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Her impact on the art world extends beyond photography, influencing artists and filmmakers alike.

Famous Portrait Photographer: Irving Penn

Irving Penn was a master of studio portrait photography. He had an incredible knack for capturing the essence of his subjects, whether they were celebrities or everyday people. His meticulously crafted compositions and use of light set new standards in the industry.

Penn initially worked as a graphic designer and assistant art director at Harper's Bazaar. His career in photography began when he was asked to assist with cover illustrations for the magazine, and he soon transitioned to photography.

Most Famous Work: "Mouth (for L'Oréal)" (1986) - Penn's meticulous attention to detail is evident in this close-up portrait of a woman's lips, showcasing his mastery of studio lighting and composition.

Early Life and Education

Artistic Beginnings: Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, Penn's interest in the arts began at an early age. He attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art (now the University of the Arts) and later studied under Alexey Brodovitch, the influential art director at Harper's Bazaar.

Fashion Photography at Vogue: Penn's career took off when he joined Vogue magazine in 1943. His innovative and elegant fashion photography quickly gained attention, and he soon became the chief photographer for the magazine.

Signature Style

Environmental Portraiture: Penn was a pioneer in environmental portraiture, capturing his subjects in carefully constructed and controlled settings. This approach allowed him to reveal the character of the individual within the context of their environment.

"Small Trades" (1950s): In his "Small Trades" series, Penn photographed workers from various trades in New York, London, and Paris. The series showcased his ability to humanize his subjects and celebrate the dignity of labour.

Awards and Recognition

Penn's work has been exhibited in major museums worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the National Portrait Gallery in London. Retrospectives of his career have highlighted the breadth and significance of his contributions.

Throughout his career, Penn received numerous awards and honours, including the Centenary Medal from the Royal Photographic Society. His impact on the fashion and photography industries has been widely acknowledged.

Famous Portrait Photographer: Steve McCurry

Steve McCurry's powerful portraits often capture the human spirit in its most raw and authentic form. He's known for his iconic "Afghan Girl" photograph, which has become an emblem of modern photojournalism.

McCurry's love for photography grew while he was traveling in India, where he picked up a camera and began documenting the people and cultures he encountered. His early experiences as a freelance photographer in South Asia shaped his distinctive style.

Most Famous Work: "Afghan Girl" (1984) - The piercing green eyes of the Afghan girl on the cover of National Geographic became one of the most recognizable and powerful portraits in photojournalism.

Early Life and Education

Inspiration from Childhood: McCurry developed an interest in photography during his childhood. He was inspired by the images in Life magazine and National Geographic, sparking a passion for visual storytelling.

Formal Education: McCurry planned to study cinematography at Pennsylvania State University, instead achieved a degree in theatre and arts. His formal education laid the foundation for his understanding of composition, lighting, and the visual narrative.

Early Career and Breakthrough: McCurry's breakthrough came when he crossed the border from Pakistan into Afghanistan in 1979, just before the Soviet invasion. His images of the conflict were published in National Geographic, establishing him as a prominent photojournalist.

Signature Style

Use of Colour: McCurry is known for his masterful use of colour, with vibrant and saturated tones that enhance the emotional impact of his photographs. His images often convey a sense of timelessness and universality.

Portraits and Emotion: McCurry's portraits are characterized by a deep sense of humanity. He has an uncanny ability to capture the raw and authentic emotions of his subjects, whether they are refugees, monks, or everyday people.

Awards and Recognition

McCurry has received numerous awards for his contributions to photojournalism, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal, National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) Magazine Photographer of the Year, and an unprecedented four first prize awards from the World Press Photo contest.

He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Trieste in Italy for his lifetime achievements in photography.

Famous Portrait Photographer: Cindy Sherman

Cindy Sherman is known for her self-portraits in which she transforms herself into different characters and personas. Her work explores the idea of identity and the performative nature of gender and societal roles.

Sherman studied art at Buffalo State College, where she began experimenting with photography as a means of self-expression. Her early work involved using herself as a model, exploring identity and gender roles.

Most Famous Work: "Untitled Film Stills" (1977-1980) - Sherman's entire series of self-portraits in various cinematic roles challenged conventional notions of identity and gender, making her a leading figure in contemporary art.

Early Life and Education

Art Education: Studying at Buffalo State College, Cindyexplored various art forms, including painting, printmaking, and photography. It was during this time that she first experimented with performance art and conceptual photography.

Formative Influences: Sherman's exposure to the burgeoning feminist art movement and postmodern ideas during her formative years greatly influenced her artistic direction. These influences would become evident in her later work.

Signature Style

Transformation and Disguise: Sherman is known for her chameleon-like ability to transform herself using costumes, makeup, and props. Her self-portraits are not traditional representations of the artist but rather explorations of different personas, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

Critique of Media Culture: Sherman's work often engages with the media-saturated culture, deconstructing the imagery found in advertising, film, and television. By appropriating and subverting these visual tropes, she exposes the constructed nature of identity in a world inundated with images.

Awards and Recognition

Sherman has received numerous awards, including the MacArthur Fellowship in 1995, recognizing her exceptional contributions to contemporary art. She has been honoured with major retrospectives at prestigious institutions worldwide.

Famous Portrait Photographer: Yousuf Karsh

Yousuf Karsh was a master of capturing the character and personality of his subjects. His famous portrait of Winston Churchill, where he made the iconic "bulldog" expression, is a testament to his skill in revealing the essence of his sitters.

Karsh's interest in photography was sparked when his uncle, George Nakash, gave him his first camera. He later apprenticed with portrait photographer John Garo in Boston, which marked the beginning of his illustrious career.

Most Famous Work: "Winston Churchill" (1941) - Karsh's portrait of Winston Churchill, where he removed Churchill's cigar and captured a stern expression, became an iconic representation of the British Prime Minister's determination during World War II.

Early Life and Background

Armenian Roots: Yousuf Karsh was born in Mardin, in the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey). His family fled the Armenian Genocide and settled in Canada in 1924. This early experience of displacement and survival deeply influenced Karsh's worldview.

Signature Style

Dramatic Lighting: Karsh's distinctive use of lighting became a hallmark of his style. He often employed dramatic, chiaroscuro lighting, which enhanced the contours of his subjects' faces and created a sense of depth and texture.

Capturing Character: Karsh had a unique ability to capture the character and essence of his subjects. His portraits are characterized by a deep psychological insight, revealing the humanity and complexity of each individual.

Awards and recognition

Yousuf Karsh's work has been exhibited in major galleries and museums worldwide. He published several books, including "Karsh Portfolio" and "Faces of Our Time," which showcase the breadth and depth of his portraiture.

Karsh received numerous awards and honours throughout his career, including the Order of Canada and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His contribution to the art of portraiture has been widely celebrated.

Famous Portrait Photographer: Arnold Newman

Arnold Newman is often considered the father of environmental portraiture. His innovative approach involved placing his subjects within their own environments, creating a more holistic portrayal of their personalities and lives.

Newman's journey into photography started when he worked as an assistant for various portrait studios. He gained experience and honed his skills before becoming a freelance photographer and ultimately pioneering environmental portraiture.

Most Famous Work: "Stravinsky" (1946) - Newman's environmental portrait of composer Igor Stravinsky at his piano in a dimly lit room perfectly captures the essence of the artist and his creative environment.

Early Life and Education

Early Interest in Photography: Born in Manhattan, Newman developed an early interest in photography. He received his first camera at the age of six and began experimenting with photography during his adolescence.

Educational Background: Newman studied at the University of Miami, but was unable to finish as he was not able afford it. Due to this he moved to Philadelphia to work for a studio. The mix of formal education and working in a studio provided him with a solid foundation in artistic principles, which would later influence his approach to photography.

Signature Style

Environmental Portraiture: Newman's innovative use of environmental portraiture involved placing his subjects within their workspaces or personal environments. This approach aimed to reveal not just the physical features of the individual but also their personality and the context of their lives.

Composition and Framing: Newman was known for his meticulous attention to composition. His use of framing and geometric shapes within the frame added a visual sophistication to his portraits. He often employed close-up shots, focusing on the subject's face and expression.

Awards and Recognition

Guggenheim Fellowship: Newman was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1948, which allowed him to travel and photograph influential individuals in the arts and sciences.

Lifetime Achievement: Over the course of his career, Newman received numerous awards, including the Lucie Award for Lifetime Achievement in Portrait Photography in 2005.

Famous Portrait Photographer: Gordon Parks

Parks became the first African American photographer for Life magazine in the 1940s. His documentary-style portraits of marginalized communities and his coverage of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States made him a ground-breaking figure in both photography and social justice. Parks' work continues to inspire photographers and advocates for social change around the world.

A true Renaissance man, he ventured into photography after an early career in music and fashion.

Most Famous Work: “The Fontenelle Family." This photo essay, published in 1968, documented the life of the Fontenelle family, a poverty-stricken family living in Harlem, New York. The series of photographs captured the daily struggles and triumphs of the Fontenelle family, shedding light on the harsh realities of poverty and inequality in America.

Early Life and Education

Early Struggles: Gordon Parks was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, in 1912, and grew up in poverty. His early life was marked by challenges, including the death of his mother and institutional racism.

Introduction to Photography: In the 1940s, Parks found solace in photography, teaching himself the craft with a second-hand camera. His talent was soon recognized, and he began working as a photographer, capturing images that conveyed both the struggles and joys of everyday life.

Film and Directing

Film Directorial Debut - "The Learning Tree" (1969): Parks transitioned into filmmaking and directed "The Learning Tree," making history as the first major Hollywood studio film directed by an African American. The film, based on Parks' semi-autobiographical novel, explored racial tensions in a small Kansas town.

"Shaft" (1971): Parks directed the iconic film "Shaft," a groundbreaking work in the genre of Blaxploitation. The film, with its memorable soundtrack by Isaac Hayes, became a cultural phenomenon and further showcased Parks' versatility as an artist.

Awards and recognition

Parks continued to produce influential work, including photographs, books, and films, throughout his career. His works were exhibited in major galleries and museums, and he received numerous awards for his contributions to the arts and civil rights.

Founding the Gordon Parks Foundation

In 2006, the Gordon Parks Foundation was established to preserve and promote Parks' artistic and humanitarian legacy. The foundation continues to support artists and organizations that align with Parks' commitment to social justice.

Famous Portrait Photographer: Sally Mann

Sally Mann's work explores themes of family, childhood, and the American South. Her intimate portraits of her own children are both nostalgic and provocative, challenging our perceptions of innocence and vulnerability.

Mann was introduced to photography by her father, who encouraged her interest in photography; his 5x7 camera became the basis of her use of large format cameras today. Her early work focused on her immediate family, setting the stage for her later career.

Most Famous Work: "Immediate Family" (1992) Series of works - Mann's controversial yet deeply personal photographs of her own children in various states of play and contemplation challenge our perceptions of childhood and innocence.

Early Life and Education

Virginia Roots: Sally Mann was born in Lexington, Virginia, and grew up surrounded by the landscapes and traditions of the American South. The influence of the Southern environment would later become a significant theme in her work.

Artistic Education: Mann graduated from The Putney School in 1969 and attended Bennington College and Friends World College. She earned a BA, summa cum laude, from Hollins College (now Hollins University) in 1974 and a MA in creative writing in 1975.

Signature style

Wet Plate Collodion Process: Mann often employs the wet plate collodion process, an early photographic technique that involves creating images on glass or metal plates coated with collodion. This labour-intensive process contributes to the unique and timeless quality of her photographs.

Exploration of Imperfections: Mann embraces imperfections and unpredictability’s in her work. The flaws and artefacts introduced by the wet plate collodion process add a distinctive and painterly quality to her images.

Awards and Recognition

Guggenheim Fellowship: Mann received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1987 for her exceptional contributions to photography. The fellowship allowed her to continue her exploration of the Southern landscape and its cultural complexities.

Numerous Honours: Mann has received numerous awards and honours for her work, including the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and the International Centre of Photography's Infinity Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Notable mention – Mark McGee

Mark McGee is a London-based portrait photographer and content creator renowned for his cinematic approach to photography. With over 15 years of experience, McGee has developed a distinctive style that blends dramatic lighting and dynamic composition, often likened to scenes from a film.

Most Famous Work: One of McGee's memorable projects involved photographing television actor Eliza Butterworth in a London theatre auditorium, combining his passions for photography and the performing arts. This shoot exemplified his ability to merge different creative disciplines seamlessly.

