Gallery of Photographers.pdf

I N TRO DUCT I O N

23

THE GREATEST PHOTOGRAPHERS HAVE CHALLENGED
AND EXPANDED OUR VISUAL HORIZONS. THEY HAVE
TAUGHT US TO SEE THE WORLD IN A DIFFERENT WAY,
THE BETTER TO APPRECIATE AND UNDERSTAND
IT. AS PHOTOGRAPHERS, WE CAN LEARN SO MUCH
FROM THESE ARTISTS WHO INSPIRE US TO SEEK
EXCELLENCE IN OUR OWN WORK.
The shining beacons
photographic artists in
in the history of
their own right. Most
photography are those
photographers create
creative and technical
their own images through
geniuses whose work
the exploration and
demonstrates not only a
exploitation of the work
total control over their
of photographic pioneers.
medium, but also
Indeed, part of the
combines clarity of
creative struggle for
Alfred Eisenstaedt
vision, determination,
many photographers is
Eisenstaedt is considered by
many to be the father of
invention, and a
to find an individual style
photojournalism (see p.44).
receptiveness to new
or to make their own
ideas. Much, though not
distinctive mark which is
all, of the history of photographic
different and sets them apart from
output is written by the originators of
those who inspired them.
the art, and their work continues to
This gallery of photographers
inspire all who follow them.
celebrates both those who have defined
However, one of the great appeals of and beaten new paths—whether artistic,
photography is shared with other arts
conceptual, or technical—and also
such as music and theater: one does not those photographers who have taken
need to be an original creator to enjoy well-trodden paths to a new level of
photography, work professionally, and
creativity or expertise.
even win great acclaim. The vast
Some have circumnavigated the
majority of published and exhibited
globe many times in pursuit of
photography is in fact the work of the
grandiose photographic projects.
elaborators—superlative artists who
Others have literally put their life on
were often inspired to take up
the line and endured hardships and
photography by the originators, and
physical violence in order to use their
who have themselves become great
photography to act as an advocate for
the dispossessed or vulnerable.
Ansel Adams
Yet others have ventured no farther
This acclaimed landscape photographer
than
their city limits, leading selfrecorded some of the most beautiful places
on the planet (see p.26).
contained lives. And while some have