Early Life and Education

Mark McGee's journey into photography began with a passion for the visual arts. He pursued formal education in photography, completing a postgraduate program at The British Academy of Photography. Over the past 15 years, he has specialized in portrait photography, working with a diverse clientele that includes actors, models, musicians, and brands. His work is characterized by a cinematic flair, often drawing inspiration from film and theatre.

Artistic Style & Approach:

McGee's portraits are noted for their dynamic composition and dramatic lighting, creating images that resemble stills from a movie. He employs tools like Capture One, Photoshop, and Affinity Photo to enhance his photographs, emphasizing the importance of light and composition in his work.

Educational Endeavours:

Beyond his photography practice, McGee is an active educator. He runs a YouTube channel, "Mark McGee Photos," where he shares tutorials, behind-the-scenes content, and insights into his creative process. His channel has amassed over 330,000 subscribers, reflecting his influence and reach within the photography community.

Want to learn how Mark McGee takes his professional portraits, check out our course below:

From our course:

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Conclusion

These ten famous portrait photographers have each left an indelible mark on the world of photography. Their innovative approaches, unique styles, and ability to capture the essence of their subjects have shaped the art of portraiture and continue to inspire photographers and artists worldwide.

Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply appreciate the power of a compelling portrait, these photographers are definitely worth knowing and studying. Their work serves as a testament to the enduring beauty and impact of portrait photography.

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In this blog, we will explore how photography can be a therapeutic outlet, allowing individuals to express their emotions, find inner peace, and embark on a journey of self-discovery.

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Self-expression and Emotional Release

Photography serves as a powerful medium for self-expression. When words are insufficient to convey our thoughts and feelings, a photograph can communicate the unspoken.

Through photography, we can explore and share our innermost emotions, capturing both the light and the shadows within us. This process can be incredibly cathartic, enabling us to release pent-up emotions, reduce stress, and achieve a sense of emotional balance.

Mindfulness and Present-Moment Awareness

Photography has the unique ability to cultivate mindfulness and present-moment awareness. When we engage in photography, we become fully immersed in the present, noticing the details, textures, and colours of our surroundings.

By focusing our attention on the act of composing a shot, adjusting camera settings, or patiently waiting for the perfect moment, we can temporarily set aside worries and anxieties, experiencing a state of flow and tranquillity. The practice of mindfulness through photography promotes relaxation, enhances concentration, and encourages us to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.

Finding Beauty in the Ordinary

Life is filled with countless mundane moments that often go unnoticed. However, through the lens of a camera, even the simplest of scenes can be transformed into extraordinary works of art.

Engaging in photography encourages us to seek beauty in unexpected places, to observe our surroundings with a fresh perspective. This shift in perception allows us to develop a greater appreciation for the world around us and find joy in the ordinary.

By training our eyes to see the extraordinary in the everyday, we can cultivate a positive mindset and enhance our overall sense of well-being.

Connection and Community

Photography is not only an individual pursuit but also a means of connecting with others who share a passion for this art form.

Joining photography communities, attending workshops, or participating in photo walks can provide a sense of belonging and foster supportive relationships. These connections allow us to learn from others, exchange ideas, and gain inspiration. Engaging in photography with like-minded individuals can alleviate feelings of isolation, boost self-confidence, and encourage personal growth.

Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

Photography provides a mirror through which we can explore our own identities and life experiences. The act of photographing allows us to capture fragments of our journey, documenting our growth, challenges, and triumphs.

When reviewing our images, we gain a fresh perspective on our lives, discovering patterns, themes, and insights that may have otherwise eluded us. Photography becomes a tool for self-reflection, encouraging personal growth and facilitating a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Types of photography that can be helpful

There are various types of photography that can be particularly helpful for mental health. Here are a few examples:

Nature and wildlife photography

Nature and wildlife photography deepens your connection with the natural world. It allows you to observe and capture the beauty, diversity, and intricate details of plants, animals, landscapes, and ecosystems. This process of observation and documentation cultivates a sense of wonder, appreciation, and reverence for nature. It reminds us of our place within the larger web of life, fostering a deeper connection to the environment and promoting a sense of harmony and interdependence.

Macro Photography

Macro photography involves capturing close-up images of small subjects, revealing intricate details that are often overlooked. Engaging in macro photography can be a meditative experience, as it requires focused attention and patience. It encourages you to slow down, observe the minute wonders of the world, and appreciate the beauty in the tiniest of things. By exploring the microcosm, macro photography can provide a sense of awe and wonder, fostering a deep sense of calm and mindfulness.

Portrait Photography

Portrait photography involves capturing the essence and emotions of individuals. It can be a powerful tool for self-expression and self-reflection. By photographing yourself or others, you can explore and convey different aspects of personality, emotions, and relationships. Through the process of capturing portraits, you may gain a better understanding of yourself and the people around you. It can also facilitate a sense of connection and empathy when photographing others, fostering a sense of community and personal growth.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photography is a powerful medium that allows us to capture and preserve the beauty of the natural world. It provides opportunities for personal growth, connection with nature, mindfulness, and storytelling.

Remember, the most important aspect is to choose a type of photography that resonates with you personally. It's about finding joy, meaning, and a sense of fulfilment through the act of capturing images. Explore different genres, experiment, and allow photography to become a tool for self-care, self-expression, and personal growth.

Anyone can do photography

Photography is a versatile and accessible medium that can be enjoyed and utilized by anyone, regardless of skill level or equipment.

You don't need to be a professional photographer or have extensive technical knowledge to benefit from photography. It's a medium that welcomes beginners and experts alike. Whether you use a smartphone, a point-and-shoot camera, or a more advanced DSLR, the act of capturing moments can still bring about a sense of joy, fulfilment, and improved well-being. Photography is about personal expression and exploration, so embrace your creativity and don't be afraid to experiment.

Remember, the goal of using photography for mental health is not to produce perfect images but to engage in a process that brings you joy, helps you express yourself, and allows you to connect with the present moment. So, grab your camera or smartphone, step outside, and let photography become a therapeutic and fulfilling practice that supports your mental well-being.

Starting out in Photography

Photography is not just about the end result but also about the experience itself. Enjoy the process of capturing moments, exploring your creativity, and immersing yourself in the present moment. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and experiment. The joy and fulfillment you find in photography will be a reflection of your personal journey.

Starting with photography is an ongoing learning process. Embrace the learning curve, have fun, and allow your passion to guide you. With practice, patience, and a sense of curiosity, you'll continue to grow and evolve as a photographer.

Remember that the camera is not merely a tool, but a catalyst for exploration, self-expression, and connection. It empowers you to see the world differently, be more present, and engage with your environment in a meaningful way.

Conclusion

In a world where mental health is a growing concern, photography offers a therapeutic outlet that can have a profound impact on our well-being. Through self-expression, mindfulness, finding beauty in the ordinary, connection with others, and self-reflection, we can harness the transformative power of photography to promote mental wellness, reduce stress, and foster personal growth.

So, pick up a camera, embark on a photographic journey, and allow the art of capturing moments to become your pathway to inner peace.😊

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While AI photography can produce visually impressive results, it differs fundamentally from traditional photography. Traditional photography relies on a camera capturing real light and moments, whereas many AI-generated images are created from algorithms and text prompts rather than direct photographic input. This distinction is central to the ongoing debate around AI photography vs traditional photography, and why many photographers view AI as a creative tool rather than a replacement.

Many creatives are saying that ai photography could disrupt professional photography, blurring the line between machine-generated imagery and human-captured visuals. This includes discussions around AI-enhanced photography, automation in photo editing, and AI photography tools that speed up workflows.

The future of ai photography will likely be shaped by advances in AI photography tools, camera manufacturer innovations, and ongoing debates about creative control and ethical usage. While some argue AI will replace certain tasks in photography, many professionals believe AI should be used to enhance creativity rather than supplant the photographer’s role.

concept image illustrating ai photography and modern image creation

Photography and AI: Understanding AI Photography

I have studied the history of photography for many years and that moment when Eldagsen’s AI generated picture was entered and won I knew it was going to be a pivotal moment in the history of photography. I can tell you for sure that in 10, 20, 30 or 50 years we will be talking about that one moment, so thank you Boris, all photographers around the world thank you.

Now let's talk about what an AI image is. Quite simply you tell a computer what to create and it creates it.  There's been a couple of interesting videos that I have watched over the past week, one in particular was a Sky News Report with a wildlife photographer called Tim Flack. He was Seeing if people can you tell the difference between two tiger faces. One was a real picture, and one was an artificially intelligent created one picture.

So, I got everyone in the office here, there's four of us in and we all looked at these pictures of the tiger's faces. Half of us chose one and half of us chose the other one. Now that clearly tells you that AI is brilliant at creating realistic imagery. Go back a couple of months and it was easy to tell an AI image, but it's not now.

I also watched another YouTube video from a YouTuber called Terry White. He does a lot of adobe product tutorials. It's very good and he was demonstrating Adobe's firefly, which is Adobe's AI image generator, and he had an image that he took of Horseshoe’s Bend in Arizona. The sky was not good on that picture, right now of course you've got Sky replacement in Photoshop, so arguably we've had AI for a little while, but not like this. What he did was went onto Adobe's AI generated image and he typed in the Horseshoe Arizona in April at 8:00 PM sunset and he got the exact sunset at that time of the year in that exact place and then he used Photoshop’s sky replacement to put that sky onto his image and when you think about things like this it’s mind-blowing.

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AI Photography: Historical Comparisons with the Invention of Photography

I’m now going to discuss the comparisons. There are loads of people out there going, ‘oh it's just like the invention of Photography to painting’. No, it’s not let's think about this, in the 1840s photography was invented and you know painters of the time were worried it would take their work away.

Well, it's a totally different thing, a painting is different to a photograph and when we go back to that period, photographers were limited to a size, they couldn't do big paintings and they were black and white or sepia, they didn't have colour. It really isn't comparable to say it was like the invention of Photography to painting back in 1840.

There was a good hundred years of black and white photos vs paintings of colour, there was a clear distinction for a long period. I don't know the exact dates but you're looking at 1940 for colour photography and really before it became popular colour photography, you're looking at the 1970s, so you know you had all that time when it was a clear distinction between a painting and a photograph.

Another comparison that's been bouncing around is when digital photography took over. Again, it's not comparable because literally you went from capturing light on a film to capturing light on a digital chip. There is digital manipulation that's been going on for the last 10 or 20 years and that's a slight comparison because you know you can obviously change your images, retouch skin, but then you know when it even comes to retouching skin and adjusting images that was done for hundreds of years as well with film and dark room.

All that kind of stuff, so you can't even really say that that's comparable because you still need a picture to start with and then adapt afterwards. AI imagery is new it's not comparable with anything that we've had before. You tell a computer to generate something, and it generates it. You don't need a camera you don't need to go outside it will do it for you and it will look realistic. This is completely new hence why you cannot compare, artificial intelligence it is a pivotal moment in photography.

AI Photography: Understanding AI’s Impact on Photography

Now let's talk about how it's going to affect you if you are earning money as a photographer. let's take the wildlife photographer that was on the sky news report as an example. People pay him for his Wildlife photos. It takes a lot of effort and skill, lots of practice a lot of experience goes into getting them.

You know brilliant Wildlife pictures, let's take the picture of the tiger face, there are companies out there that pay for that picture to put on magazine, to use for advertising. I mean that's the big one really that's where the big money comes in. well, they don't need to pay you anymore and if a company can save money, they're going to save money. They can now go on to an AI service, type in tiger's face and Wallop, it comes up and it looks pristine they can type in tiger's face at sunset tiger's face looking off into the distance, tiger's face looking at me.

All these things the computer will generate it and clearly, we've proved it in the office here that you cannot tell the difference between the AI and the real thing. That photographer has lost that sale they've lost that money.

Let's talk about just advertising, photographers in general, you've got companies that employ photographers to take pictures of things for advertising. I don't know let's take Arizona desert, now you can generate that image, you can generate that Horseshoe Bend image if you need that image, you can get it.

Like Terry White’s sunset, sunrise, this angle, up high, down low, whatever you can generate it on a computer, and it will look just as good as anyone taking the picture. So, why on God's Earth would that company pay a photographer to go to Arizona to get those shots when they can just type it in onto an AI service and get a realistic Image which will be exactly what they're looking for. Like I said at the beginning, it is a game changer for photography.

This is where things change. Now clearly when it comes to taking a photograph, what AI can't do is take the fun out of going and taking a photograph right so, I'd like to think that The School of Photography is safe because you know we teach people to go out and take photographs and enjoy that process.

However, then it might do because part of the process of enjoying photography is to post it on social media so that your followers can see it and they can appreciate the effort that you've put in to climb a mountain and getting that sunset image, at the perfect time perfect and conditions Etc.

You know, well we all know how hard it is to get. You do it you learn photography you go out you get that shot you put it on the internet, and someone goes is this AI generated? That is going to hurt you. It is going to hurt because people are going to think that the most perfect brilliant images are AI generated so it could well affect the learning photography industry.

The one industry that I think would probably be safe is portraiture because I'm sure if I typed in ‘create a lovely portrait of Mark Newton’, it wouldn't be able to do it well, actually you never know, but it might pull Mark Newton from somewhere in Australia or something like that but you know you'd like to think that the portraiture industry is safe.

I think it’s going to change everything, like I said it's only been a couple of months between when you could tell If it was an AI generated image to now when you're going ‘what I can't I literally can't tell’.

The Dark Side of AI Photography

Now I want to talk to you about a kind of dark side of this whole technology and that is that they are using my images and your images without you even knowing. They've scraped the whole internet and all those people that have been good like me and added keywords to their images, you know London at night under Millennium Bridge, the keyword will help AI to scrape the from the internet and you will never know whether it's been your image or not it's been done to.

There is a lot of money now to be made from AI, you must subscribe to these services, and you know then you can generate the text that you want, you can generate the images that you want, you can generate movies now, little movie clips you can AI generate.

Conclusion: The Future of AI Photography

This all stems from this artist Boris Eldagsen winning in the Sony World photography Award. One of the biggest in the whole world. Eldagsen needs absolute massive praise for this, and I just want to reiterate that this is different to anything before. It can't be compared to anything.

This is a really important time in the history of photography. I've studied the history of photography for many years I can tell you now, I absolutely promise you, watch or read this blog and video in five- or ten-years’ time and you'll be going, he was right. This point now, right now this is the changing point, and it will go down in history.

What is AI photography?

AI photography refers to the use of artificial intelligence in the creation, enhancement, or editing of images. This can include AI-generated images created from prompts, as well as AI tools that assist photographers with tasks like editing, upscaling, noise reduction, or image analysis. Unlike traditional photography, AI photography does not always rely on a camera capturing real light at the moment the image is created.

How is AI photography different from traditional photography?

Traditional photography is created by a camera capturing real light from a scene at a specific moment in time. AI photography, on the other hand, may generate or modify images using algorithms and training data rather than direct photographic input. While traditional photography depends on the photographer’s timing, composition, and technical skill, AI photography often relies on software-driven processes, raising questions about creativity, authorship, and ethics.

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About the author

Hi, I’m Marc Newton and I’m a photographer, educational speaker, author, teacher of photography and the founder of The School of Photography. Follow my personal work on Facebook, Instagram.

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About the Tutor

Hi, I’m Marc Newton and I’m a photographer, educational speaker, author, teacher of photography and the founder of The School of Photography. Follow my personal work on Facebook and Instagram.

This year’s final shortlist of photographs showcases the biggest mix of animals seen in the competition to date. The final 42 images, plus the Portfolio and Video category entries from around the world include a laughing vine snake from India, a trio of strutting Gentoo penguins on the beaches of the Falkland Islands and a Kangaroo performing a picture-perfect Pavarotti impersonation in Australia

The Category and Overall Winners will be announced on October 22nd with the top image winning an incredible one-week safari with Alex Walker's Serian in the Masai Mara, Kenya as well as a unique handmade trophy from the Art Garage in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 

Here at TSOP we’ve made a selection of some of the images from the shortlist. Enjoy these fantastic pictures and tell us what you think in the comments below.

Mr. Giggles

©Martina-Novotna

Grey seal pup appears to be giggling. I loved the expression captured. It looks so human-like. I was lying on a rocky beach for hours, as motionlessly as possible, patiently waiting for seal life to unfold around me. This seal pup came onto the shore for a bit of rest and ended up sleeping on its chosen rock for hours before the incoming tide forced it to move more inland. Occasionally, it would stretch and yawn and it was one of the yawns that led to this expression, looking as if the seal was giggling.

The Green Stylist

©Gurumoorthy K

Draw me like one of your French Bears

©Wenona Suydam

This young Kodiak Brown Bear sauntered down the riverbed and stopped across from me. She proceeded to start making herself a bear bed pulling back the sand with her gigantic claws. Once she had her bed just how she wanted it she laid down, rolled over on her back and started smiling and me! And she didn't stop smiling! I would have to say she was the most provacative bear I had ever seen!

Laughing Snake

©Aditya Kshirsagar

Vine snakes are very commonly seen snakes in the western ghats of India. When approached they show aggression by opening their mouth wide open. Nothing to scare of this beautiful harmless Vine snake. I was happy to find it and smiling and It looks like he was smiling back at me.

Leaning Post

©Andy Parkinson

A young cub decides to use his patient mother as a leaning post, the birds in the trees requiring closer inspection.

Bald Eagle

©Arthur Trevino

When this Bald Eagle missed on its attempt to grab this prairie dog, the prairie dog jumped towards the eagle and startled it long enough to escape to a nearby burrow. A real David vs Goliath story!

Time for School

©Chee Kee Teo

A smooth-coated otter "bit" its baby otter to bring it back to and fro for swimming lesson.

The Photo-Bombing Wave

©Cheryl Strahl

Polar Bear mom and cubs frolicked in the icy waters of the Arctic. They kept dipping under the water and once came up together with this amusing pose. A tender moment is shared by mom and one cub while the other photo-bombs with a wave to the onlookers. Or, it sure looked like a wave.....

See who jumps high

©ChI Han Lin

The Baboon who feels like a tenor

©Clemence Guinard

Resting with its pack, down a road in the saudi arabian mountains, this Hamadryas baboon started to yawn. But the graceful position of its paws, its fluffy cape, its eyes looking like it put some makeup. In front of the camera, this Baboon was on stage, ready to please its public and to start its tenor's solo.

Monkey riding a giraffe

©Dirk Jan Steehouwer

During a game drive we found a group of monkeys playing around with each other, jumping up and down from a bare branch.It was a joy to watch. After a while I saw a giraffe coming from the right. By the moment the giraffe did pass the branch, one of the monkeys was on his post to ride the giraffe :-)

Treehugger

©Jakub Hodan

This Proboscis monkey could be just scratching its nose on the rough bark, or it could be kissing it. Trees play a big role in the lives of monkeys. Who are we to judge...

Ouch!

©Ken Jensen

A golden silk monkey in Yunnan China - this is actually a show of aggression however in the position that the monkey is in it looks quite painful!

Peek-a-boo

©Pal Marchhart

A young bear descending from a tree looks like he/she is playing hide and seek.

Sweet lips are for kissing!

©Philipp Stahr

This picture was taken at Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean. Usually, box fishes are difficult to take pictures of, since they do not have a problem of a diver coming close, but if you show interest, they always turn the back and not the face to you. That's why I tried to swim 0.5m above the fish and showing no interest at all to him. The same time I had my camera not in front of me, but below at my chest pointing to the bottom. When the right moment had come, I turned the camera 90 degrees to the front and just point and shoot, hoping to have the fish in focus. Never expected to have its beautiful lips that close!

I got you

©Roland Kranitz

I spent my days in my usual "gopher place" and yet again, these funny little animals haven't belied their true nature.

Dancing Away to Glory

©Sarosh Lodhi

A young langur sways its body to give an impression that its dancing.

Smoked Deer for Dinner

©Siddhant Agrawal

I have been following the family of a tigress called Paaro in India's Jim Corbett National Park for many years. This is her daughter who has stood on her hind limbs to be able to scratch her face with a log. But, it appears as if she is carrying the log on her shoulders.

For more information on the competition click here.

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She was born on the 21st of April 1926, in Mayfair, London. In 1947, she married Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, with whom she had four children: Charles, Prince of Wales; Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.

On the 5th June 2022 she became the first British monarch to celebrate a platinum jubilee after 70 years on the throne. In 2017, she became the first British monarch to reach a Sapphire Jubilee. In 2021, after 73 years of marriage, Prince Philip sadly died at the age of 99, after which she became the first British monarch to reign as a widow or widower since Queen Victoria.

She is the longest-lived and longest-reigning British monarch. She is the longest-serving female head of state in world history, the world's oldest living monarch, the longest-reigning current monarch, and oldest and longest-serving current head of state.

We have put together a selection of photos of the Queen to celebrate her life.

Princess Elizabeth laying a wreath on the Cenotaph during the Remembrance Day Service in Whitehall, London, November 9th, 1947.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Coronation portrait, June 1953, London, England in 1953.

Sir Walter Jackson Cooper and Queen Elizabeth II in 1954.

Queen Elizabeth at a garden party held in her honour at Home Island in the Cocos Islands, April 1954.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second and his Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, standing on front steps of Parliament House, Canberra 1954. During this visit to Australia, she unveiled the newly completed Australian American Memorial in a ceremony in Canberra on 16 February 1954.

Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Charles, Prince of Wales and Anne, Princess Royal in October 1957.

Photograph of Queen Elizabeth II presenting Althea Gibson with the Venus Rosewater Trophy at the 1957 Wimbledon Women's Singles Championships. Althea Gibson of New York won the women's singles tennis title Saturday at Wimbledon, England.

Official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II before the start of her 1959 tour of the U.S. and Canada as Queen of Canada. She wears a pink dress with the Vladimir Tiara, the Queen Victoria Jubilee Necklace, the blue Garter Riband, Badge and Garter Star and the Royal Family Orders of King George V and King George VI.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip at the opening of the New Zealand Parliament in 1963.

First Lady Betty Ford and Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain Standing in the Queen's Bedroom during a Tour of the White House in 1976.

Photograph of President Gerald Ford dancing with Queen Elizabeth II during a state dinner held in her honour in 1976.

During a speech given by Queen Elizabeth on March 3, 1983 in San Francisco, US President Ronald Reagan was enjoying himself.

Queen Elizabeth II stands with President Ronald Reagan during a ceremony to honour her visit to the West Coast in 1983.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip are pictured relaxing on the grass at a beauty spot in Aberdeenshire in the photo taken by the Countess of Wessex in 2003.

President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush Welcome Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to the White House in 2007 .

Queen Elizabeth II lays a wreath at the Irish War Memorial in Island bridge in May 2011.

The Queen waits on the throne for MPs to arrive in the Lords chamber in 2012.

Elizabeth II at her Birthday Party in 2018 at the Royal Albert Hall, London.

President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump pose for a photo with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II Monday, June 3, 2019, prior to attending a state banquet at Buckingham Palace in London.

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We have put together a selection of photos from the winning categories and the stories behind them.

Professional competition, Portraiture, Photographer of the Year, 2021 - Craig Easton

“Bank Top, a collaboration with writer and academic Abdul Aziz Hafiz, examines the representation and misrepresentation of communities in northern England, and focuses on a tight-knit neighbourhood in Blackburn. Craig Easton notes that Blackburn has become synonymous with the use of words such as segregation (BBC Panorama) and integration (The Casey Review) by the media and policy makers – terms which he believes are too simplistic to explain the challenges faced by such neighbourhoods and towns. His aim with Bank Top is to confront what he sees as dominant discourses in the media which fail to acknowledge the historical legacy and social costs of industrial expansion and colonialism. This long-form collaboration uses the stories and experiences in Bank Top to address wider issues around social deprivation, housing, unemployment, immigration and representation, as well as the impact of past and present foreign policy.”

Open competition, Creative, Open Photographer of the Year, 2021 - Tamary Kudita

“With this image, I wanted to portray a hybrid African-Victorian: my way of probing the stereotypical contextualisation of the black female body. I provide an alternative version of reality, where dualities fuse to create a new visual language. Taking a Victorian dress and merging it with traditional shona cooking utensils was my way of showing a multifaceted identity.”

Youth competition, Composition and Design, Youth Photographer of the Year, 2021- Pubarun Basu

“I created this picture with the idea of representing the feeling of being trapped in a moment, or in one's own reality. I saw the curtains as the fabrics of the space-time continuum, which those two hands fail to break out of. The shadow cast by the parallel railings on to the fabric also gives the impression of a cage, in which the entity is trapped for eternity.”

Student Competition, Student Photographer of the Year, 2021 - Coenraad Heinz Torlage

“I was born on a farm in South Africa, and grew up with cattle, horses, donkeys and chickens, many of which I still own and love to this day. Farming is an intense occupation that requires passion and unwavering dedication. I set out to photograph young people who choose this life because, like me, they believe they have a responsibility. This sits heavily on all of our shoulders. South Africa is an unpredictable land with severe droughts, safety concerns and debates around land ownership. Despite these challenges, young farmers are working toward a fairer and more equitable future of sustainable food security. They are my peers, my friends and my family, and this is our time to feed the nation.”

Professional competition, Architecture & Design, Winner, 2021 - Tomas Vocelka

“The former Drnov military complex has been abandoned for 17 years when two friends, Martin Chlum and Michal Seba, bought the dilapidated facility in order to realise their dream of building a final resting place for pets. Explaining the reason for pursuing this project one of the owners reflects: ‘When my dog died, I found that there weren't any places where I could take him for cremation or burial’. With the help of Czech minimalist architect Petr Hajek they established what is now known as the Eternal Hunting Grounds, a space comprising a mourning hall, a crematorium and approximately 40 hectares of surrounding land where wildlife can thrive.”

Professional competition, Environment, Winner, 2021- Simone Tramonte

“The coronavirus pandemic has led to the most severe economic downturn the world has seen in recent years. However, this crisis also presented countries with an unprecedented opportunity to shift towards sustainable living. Iceland is isolated and challenged by a harsh climate and following the financial crisis in 2008 has successfully transformed its economy through the use of renewable energy. In a few decades, the country moved away from fossil fuels to producing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources. This transition nurtured an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship that grew profitable businesses aiming to make minimal impact on the environment. Thus Iceland has become a global leader in technologies that foster clean energy and emission reduction. This small nation presents many ways in which the global climate crisis can be tackled and is leading the transition to a net-zero sustainable future.”

Professional competition, Creative, Winner, 2021 - Mark Hamilton Gruchy

“This body of work is made up of previously unprocessed images from NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. I have made my own images to express not only contemporary issues but also some that were relevant at the time of the Apollo missions. These are sourced from copyright-free materials that I have repurposed, processed and composited to create a conversation about the unchanging aspect of the Moon contrasted with the Earth, which continues to be a dynamic place where change cannot be prevented. With thanks to NASA and the JPL.”

Professional competition, Wildlife & Nature, Winner, 2021 -Vito Fusco

Series Description: Desert locusts are the most destructive migratory pests in the world. Thriving in moist conditions in semi-arid to arid environments, billions of locusts have been feeding throughout East Africa, devouring everything in their path, and posing a huge threat to the food supply and livelihoods of millions of people. Farmers stand by as armies of ravenous insects eat their crops; meanwhile, herders watch the rangelands stripped bare before their livestock can get to them. Extreme rainfall events and severe weather anomalies have created ideal conditions for locust breeding and feeding. Swarms of desert locusts from the Arabian Peninsula began rampaging across East Africa in early 2020, devouring crop and vegetation where they landed. The crisis reached historic proportions, with 10 countries in the Greater Horn of Africa and Yemen experiencing infestations. Some areas of East Africa, such as Kenya, had not seen such severe desert locust outbreaks in more than 70 years. Covid-19 restrictions have significantly slowed efforts to fight the infestation, as crossing borders has become more difficult, creating delays and disrupting the supply chains of pesticides and products needed to prevent these pests from wiping out vegetation across the region and exposing millions of people to high levels of food insecurity.

Since the awards AI Photography has appeared, which has lead to ethical concerns in AI photography.

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All photographs courtesy 2021 Sony World Photography Awards. Click here to see all the winning images.

I hope you liked blog, please leave us a comment and support us by sharing it with your friends and subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page for more.

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Thanks for watching and remember – Learn more at The School of Photography.

Here at TSOP we’ve made a selection of some of the images from the shortlist. Enjoy these fantastic pictures and tell us what you think in the comments below.

Mario Suarez Porras

Bar-tailed Godwit

This image shows a Bar-tailed Godwit, photographed in the late evening on my local beach at Gijón in northern Spain. Because it was really dark I was able to crawl towards the godwit without causing any disturbance. This beach is a good place for migrant shorebirds, particularly in autumn, and they always provide excellent photographic opportunities. The wet sand framing the godwit looks like it is on fire.

Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 300mm f/2.8 II lens and 1.4x teleconverter. 420mm focal length; 1/5,000th second; f/4; ISO 640.

Brian Matthews

European shag

Is there any food left? In this image, a hungry juvenile Shag literally dives down its mother throat for more fish rather than waiting for it to be fully regurgitated. It was taken on the Farne Islands, one of the most accessible 'Puffin Islands' in the UK. A short boat trip from Seahouses in Northumberland drops you into another world of Puffins, Guillemots and ravenous Shags. Spending time with this family I managed to get some great behavioural shots. The Farne Islands aren't just about Puffins!

Canon 1DX with Canon 500mm f/4 lens. 500mm focal length; 1/1,250th second; f/4; ISO 800

Daniel Zhang

Hamerkop

This photo was taken in Zimanga Private Reserve, South Africa during my summer holiday. I was on a photography trip with my father. Although the toad appeared to be jumping into the hamerkop’s mouth, in reality, the bird was throwing its prey into the air in order to kill it. The toad was also dabbed onto the ground several times by the bird’s beak. I felt very excited to have taken this shot.

Canon EOS 1DX with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 II lens. 164mm focal length; 1/800th second; f/ 5; ISO 20,000.

Daniela Anger

Red-billed oxpecker

In the South Luangwa National Park you can watch a Hippo colony from a water-level hide. In addition to their human admirers, the water-loving mammals also receive a lot of attention from the local Red-billed Oxpeckers who seek a close encounter for more practical reasons. The birds and the Hippos have evolved a symbiotic relationship: the oxpeckers feed on external parasites and the Hippos benefit from the hygienic makeover. This image shows two oxpeckers sitting on a very relaxed Hippo: all parties seem entirely comfortable with the relationship.

Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon 500mm f/4 II lens and 1.4x teleconverter. 700mm focal length; 1/800th second; f/5.6; ISO 160.

Fahad Alenezi

White-tailed sea-eagle

In winter, food for most animals is in short supply in northern latitudes and many species, including this Red Fox, take greater risks than they would normally do to survive. In this photo a particularly bold fox has ventured close to an area where eagles were feeding. One White-tailed Sea-eagle took exception to the incursion and gave the fox what looks like a good slap with its wings. That’s an encounter I imagine the fox will never forget.

Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon 600mm f/4 III lens. 600mm focal length; 1/3,200th second; f/8; ISO 800.

Irma Szabo

Great cormorant

Until I took this photo I must admit that Cormorants weren’t my favourite birds. They are good at fishing, which doesn’t always make them welcome at fish ponds in my country. However, in winter 2020 Cormorants were present in front of a bird hide I was using on several occasions, and I had nothing else to photograph. I gradually came to realize they are actually rather pretty birds, especially in breeding plumage with beautiful green eyes and shiny, dark green feathers. Sometimes they came very close, so I decided to take a portrait. I managed to capture this special moment when a Cormorant was just about to swallow its prey and the fish seemed to be flying into its beak.

Canon 1DX with Sigma 150-600mm f/5-5.3 Contemporary lens. 600mm focal length; 1/3,200th second; f/6.3; ISO 1,600.

Zdeněk Jakl

Mallard duck

I took the photograph on a pond in a beautiful park in a quiet part of the city of Prague. As a family of Mallard ducklings swam past me, one of them began to chase a flying fly. It highlighted the fact that the instinct to feed is a powerful force even in the young, but of course the behaviour itself was comical from a human perspective. Regardless of how you view what’s going on, it certainly makes for an interesting photograph and a moment in time in a duckling’s life captured for posterity.

Nikon Z 6 with Sigma 500mm f/4 Sport lens. 500mm focal length; 1/1,600th second; f/5.6; ISO 500.

James Wilcox

American Oystercatcher

My favourite time of year is when the American Oystercatcher chicks hatch. I love getting to the beach at sunrise to watch and photograph family interactions. This young oystercatcher is old enough to forage but still relies on its parents for food because its beak hasn't developed the strength to open the shells of molluscs and crustaceans. This shot was taken in between waves, with the wet sand providing a bit of uplighting.

Nikon D850 with Nikon 600mm f/4 lens and 1.7x teleconverter. 1,000mm focal length; 1/1,250th second; f/8; ISO 400.

Tzahi Finkelstein

Great cormorant

I took this photograph of a fishing cormorant on a lake that was a 30-minute drive from home. Due to Covid19 restrictions in 2020, I had a lot of time on my hands and I went to this spot almost every day. Eventually persistence paid off and I was able to get this close-up, detailed image. Although the lake had up to15 cormorants feeding on it, photographing them was a matter of luck because you never knew where they might appear next, or whether they would have a fish in their beaks. After I took this photo, I never saw another one hunting in this spot again.

Nikon D500 with Nikon 500mm f/4 lens and 1.4x teleconverter. 700mm focal length; 1/2,000th second; f/5.6; ISO 320.

Anupam Chakraborty

Black-tailed godwits

Here we see two Black-tailed Godwits engaged in a fierce territorial battle, the location for this being an area of prime habitat in India’s beautiful Manglajodi wetland. Why were they fighting? As they are seasonal migratory visitors to my country, and don’t nest here, the fight obviously had nothing to do with establishing and protecting breeding territories. Instead, each bird was fighting to maintain its predominance over feeding grounds and trying to fend off rivals who would compete for the same food. Captured at the moment of contact, both godwits were attacking each other with their long beaks and gangly legs.

Nikon D850 with Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF lens. 500mm focal length; 1/2,000th second; f/5.6; ISO 360.

Taku Ono

Hooded crane

When I arrived at a well-known wintering haunt of Hooded Cranes in Japan it was disappointingly overcast. And what’s more I was about to go home. However, I realized that an area of the clouds was gradually dissipating as the sun rose, and I decided to stay a while - just in case. Almost miraculously, a streak of sunlight shone through and highlighted a small group of flying cranes. I thanked the cranes, beloved by Japanese people as "the bird of happiness", for bringing me this good luck!

Canon 7D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 II lens. 400mm focal length; 1/250th second; f/5.6; ISO 100.

Thomas Vijayan

Emperor penguins

The Emperor Penguin is the tallest and heaviest of its kind and is endemic to Antarctica. These flightless birds breed in the winter and after a courtship lasting several weeks, the female lays a single egg then leaves! Each penguin egg's father balances it on his feet and covers it with his brood pouch, a very warm layer of feathered skin designed to keep the egg cozy. There the males stand, for about 65 days, through icy temperatures, cruel winds, and blinding storms. Finally, after about two months, the females return from the sea, bringing food which they regurgitate to feed the now-hatched chicks. The males eagerly leave for their own fishing session at sea, and the mothers take charge of parental care for a while. As the young penguins grow, adults leave them in groups called crèches while they go off to fish. Five years later, if they survive their time at sea, those young penguins will return to become parents themselves. There is a reason for the timing of Emperor Penguins' hatching. By December, when the Antarctic weather has warmed somewhat, the ice the penguins occupy begins to break up, bringing open waters closer to the nesting sites. To take this image, I was lying flat on the ground. I did this because objects lower than penguin height are less intimidating to the birds. Consequently, they spent plenty of time beside me, meaning I could capture some beautiful shots. On this particular trip, I walked an average of eight hours each day in search of a perfect image.

Nikon D5 with Nikon 400mm f/2.8 lens. 400mm focal length; 1/5,000th second; f/3.5; ISO 280.

Diana Schmies

Mute swan

Mute Swans typically don't breed until they are at least three years old. But it is not uncommon for elements of courtship behaviour to be seen earlier, as happened with this couple. Apparently not concerned by the age difference, this adult male was intent on wooing an immature female, and his interest appeared to be reciprocated. Classic courtship rituals were performed, like raising the necks and turning their heads sideways while keeping their breasts pressed against each other. Even though photographing these displaying swans on a misty morning required planning, a little luck was also needed when it came to the birds aligning parallel to my camera.

Nikon D500 with Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 lens. 290mm focal length; 1/800th second; f/6.3; ISO 400.

Brad James

Tufted duck

It's always a pleasure when you are able to capture both male and female of the same species in one image. I often find it tricky with waterfowl as they tend to overlap in some way. Consequently, I was very pleased when this scene lined up perfectly, with the drake framed and referenced by the out of focus duck in the background. To obtain this image I lay motionless on the edge of the pond, practically at water level.

Nikon D850 with Nikon 500mm f/4 lens. 500mm focal length; 1/320th second; f/5.6; ISO 720

Andy Parkinson

Mute swan

Over the years I have developed a bond of trust with a group of Mute Swans and on this occasion it paid dividends. This trusting relationship allowed me to capture this most intimate perspective: an infant cygnet resting its head peacefully on its sleeping mother. The female swan trusted me implicitly to stand this close and my accepted presence caused her not the slightest concern.

Nikon D4S with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 lens. 120mm focal length; 1/500th second; f/14; ISO 3,200.

For more information on the competition click here.

I hope you liked this blog, please leave us a comment and support us by sharing it with your friends and subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page for more.

We also have an excellent learning community on social media so please join us there as well.

Thanks for watching and remember – Learn more at The School of Photography.

Enjoy these fantastic pictures and tell us what you think in the comments below.

Bushfire

Robert Irwin, Australia

Winner 2020, Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “A fire line leaves a trail of destruction through woodland near the border of the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve in Cape York, Queensland, Australia. The area is of high conservation significance, with over 30 different ecosystems found there, and is home to many endangered species. The fires are one of the biggest threats to this precious habitat. Although natural fires or managed burns can be quite important in an ecosystem, when they are lit deliberately and without consideration, often to flush out feral pigs to hunt, they can rage out of control and have the potential to devastate huge areas.”

The last goodbye

Ami Vitale, USA

Highly commended 2020, Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “Joseph Wachira comforts Sudan, the last male northern white rhino left on the planet, moments before he passed away at Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya. Suffering from age-related complications, he died surrounded by the people who had cared for him. With every extinction, we suffer more than loss of ecosystem health. When we see ourselves as part of nature, we understand that saving nature is really about saving ourselves. Ami's hope is that Sudan’s legacy will serve as a catalyst to awaken humanity to this reality.”

Hare ball

Andy Parkinson, UK

Highly commended 2020, Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “Andy spent five weeks watching the mountain hares near Tomatin in the Scottish Highlands, waiting patiently for any movement – a stretch, a yawn or a shake – which typically came every 30 to 45 minutes. As he watched, frozen and prostrate, with 50 to 60 mph winds surging relentlessly around him, the cold started to distract and his fingers clasping the icy metal camera body and lens began to burn. Then relief came as this little female moved her body into a perfect spherical shape. A movement of sheer joy. Andy craves such moments: the isolation, the physical challenge and, most importantly, time with nature.”

Close encounter

Guillermo Esteves, USA

Highly commended 2020, Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “The worried looking expression on this dog’s face speaks volumes and is a reminder that moose are large, unpredictable, wild animals. Guillermo was photographing moose on the side of the road at Antelope Flats in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA, when this large bull took an interest in the furry visitor – the driver of the car unable to move it before the moose made its approach. Luckily, the moose lost interest and went on its way after a few moments.”

Drey dreaming

Neil Anderson, UK

Highly commended 2020, Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “As the weather grew colder, two Eurasian red squirrels (only one is clearly visible) found comfort and warmth in a box Neil had put up in one of the pine trees near his home in the Scottish Highlands. In the colder months, it’s common for the squirrels, even when unrelated, to share dreys. After discovering the box full of nesting material and in frequent use, Neil installed a camera and LED light with a diffuser on a dimmer. The box had a lot of natural light so he slowly increased the light to highlight his subjects – and using the WiFi app on his phone he was able take stills from the ground.”

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Check out all the winning entries here.

I hope you liked this blog, please leave us a comment and support us by sharing it with your friends and subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page for more.

We also have an excellent learning community on social media so please join us there as well.

Thanks for watching and remember – Learn more at The School of Photography.

If you’re a beginner photographer looking to control the visual effects of photography you will need a camera that has manual settings and the ability to change lenses, a tripod, a camera bag and a good SD card. Below is a selection of good budget photography equipment to get you off to a good start in 2021.

To make life easy we have links to all the products that you will need to get you started. Simply click here.

Learn all you need to know about photography equipment and much more with our online courses.

Best photography cameras for beginners

Canon EOS 2000D (Rebel T7 in North America)

As a beginner in photography, you need to learn properly from the start. For this, you will need work in manual modes and have the ability to change lenses as and when needed. A good camera for this is a DSLR or mirrorless camera. To learn how to use your camera in fully manual modes click here.

This beginner’s DSLR comes with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens which has a range that will get you great landscapes and portraits. It is capable of creating high-quality photos and Full HD movies and offers partial and full manual photographic control. The 24 Megapixel APS-C sensor allows you to shoot in low light and allows you to get creative with the ability to use interchangeable lenses. You can also share your photos from your phone using the camera’s Wi-Fi¹ with the Camera Connect app.

Price range £420

Canon EOS 2000D DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens

https://amzn.to/3grACjG

Price range £$449

North America Model - Canon EOS Rebel T7 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II Kit

https://amzn.to/2Wkv7d2

Nikon D3500

The D3500 blends build quality with outstanding performance and with this lens will get you great landscapes and portraits. It has a 24.2 Megapixel sensor which is capable of taking detailed photos and Full HD movies. Use Auto modes or take your images a step further with guide modes and fully manual mode. The lenses are also interchangeable for more creative or specialist photography. The SnapBridge app for iOS and Android enables an always-on connection between your camera and your smartphone/tablet so you can share your pictures instantly online.

Nikon D3500 + AF-P DX 18–55 Non VR Kit – Black

Price range from £389

https://amzn.to/37mbZC9

Fujifilm X-T200

The Fujifilm X-T200 is a great beginner camera. It’s new Face/ Eye Detection AF makes focusing on individuals or groups of people quick and easy. It can achieve focus in dimly lit environments up to -2.0EV and get great image quality with low noise. X-T200 is equipped with a vari-angle 3.5-inch/ 16:9 Aspect Ratio widescreen LCD touchscreen that can be opened and closed between 0 to 180 degrees and rotated between -90 to +180 degrees. The Fujifilm X-T200 combines multiple videos with varied exposure settings to increase dynamic range and make movies with more detail. X-T200 generates 4K (3840×2150) video by recording 6K video with no crop (6032×3392). A gyroscopic sensor has been installed into the camera body, this helps it determine how to account for camera shake and apply its digital image stabilisation algorithm.

Fujifilm X-T200 with Fujinon XC15-45 mm Lens

Price range £749

https://amzn.to/2VO9Ecw

Our Choice

These are all great cameras which will help you learn the craft properly. However, my personal choice here would be the Canon as it is the cheapest and I find it easier to use. This is just a personal choice though and Nikon or Fuji people will probably tell you the opposite!

Lens Hood

You will definitely need a lens hood for your camera lenses. This will give more contrast in your images and help avoid lens flare. For more details on why you need a lens hood, click here.

Below are the two lens hoods you will need for the Canon and Nikon cameras mentioned above.

Canon EOS 2000D DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens and EOS Rebel T7 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II Kit

£16

https://amzn.to/2ZKP3bn

Nikon D3500 with the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens

£20

https://amzn.to/3kkzKhk

Fujifilm X-T200 with the Fujifilm XC 35mm f2 Lens

£15

https://fujifilm-x.com/en-gb/products/accessories/lens-hood-lh-xf35-2/

Lenses

As you progress through photography you will want to get extra lenses. By far the best lens to get on a budget is the 50mm f1.8, the so called ‘nifty fifty’! Added to the cameras above, it will make a fantastic portrait lens that will compress the face and throw the background out of focus. To learn how to take stunning portraits, click here.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

Price range £125

https://amzn.to/2EQrVkF

Nikon Lens 50 mm/F 1.8 MF Lenses

Price range - £106

https://amzn.to/3gn7lXg

Fujifilm XC 35mm f2 Lens – Black

Price range - £189

https://amzn.to/2VQoJKk

Best Tripod for beginners in 2021

Velbon EF61

You will need a good sturdy tripod to take the weight of your camera. Avoid using cheap flimsy tripods as these could cause your camera to move in the wind or make your set up top heavy. Our recommendation here is easy as in my experience, there is one budget tripod that stands out amongst them all. The Velbon EF-61. I have recommended this to many students over the years and bought them in bulk for many schools that I work with here in the UK.

Price Range £35

https://amzn.to/3jowUaN 

North America Model - Velbon EX-430/F 

https://amzn.to/2ZL8Ze1

Camera bag

Camera bags are specifically designed to keep your camera equipment safe. A good camera bag will have padding to protect your equipment from getting damaged. Your camera bag should have removable inserts to customise your camera bag best to suit you.

Lowepro LP36863-0WW, SH 140

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00U3TQVGU

Price Range - £35

This Bag will carry a DSLR with attached kit lens (such as a Canon/Nikon with 18-135 mm); Extra lens (such as small lens) or flash; Spare memory card and small accessories

Lowepro SH 160

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00U3TQVEC

Price Range - £45

This bag is slightly bigger than the one above and will carry a DSLR with attached kit lens (such as a Canon/Nikon with 18-135 mm); Extra lens (such as 70-300 mm zoom) and flash; Spare memory card and small accessories.

Camera SD Card

You will also need a good SD card to capture the images onto. The difference between SD cards is vast and it breaks down to this; The poor-quality ones will be slow at transferring data and more liable to break or let you down when out shooting.

The other thing to consider is, it’s better to have 2 smaller capacity ones that one large capacity. The reason for this being you will always have one card spare and be able to spread your photography over two cards should one get lost or damaged.

Here is the card we recommend which will be great for photography and filming 4k video.

NB: These are paid links and TSOP will receive a small percentage of any purchases made.

SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB SDXC Memory Card

Price Range - £17

https://amzn.to/2LBDJtZ

To make life easy we have links to all the products that you will need to get you started. Simply click here.

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Please note, the views expressed in this video are mine are not those of Mental Health UK.

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Here we have selected photos from past history to more recent times to show the power of Remembrance Day in pictures.

The first Remembrance Day was specifically dedicated by King George V on 7 November 1919 as a day of remembrance for members of the armed forces who were killed during World War 1. From then on, Armistice Day increasingly became known as Remembrance Day. The focus was no longer on the armistice and the end of the war it became a day to remember and honour those who had died during the war.

British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin (1867 - 1947) and his wife buy poppies as they leave 10 Downing Street in London for the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day, 11th November 1936.

Princess Elizabeth laying a wreath on the Cenotaph War memorial in London, England during the Remembrance Day, November 1947.

Margaret Thatcher lays wreath at the Cenotaph War memorial in London, England. On Remembrance Day November 1977. She is not yet Prime Minister. Behind her stands the serving Prime Minister James Callaghan.

At the Tower of London in 2014, there was a very special remembrance of the anniversary of the outbreak of World War 1.

An art installation titled ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ was on display during the summer of 2014 in London. Created by artist Paul Cummins, 888,246 ceramic poppies have filled the Tower’s moat, with each poppy representing a British military fatality during the war.

We want thank all the men and women in the British services from past to present. This Remembrance day in pictures is to remember everyone who sacrificed their lives during all wars and conflicts, may you all rest in peace.

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Check out more of our blogs below

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Here’s what we discussed and the timestamps to help you find the answers in the video:

24.50 - What is photography to you?

27.12 - Story behind the Hot air balloon shot?

30.40 – Do you use presets?

31.40 – A week in the life of a professional photographer?

34.40 - How has Covid-19 affected you?

36.27 – Story behind the Glow Worm Cave shot?

41.18 – What advice would you give yourself as a starting photographer?  

42.25 – How to grow your Instagram.

0.50 - About Tom Archer

2.30 - Toms Journey / How did you get into photography?

5.10 - Story behind the Dubai Road shot?

7.30 - Thoughts about Photoshop manipulation?

10.00 - What type of photographer are you?

14.00 – The story behind the Astronomy photography of the year award winning shot?

18.00 - What photography kit do you use?

19.28 - Story behind the sheep in the Faroe Islands photograph?

23.38 – Do you use filters?

Here’s a selection of Tom’s photography

Check out more of Tom’s fantastic work here:

Instagram - @tomarcherphoto

Facebook - Tom Archer Photo

YouTube - Tom Archer

Website –  https://www.tom-archer.com/

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Like this? - Check out similar tutorials below

I hope you liked this video, please leave us a comment and support us by sharing it with your friends and subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page for more.

We also have an excellent learning community on social media so please join us there as well.

Thanks for watching and remember – Learn more at The School of Photography.

The Embrace

Sergey Gorshkov, Russia

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winner 2020, Animals in their Environment, Grand title winner

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “With an expression of sheer ecstasy, a tigress hugs an ancient Manchurian fir, rubbing her cheek against bark to leave secretions from her scent glands. She is an Amur, or Siberian, tiger, here in the Land of the Leopard National Park, in the Russian Far East. The race – now regarded as the same subspecies as the Bengal tiger – is found only in this region, with a small number surviving over the border in China and possibly a few in North Korea. Hunted almost to extinction in the past century, the population is still threatened by poaching and logging, which also impacts their prey – mostly deer and wild boar, which are also hunted. But recent (unpublished) camera‑trap surveys indicate that greater protection may have resulted in a population of possibly 500–600 – an increase that it is hoped a future formal census may confirm. Low prey densities mean that tiger territories are huge. Sergey knew his chances were slim but was determined to take a picture of the totem animal of his Siberian homeland. Scouring the forest for signs, focusing on trees along regular routes where tigers might have left messages – scent, hairs, urine or scratch marks – he installed his first proper camera trap in January 2019, opposite this grand fir. But it was not until November that he achieved the picture he had planned for, of a magnificent tigress in her Siberian forest environment.”

Nikon Z-7 + 50mm f1.8 lens; 1/200 sec at f6.3; ISO 250; Cognisys camera-trap system.

The fox that got the goose

Liina Heikkinen, Finland

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winner 2020, 15-17 years old, Young grand title winner

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “It was on a summer holiday in Helsinki that Liina, then aged 13, heard about a large fox family living in the city suburbs on the island of Lehtisaari. The island has both wooded areas and fox-friendly citizens, and the foxes are relatively unafraid of humans. So Liina and her father spent one long July day, without a hide, watching the two adults and their six large cubs, which were almost the size of their parents, though slimmer and lankier. In another month, the cubs would be able to fend for themselves, but in July they were only catching insects and earthworms and a few rodents, and the parents were still bringing food for them – larger prey than the more normal voles and mice. It was 7pm when the excitement began, with the vixen’s arrival with a barnacle goose. Feathers flew as the cubs began fighting over it. One finally gained ownership – urinating on it in its excitement. Dragging the goose into a crevice, the cub attempted to eat its prize while blocking access to the others. Lying just metres away, Liina was able to frame the scene and capture the expression of the youngster as it attempted to keep its hungry siblings at bay.”

Nikon D4 + 28–300mm f3.5–5.6 lens; 1/125 sec at f5.6 (-0.3 e/v); ISO 1600.

The Pose

Mogens Trolle, Denmark

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winner 2020, Animal Portraits

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “A young male proboscis monkey cocks his head slightly and closes his eyes. Unexpected pale blue eyelids now complement his immaculately groomed auburn hair. He poses for a few seconds as if in meditation. He is a wild visitor to the feeding station at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary in Sabah, Borneo – ‘the most laid-back character,’ says Mogens, who has been photographing primates worldwide for the past five years. In some primate species, contrasting eyelids play a role in social communication, but their function in proboscis monkeys is uncertain. The most distinctive aspect of this young male – sitting apart from his bachelor group – is, of course, his nose. As he matures, it will signal his status and mood (female noses are much smaller) and be used as a resonator when calling. Indeed, it will grow so big that it will hang down over his mouth – he may even need to push it aside to eat. Found only on the island of Borneo and nearby islands, proboscis monkeys are endangered. Eating mainly leaves (along with flowers, seeds and unripe fruit), they depend on threatened forests close to waterways or the coast and – being relatively lethargic – are easily hunted for food and bezoar stones (an intestinal secretion used in traditional Chinese medicine). Mogens’ unforgettable portrait, with the young male’s characteristic peaceful expression – ‘quite unlike anything I’ve ever seen on another monkey’ – connects us, he hopes, with a fellow primate.”

Canon EOS-1D X + 500mm f4 lens; 1/1000 sec at f7.1; ISO 1250; Manfrotto tripod + Benro gimbal head.

When mother says run

Shanyuan Li, China

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winner 2020, Behaviour: Mammals

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “This rare picture of a family of Pallas’s cats, or manuls, on the remote steppes of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in northwest China is the result of six years’ work at high altitude. These small cats are normally solitary, hard to find and mostly active at dawn and dusk. Through long-term observation, Shanyuan knew his best chance to photograph them in daylight would be in August and September, when the kittens were a few months old and the mothers bolder and intent on caring for them. He tracked the family as they descended to about 3,800 metres (12,500 feet) in search of their favourite food – pikas (small, rabbit‑like mammals) – and set up his hide on the hill opposite their lair, an old marmot hole. Hours of patience were rewarded when the three kittens came out to play, while their mother kept her eye on a Tibetan fox lurking nearby. Their broad, flat heads, with small, low‑set ears, together with their colour and markings, help them stay hidden when hunting in open country, and their thick coats keep them alive in the extreme winters. In the clear air, against a soft background, Shanyuan caught their expressions in a rarely seen moment of family life, when their mother had issued a warning to hurry back to the safety of the lair. Their real threat, though, is not foxes but the degradation and fragmentation of their steppe grassland – throughout their Central Asian range – caused by overgrazing, arable conversion, mining and general human disturbance, alongside poisoning of their prey and hunting, for their fur and as pets.”

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II + 800mm f5.6 lens; 1/1250 sec at f11; ISO 640; Sirui tripod.

Etna's river of fire

Luciano Gaudenzio, Italy

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winner 2020, Earth's Environments

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “From a great gash on the southern flank of Mount Etna, lava flows within a huge lava tunnel, re-emerging further down the slope as an incandescent red river, veiled in volcanic gases. To witness the scene, Luciano and his colleagues had trekked for several hours up the north side of the volcano, through stinking steam and over ash-covered chaotic rocky masses – the residues of past eruptions. A wall of heat marked the limit of their approach. Luciano describes the show that lay before him as hypnotic, the vent resembling ‘an open wound on the rough and wrinkled skin of a huge dinosaur’. It was 2017, and he had been on the nearby island of Stromboli to photograph eruptions there when he heard news of the new vent on what is Europe’s largest volcano. He took the very next ferry, hoping he would arrive in time to see the peak of the latest show. Mount Etna, which lies on the boundary between the African and Eurasian continental plates, has been erupting continuously for almost 30 years, with shows that include lava flows and lava fountains – just the most recent phase in 15,000 years of volcanic activity, but a warning of its power. What Luciano most wanted to capture was the drama of the lava river flowing into the horizon. The only way to do that was to wait until just after sunset – ‘the blue hour’ – when contrasting shadows would cover the side of the volcano and, with a long exposure, he could set the incandescent flow against the blue gaseous mist to capture ‘the perfect moment’.”

Canon EOS 5D Mark III + 24mm f3.5 lens; 1 sec at f16; ISO 320; Leofoto tripod + ball head.

Life in the balance

Jaime Culebras, Spain

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winner 2020, Behaviour: Amphibians and Reptiles

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “A Manduriacu glass frog snacks on a spider in the foothills of the Andes, northwestern Ecuador. As big consumers of invertebrates, glass frogs play a key part in maintaining balanced ecosystems. That night, Jaime’s determination to share his passion for them had driven him to walk for four hours, in heavy rain, through the forest to reach the frogs’ streams in Manduriacu Reserve. But the frogs were elusive and the downpour was growing heavier and heavier. As he turned back, he was thrilled to spot one small frog clinging to a branch, its eyes like shimmering mosaics. Not only was it eating – he had photographed glass frogs eating only once before – but it was also a newly discovered species. Distinguished by the yellow spots on its back and lack of webbing between its fingers, the Manduriacu frog is found only in this small area. The reserve is private but seriously threatened by mining activities permitted by the government (open-pit mining for gold and copper), as well as illegal logging, and the new frog is considered critically endangered. Serenaded by a frog chorus in torrential rain – he held his umbrella and flash in one hand and the camera in the other – Jaime captured the first ever picture of this species feeding.”

Sony ILCE-7M3 + 90mm f2.8 lens; 1/100 sec at f16; ISO 320; Yongnuo flash + trigger; softbox.

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Show Business

Kirsten Luce, USA

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winner 2020, Wildlife Photojournalism: Single Image

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “One hand raised signalling the bear to stand, the other holding a rod, the trainer directs the ice-rink show. A wire muzzle stops the polar bear biting back, and blue safety netting surrounds the circus ring. It’s a shocking sight – not because of the massive predator towering over the petite woman in her ice-skating outfit but because of the uneven power dynamic expressed by the posture of the bear and the knowledge that it is not performing by choice. But for the visitors to the travelling Russian circus – here in the city of Kazan, Tatarstan – it is entertainment. They are ignorant of how the polar bear has been trained and what it might endure behind the scenes – including the fact that, when not performing, it probably spends most of its time in a transportation cage. The polar bear is one of four females, reportedly captured in Russia’s Franz Josef Land when two years old (‘abandoned’, according to the trainer) and still performing 18 years later – valuable property for the Circus on Ice, the only circus known to own polar bears. For the photographer, who has spent a couple of years reporting on animal exploitation and abuse, this was the most symbolically shocking of all the scenes of exploitation she has shot, featuring as it does such an Arctic icon of wildness.”

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV + 70–200mm f2.8 lens; 1/500 sec at f4; ISO 2000.

Great crested sunrise

Jose Luis Ruiz Jiménez, Spain

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winner 2020, Behaviour: Birds

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “After several hours up to his chest in water in a lagoon near Brozas, in the west of Spain, Jose Luis captured this intimate moment of a great crested grebe family. His camera floated on a U-shaped platform beneath the small camouflaged tent that also hid his head. The grebes are at their most elegant in the breeding season – ornate plumage, crests on their heads, neck feathers that they can fan into ruffs, striking red eyes and pink-tinged bills. They build a nest of aquatic plant material, often among reeds at the edge of shallow water. To avoid predators, their chicks leave the nest within a few hours of hatching, hitching a snug ride on a parent’s back. Here the backlings will live for the next two to three weeks, being fed as fast as their parents can manage. Even when a youngster has grown enough to be able to swim properly, it will still be fed, for many more weeks, until it fledges. This morning, the parent on breakfast duty – after chasing fish and invertebrates under water – emerged with damp feathers and a tasty meal, just when not a breath of wind rippled the water and the stripy-headed chick stretched out of its sanctuary, open‑beaked, to claim the fish. In soft light and muted reflections, Jose Luis was able to reveal the fine detail of these graceful birds and their attentive parental care.”

Nikon D4S + 600mm f4 lens + 1.4x teleconverter; 1/800 sec at f6.3; ISO 500; floating hide.

The golden moment

Songda Cai, China

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winner 2020, Under Water

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “A tiny diamondback squid paralarva flits below in the blackness, stops hunting for an instant when caught in the light beam, gilds itself in shimmering gold and then moves gracefully out of the light. The beam was Songda’s, on a night‑dive over deep water, far off the coast of Anilao, in the Philippines. He never knows what he might encounter in this dark, silent world. All sorts of larvae and other tiny animals – zooplankton – migrate up from the depths under cover of night to feed on surface-dwelling phytoplankton, and after them come other predators. Diamondback squid are widespread in tropical and subtropical oceans, preying on fish, other squid and crustaceans near the surface. In November, hundreds gather off Anilao to spawn. A paralarva is the stage between hatchling and subadult, already recognizable as a squid, here 6–7 centimetres long (21/2 inches). Transparent in all stages, a diamondback squid swims slowly, propelled by undulations of its triangular fins (the origin of their name), but by contracting its powerful mantles, it can spurt away from danger. Chromatophores (organs just below the skin) contain elastic sacs of pigment that stretch rapidly into discs of colour when the muscles around them contract; recent research suggests that they may also reflect light. Deeper in the skin, iridophores reflect and scatter light, adding an iridescent sheen. From above, Songda captured the fleeting moment when, hovering in perfect symmetry, the diamondback paralarva turned to gold.”

Nikon D850 + 60mm f2.8 lens; 1/200 sec at f20; ISO 500; Seacam housing; Seaflash 150D strobes; Scubalamp lights.

Backroom business

Paul Hilton, UK/Australia

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winner 2020, Wildlife Photojournalist Story Award

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “A young pig-tailed macaque is put on show chained to a wooden cage in Bali’s bird market, Indonesia. Its mother and the mothers of the other youngsters on show, would have been killed. Pig‑tailed macaques are energetic, social primates living in large troops in forests throughout Southeast Asia. As the forests are destroyed, they increasingly raid agricultural crops and are shot as pests. The babies are then sold into a life of solitary confinement as a pet, to a zoo or for biomedical research. Having convinced the trader that he was interested in buying the monkey, Paul photographed it in the dark backroom using a slow exposure. Much of the illegal wildlife in the open‑air bird market is traded in the backroom areas. Macaques can be legally sold; banned species such as baby orangutans are kept boxed out of sight. Such animal markets facilitate the international illegal trade, supplying on demand what isn’t in stock. So many animals stacked so close together also facilitates the spread of disease.”

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II + 16–35mm lens at 16mm; 1/10 sec at f3.2; ISO 1600.

A mean mouthful

Sam Sloss, Italy/USA

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winner 2020, 11-14 years old

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “On a diving holiday in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Sam stopped to watch the behaviour of a group of clownfishes as they swam with hectic and repeated patterns in and out and around their home, a magnificent anemone. He was intrigued by the expression of one individual, the result of its mouth being constantly open, holding something. Clownfish are highly territorial, living in small groups within an anemone. The anemone’s stinging tentacles protect the clownfish and their eggs from predators – a clownfish itself develops a special layer of mucus to avoid being stung. In return, the tenants feed on debris and parasites within the tentacles and aerate the water around them and may also deter anemone‑eating fish. Rather than following the moving fish in his viewfinder, Sam positioned himself where he knew it would come back into the frame. It was only when he downloaded the photos that he saw tiny eyes peeping out of its mouth. It was a ‘tongue-eating louse’, a parasitic isopod that swims in through the gills as a male, changes sex, grows legs and attaches itself to the base of the tongue, sucking blood. When the tongue withers and drops off, the isopod takes its place. Its presence may weaken its host, but the clownfish can continue to feed. Sam’s image, the reward for his curiosity, captures the three very different life forms, their lives intertwined.”

Nikon D300 + 105mm f2.8 lens; 1/250 sec at f18; ISO 200; Nauticam Housing + two INON Z-240 strobes.

Out of the blue

Gabriel Eisenband, Colombia

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winner 2020, Plants and Fungi

Quoted from the Natural History Museum “It was Ritak’Uwa Blanco, the highest peak in the Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes, that Gabriel had set out to photograph. Pitching his tent in the valley, he climbed up to photograph the snow-capped peak against the sunset. But it was the foreground of flowers that captured his attention. Sometimes known as white arnica, the plant is a member of the daisy family found only in Colombia. It flourishes in the high-altitude, herb-rich páramo habitat of the Andes, adapted to the extreme cold with a dense covering of woolly white ‘hair’ and ‘antifreeze’ proteins in its leaves. As the magic hour of sunset passed, there followed a blue hour that drenched the scene in an ethereal blue light. But while the silver-grey leaves were washed in blue, the flowers shone bright yellow. It was also strangely calm, enabling Gabriel to use a long exposure to capture the clouds flowing over the high peak without any blur of movement among the plants. Seeming to glow ever brighter as the light faded, the yellow blooms began to dominate the scene, leading the eye towards the mountain but stealing the limelight from it.”

Nikon D300s + Nikon 10–24mm f3.5 lens at 11mm; 30 sec at f22; ISO 200; Gitzo tripod.

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Check out the Natural History Museum Exhibition now to see all the wildlife photography click here open 16th October 2020 - 6th June 2021

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Please be warned – Some of the photos and stories shown here are graphic in nature and are not suitable for under 18’s.

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Latticed window at Lacock Abbey, August 1835, by Henry Fox Talbot

Latticed window at Lacock Abbey was taken by Fox Talbot in August 1835 and is a positive from what may be the oldest existing camera negative.

At the time there were other photographic processes being created but they were too expensive, and the photographic images couldn’t be reproduced. They were one off’s, like a painting or drawing. Fox Talbot was the only person thinking of photography as a printing production, like etchings and other print reproductions of the time. He invented the calotype process were you made one negative and from this negative you could produce several positives. The calotype process changed and improved over time but the basics of one negative being turned into several positive prints continued to the turn of digital photography.

It made photography cheaper and more accessible to people. This is the first example of that process and clearly goes down in history as one of the most important photos that changed the world. Who knows, if this wasn’t evented, maybe photography would be a completely different medium.

Photographic inventions

Talbot invented a process for creating reasonably light-fast and permanent photographs that was the first made available to the public; however, his was neither the first such process invented nor the first one officially announced.

Shortly after Louis Daguerre's invention of the daguerreotype was announced in early January 1839, without details, Talbot asserted priority of invention based on experiments he had begun in early 1834. At a meeting of the Royal Institution on 25 January 1839, Talbot exhibited several paper photographs he had made in 1835. Within a fortnight, he communicated the general nature of his process to the Royal Society, followed by more complete details a few weeks later. Daguerre did not publicly reveal any useful details until mid-August, although by the spring it had become clear that his process and Talbot's were quite different.

Talbot's early "salted paper" or "photogenic drawing" process used writing paper bathed in a weak solution of ordinary table salt (sodium chloride), dried, then brushed on one side with a strong solution of silver nitrate, which created a tenacious coating of very light-sensitive silver chloride that darkened where it was exposed to light. Whether used to create shadow image photograms by placing objects on it and setting it out in the sunlight, or to capture the dim images formed by a lens in a camera, it was a "printing out" process, meaning that the exposure had to continue until the desired degree of darkening had been produced. In the case of camera images, that could require an exposure of an hour or two if something more than a silhouette of objects against a bright sky was wanted. Earlier experimenters such as Thomas Wedgwood and Nicéphore Niépce had captured shadows and camera images with silver salts years before, but they could find no way to prevent their photographs from fatally darkening all over when exposed to daylight. Talbot devised several ways of chemically stabilizing his results, making them sufficiently insensitive to further exposure that direct sunlight could be used to print the negative image produced in the camera onto another sheet of salted paper, creating a positive.

The Calotype

The "calotype", or "talbotype", was a "developing out" process, Talbot's improvement of his earlier photogenic drawing process by the use of a different silver salt (silver iodide instead of silver chloride) and a developing agent (gallic acid and silver nitrate) to bring out an invisibly slight "latent" image on the exposed paper. This reduced the required exposure time in the camera to only a minute or two for subjects in bright sunlight. The translucent calotype negative made it possible to produce as many positive prints as desired by simple contact printing, whereas the daguerreotype was an opaque direct positive that could be reproduced only by being copied with a camera. On the other hand, the calotype, despite waxing of the negative to make the image clearer, still was not pin-sharp like the metallic daguerreotype, because the paper fibres blurred the printed image. The simpler salted paper process was normally used when making prints from calotype negatives.

Talbot announced his calotype process in 1841, and in August he licensed Henry Collen, the miniature painter, as the first professional calotypist. The most celebrated practitioners of the process were Hill & Adamson. Another notable calotypist was Levett Landon Boscawen Ibbetson. In 1842, Talbot received the Rumford Medal of the Royal Society for his photographic discoveries.

In 1852, Talbot discovered that gelatine treated with potassium dichromate, a sensitiser introduced by Mungo Ponton in 1839, is made less soluble by exposure to light. This later provided the basis for the important carbon printing process and related technologies. Dichromated gelatine is still used for some laser holography.

Talbot's later photographic work was concentrated on photomechanical reproduction methods. In addition to making the mass reproduction of photographic images more practical and much less expensive, rendering a photograph into ink on paper, known to be permanent on a scale of hundreds if not thousands of years, was clearly one sure way to avoid the problems with fading that had soon become apparent in early types of silver image paper prints. Talbot created the photoglyphic (or "photoglyptic") engraving process, later perfected by others as the photogravure process.

Fox Talbot

William Henry Fox Talbot was an English scientist, inventor and photography pioneer who invented the salted paper and calotype processes, precursors to photographic processes of the later 19th and 20th centuries.

His work in the 1840s on photomechanical reproduction, led to the creation of the phytoglyphic engraving process, the precursor to photogravure. He was the holder of a controversial patent that affected the early development of commercial photography in Britain.

He was also a noted photographer who contributed to the development of photography as an artistic medium. He published The Pencil of Nature (1844–46), which was illustrated with original salted paper prints from his calotype negatives, and made some important early photographs of Oxford, Paris, Reading, and York.

The Horse in Motion by Eadweard Muybridge, 1878

The Horse in Motion is a series of cabinet cards by Eadweard Muybridge, including six cards that each show a sequential series of six to twelve "automatic electro-photographs" depicting the movement of a horse. Muybridge shot the photographs in June 1878. An additional card reprinted the single image of the horse "Occident" trotting at high speed, which had previously been published by Muybridge in 1877.

The series became the first example of chronophotography, an early method to photographically record the passing of time, mainly used to document the different phases of locomotion for scientific study. It formed an important step in the development of motion pictures. Muybridge's work was commissioned by Leland Stanford, the industrialist, former Governor of California and horseman, who was interested in horse gait analysis. Was to settle a bet that Leland Stanford, the industrialist, former Governor of California, had made saying that a horse lifts all 4 feet of the ground while running.

Eadweard Muybridge was an English American photographer important for his pioneering work in photographic studies of motion, and early work in motion-picture projection. Born in Kingston upon Thames in the United Kingdom, at age 20 he emigrated to America as a bookseller, first to New York, and then to San Francisco. Planning a return trip to Europe in 1860, he suffered serious head injuries in a stagecoach crash in Texas. He spent the next few years recuperating in Kingston upon Thames, where he took up professional photography, learning the wet-plate collodion process, and secured at least two British patents for his inventions. He went back to San Francisco in 1867. In 1868 he exhibited large photographs of Yosemite Valley, which made him world-famous.

In1874 Muybridge shot and killed Major Harry Larkyns, his wife's lover, but was acquitted in a jury trial on the grounds of justifiable homicide. In 1875 he travelled for more than a year in Central America on a photographic expedition.

Today, Muybridge is known for his pioneering work on animal locomotion in 1877 and 1878, which used multiple cameras to capture motion in stop-motion photographs, and his zoopraxiscope, a device for projecting motion pictures that pre-dated the flexible perforated film strip used in cinematography. In the 1880s, he entered a very productive period at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, producing over 100,000 images of animals and humans in motion, capturing what the human eye could not distinguish as separate movements.

During his later years, Muybridge gave many public lectures and demonstrations of his photography and early motion picture sequences, returning frequently to England and Europe to publicise his work. He also edited and published compilations of his work, which greatly influenced visual artists and the developing fields of scientific and industrial photography. He returned to his native England permanently in 1894. In 1904, Kingston Museum was opened in his hometown and continues to house a collection of his works to this day in a dedicated 'Muybridge Exhibition'.

This image Paved the way for motion picture, the moving image. If it wasn’t for Muybridge, you may not have film scenes of alien ships blowing up stuff, or women on the end of cruise ships shouting “I’m on top of the world”.

Earthrise by William Anders, 1968

Earthrise is a photograph of Earth and some of the Moon's surface that was taken from lunar orbit by astronaut William Anders on December 24, 1968, during the Apollo 8 mission. In Life's 100 Photographs that Changed the World, wilderness photographer Galen Rowell called Earthrise "the most influential environmental photograph ever taken". Another author called its appearance the beginning of the environmental movement. Fifty years to the day after taking the photo, William Anders observed, "We set out to explore the moon and instead discovered the Earth."

Earthrise is the name popularly given to NASA image AS08-14-2383, taken by astronaut William Anders during the Apollo 8 mission, the first crewed voyage to orbit the Moon. Initially, before Anders found a suitable 70 mm colour film, mission commander Frank Borman said he took a black-and-white photograph of the scene, with the Earth's terminator touching the horizon (AS08-13-2329). The land mass position and cloud patterns in this image are the same as those of the colour photograph entitled Earthrise.

The photograph was taken from lunar orbit on December 24, 1968, 16:00 UTC, with a highly modified Hasselblad 500 EL with an electric drive. The camera had a simple sighting ring rather than the standard reflex viewfinder and was loaded with a 70 mm film magazine containing custom Ektachrome film developed by Kodak. Immediately prior, Anders had been photographing the lunar surface with a 250 mm lens; the lens was subsequently used for the Earthrise images.

An audio recording of the event is available with transcription which allows the event to be followed closely – excerpt:

Anders: Oh my God! Look at that picture over there! There is the Earth coming up. Wow, that is pretty.

Borman: Hey, don't take that, it's not scheduled. (joking)

Anders:(laughs) You got a colour film, Jim?

           Hand me that roll of colour quick, would you.

Lovell: Oh man, that's great!

There were many images taken at that point. The mission audio tape establishes several photographs were taken, on Borman's orders, with the enthusiastic concurrence of Jim Lovell and Anders. Anders took the first colour shot, then Lovell who notes the setting (1/250th of a second at f/11), followed by Anders with another remarkably similar shot (AS08-14-2384).

A nearly full-page black and white reproduction of Borman's image may be viewed on page 164 of his 1988 autobiography, captioned, "One of the most famous pictures in photographic history – taken after I grabbed the camera away from Bill Anders". Borman was the mission commander and notes that this is the image "the Postal Service used on a stamp, and few photographs have been more frequently reproduced". The photograph reproduced in the Frank Borman autobiography is not the same image as the Anders photograph; aside from the orientation, the cloud patterns differ. Borman later recanted this story and agreed that the black and white shot was also taken by Anders, based on evidence presented by transcript and a video produced by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio employee, Ernie Wright.

The stamp issue reproduces the cloud, colour, and crater patterns of the Anders picture. Anders is described by Borman as holding "a master’s degree in nuclear engineering"; Anders was thus tasked as "the scientific crew member also performing the photography duties that would be so important to the Apollo crew who actually landed on the Moon".

On the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 8 mission in 2018, Anders described in an interview how the image undermined his religious belief: "It really undercut my religious beliefs.

Execution by Eddie Adams, 1968

Eddie Adams was an American photographer and photojournalist noted for portraits of celebrities and politicians and for coverage of 13 wars. He is best known for his photograph of the execution of a Viet Cong prisoner, for which he won a Pulitzer Prize in 1969. Adams was a resident of Bogota, New Jersey.

Associated Press photographer Eddie Adams and NBC News television cameraman Vo Suu witnessed the event. Adams later recalled that he believed Loan was going to "threaten or terrorise" Lém and took out his camera to record the event. The photo he subsequently took showed the microsecond the bullet entered Lém's head. This took place on a Saigon street on February 1, 1968, during the opening stages of the Tet Offensive.

The photograph and footage were broadcast worldwide, galvanizing the anti-war movement. Adams' photo of the event became one of the most famous and influential images of the war, winning him the 1969 Pulitzer Prize for Spot News Photography.

The photo would also come to haunt Adams: "I was getting money for showing one man killing another. Two lives were destroyed, and I was getting paid for it. I was a hero." He elaborated on this in a later piece of writing: "Two people died in that photograph. The general killed the Viet Cong; I killed the general with my camera."

Ben Wright, associate director for communications at the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, said about the photo: "There's something in the nature of a still image that deeply affects the viewer and stays with them. The film footage of the shooting, while ghastly, doesn't evoke the same feelings of urgency and stark tragedy."

Lém was captured near the Ấn Quang Pagoda on 1 February 1968, during the Tet Offensive. He was brought to Brigadier General Nguyễn Ngọc Loan, Chief of the Republic of Vietnam National Police at 252 Ngô Gia Tự Street, District 10, near the modern-day Chùa Trấn Quốc temple. Loan summarily executed Lém using his sidearm, a .38 Special Smith & Wesson Bodyguard revolver. Loan is reported to have said afterwards: "If you hesitate, if you didn't do your duty, the men won't follow you” Lém was 36 years old at the time of his death.

Max Hastings, writing in 2018, noted that Lém was in civilian clothes and was alleged to have just cut the throats of South Vietnamese Lt. Col. Nguyen Tuan, his wife, their six children and the officer’s 80-year-old mother.

In 1978, a report by the United States Library of Congress concluded that the summary execution of Nguyễn Văn Lém had been illegal under Vietnamese law.

Adams won the 1969 Pulitzer Prize for Spot News Photography and a World Press Photo award for the photograph. Writer and critic David D. Perlmutter points out that "no film footage did as much damage as AP photographer Eddie Adams's 35mm shot taken on a Saigon street.

Anticipating the impact of Adams's photograph, an attempt at balance was sought by editors at The New York Times. In his memoirs, John G. Morris recalls that assistant managing editor Theodore M. Bernstein "determined that the brutality manifested by America's ally be put into perspective, agreed to run the Adams picture large, but offset with a picture of a child slain by Vietcong, which conveniently came through from AP at about the same time." Nonetheless, it is Adams's photograph that is remembered while the other image was overlooked and soon forgotten.

In Regarding the Pain of Others (2003), Susan Sontag was disturbed by what she saw as Loan's staging of the execution in the street for journalists' photographs. She wrote that "he would not have carried out the summary execution there had they not been available to witness it" and positioned himself in profile view with the prisoner facing the cameras. However, Donald Winslow of The New York Times quoted Adams as having described the image as a "reflex picture" and "wasn't certain of what he'd photographed until the film was developed". Furthermore, Winslow noted that Adams "wanted me to understand that 'Saigon Execution' was not his most important picture and that he did not want his obituary to begin.

Adams would later lament the impact of the photo. On Loan and his photograph, Adams wrote in Time in 1998:

Two people died in that photograph: the recipient of the bullet and General Nguyen Ngoc Loan. The general killed the Viet Cong; I killed the general with my camera. Still photographs are the most powerful weapons in the world. People believe them; but photographs do lie, even without manipulation. They are only half-truths. What the photograph didn't say was, "What would you do if you were the general at that time and place on that hot day, and you caught the so-called bad guy after he blew away one, two or three American people? “This picture really messed up his life. He never blamed me. He told me if I hadn't taken the picture, someone else would have, but I've felt bad for him and his family for a long time. I sent flowers when I heard that he had died and wrote, "I'm sorry. There are tears in my eyes."

Loan moved to the United States, and in 1978, there was an unsuccessful attempt to rescind his permanent residence status (green card). Adams advocated for Loan when the U.S. government sought to deport him based on the photograph and apologised in person to Loan and his family for the irreparable damage it did to his honour while he was alive. When Loan died, Adams praised him as a "hero" of a "just cause". On the television show War Stories with Oliver North Adams referred to Loan as "a goddamned hero!

He once said, "I would have rather been known more for the series of photographs I shot of 48 Vietnamese refugees who managed to sail to Thailand in a 30-foot boat, only to be towed back to the open seas by Thai marines." The photographs, and accompanying reports, helped persuade then President Jimmy Carter to grant the nearly 200,000 Vietnamese boat people asylum. He won the Robert Capa Gold Medal from the Overseas Press Club in 1977 for this series of photographs in his photo-essay, "The Boat of No Smiles" (published by AP). Adams remarked, "It did some good and nobody got hurt."

On October 22, 2009 Swann Galleries auctioned a print of Adams' photo of Loan and Lém. Printed in the 1980s, it had been a gift to Adams's son. It sold for $43,200. What many including Adams did not know is that one of many families that Lem and his group executed was the whole family of South Vietnamese Lt. Col. Nguyen Tuan, including his parents and 5 children, except one little boy of 10 years old who survived after being shot in the arm, leg, and head execution style. The little boy, Huan Nguyen, grew up in the U.S and became the first Vietnamese American U.S Navy Rear Admiral in 2019.

Death of Alan Kurdi by Nilüfer Demir, 2015

Alan Kurdi, initially reported as Aylan Kurdi, was a three-year-old Syrian boy of Kurdish ethnic background whose image made global headlines after he drowned on 2 September 2015 in the Mediterranean Sea near Bodrum, Turkey. He and his family were Syrian refugees trying to reach Europe amid the European refugee crisis. Photographs of his body were taken by Turkish journalist Nilüfer Demir and quickly spread around the world, prompting international responses. Because Kurdi's family had reportedly been trying to reach Canada, his death and the wider refugee crisis immediately became an issue in the 2015 Canadian federal election.

Kurdi is believed to have been born about 2012 in Kobanî, Syria. After moving between various cities in northern Syria to escape the civil war and ISIL, his family settled in Turkey. The family returned to Kobanî at the beginning of 2015, but returned to Turkey in June 2015 when ISIL attacked Kobanî again. During this time, Kurdi's father arranged for an illegal passage to Kos.

Kurdi's family members were hoping to join their relatives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, after his aunt Tima Kurdi filed for refugee sponsorship, but this was rejected by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada after the family members were denied an exit visa by Turkish authorities.

Canadian New Democratic Party (NDP) MP Fin Donnelly told the media that he had hand-delivered their file to Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander earlier in the year, but the application was rejected in June 2015 because it was incomplete.

In the early hours of 2 September 2015, Kurdi and his family boarded a small plastic or rubber inflatable boat, which capsized about five minutes after leaving Bodrum in Turkey. Sixteen people were in the boat, which was designed for a maximum of eight people. They were trying to reach the Greek island of Kos, about 30 minutes (4 kilometres or 2 1⁄2 miles) from Bodrum. Kurdi's father said: "We had no life vests", but also said they were wearing life jackets, but they "were all fake". Others have stated that they believed that they were wearing lifejackets, but the items were ineffective.

It was later stated on Syrian radio that the Kurdi family paid $5,860 for their four spaces on the boat, which had twelve passengers on it despite being only about five metres long. Alan Kurdi's mother joined in the trip even though she had a fear of being on the open sea. The individuals on the boat evaded the Turkish Coastguard by setting out from an isolated beach late at night.

Around 5 am authorities started an investigation after an emergency call that a boat had capsized, and bodies were coming ashore. The bodies of Kurdi and another child were discovered by two locals at around 6:30 am. The two men moved the bodies from the water, where Kurdi was later photographed by a Turkish press photographer.

On 3 September 2015, Kurdi along with brother Galib and mother Rehana were taken to Kobanî for burials, which took place the next day. It is Islamic tradition to bury the dead within 24 hours if possible. The Siege of Kobanî ended in March 2015 and Islamic State attacks on what was left of the city stopped completely in August 2015.

An Iraqi survivor from the same boat, Zainab Abbas, who also lost two children from the disaster, told reporters that Abdullah had been presented to her as the "captain", that he was driving the overcrowded boat too fast, causing it to flip over, and that he pleaded with her while they were still both in the water not to report him to anyone in authority. Abbas said her family escaped out of Baghdad from ISIS and she was angry because all the media attention was on Aylan Kurdi and Abdullah Kurdi and not on her family. She later returned to Baghdad and said her dead children's bodies had not been correctly prepared for burial.

The picture has been credited with causing a surge in donations to charities helping migrants and refugees, with one charity, the Migrant Offshore Aid Station, recording a 15-fold increase in donations within 24 hours of its publication.

An article in The Guardian, on 22 December 2015, outlined a collection of what it described as "outrageous claims" against Abdullah Kurdi. It was said that he was an opportunist who used his status as a Syrian refugee for personal gain. Another source said that Abdullah was profiting from the tragedy, including selling his dead son's clothes to a museum in Paris.

In contrast, Nick Logan of Global News argued on 4 September 2015: "Photojournalists sometimes capture images so powerful the public and policymakers can't ignore what the pictures show." He compared the images of Kurdi's body to the pictures taken during the "Bloody Sunday" event in which civil rights activists during the Civil Rights Movement were beaten by Alabama state troopers.

Reactions to the photos

A week following his death, around 30 Moroccans recreated the discovery of Kurdi's body in a tribute in the Moroccan capital.

In January 2016, the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei posed like Kurdi by imitating his dead body as shown in the media pictures.

In March 2016, a huge mural of Kurdi's dead body appeared on a wall next to the European Central Bank headquarters in Frankfurt.

Over three months later, on Christmas Eve 2015, 3 News New Zealand said "Pictures of his lifeless body on a beach came to symbolise the wider tragedy. Can there have been a more moving, a more powerful image than the photograph of the tiny lifeless body of Aylan Kurdi being carried from the sea?"

On 2 January 2016, a feature article on the BBC News website opened with the words: "It was one of those moments when the whole world seems to care." It went on to quote Alan Kurdi's aunt Tima Kurdi:

“It was something about that picture, God put the light on that picture to wake up the world.”

Image and text sources: www.wikipedia.org

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