Famous Photographers - Three Important Photographers You Should Know

Photography is often the art of the anonymous as we rarely know who was on the other side of the camera. We can all name a few famous photographs, like the famous Time Square picture or the one of iron workers sitting high above a city, but most of the time we don't spend time looking at the history of the medium as art. By understanding influential artists, it can have a big impact on how we see photography and inspire new ideas, so here are three photographers who's influence is recognized worldwide.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Though the name may not be as familiar, Cartier-Bresson was a giant in the development of modern photography. He is considered to be one of the forefathers of photojournalism and spent most of his adult life on assignment magazines like Life. Daring and fearless, Henri Cartier-Bresson captured images from some of the most volatile environments in history like the liberation of Paris in WWII, the Spanish Civil War and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

Famous Photography by Henri Cartier Bresson - The Decisive Moment

Alfred Stieglitz

If you've ever studied photography or taken a photo class then you would likely recognize his name. Stieglitz was married to Georgia O’Keeffe, a legend in her own right, and many of his most iconic images center around her. He was responsible for forcing photography into the public view as a valid art form, which he accomplished through innovative exhibits organized around the country. Stieglitz was the father of pictorialism, in which the significance of a photograph is less about the subject and more about the way in which the photographer manipulated the image.

Famous Photography by Alfred Stieglitz- The Terminal

Larry Burrows

Larry Burrows is a giant among photo journalists. He was often referred to as the man who went off to war with "film in his socks," Burrows is best known for his photo coverage of the Vietnam war for Life magazine. His images marked some of the most iconic and heart-wrenching reporting to come out of the region and also provided the public with a window into the conflict. Unfortunately, Burrows was killed in the conflict when the helicopter he was traveling in was shot down, but his images live on, as do tales of his heroic actions – Burrows has been credited with carrying soldiers off the battle field and rescuing civilians in addition to his photography duties.

Famous Photography by Larry Burrows: One Ride with Yankee Papa 13

Whenever we work in any art medium, it's important to remember the artists who came before us and the contributions they made. These 3 photographers have had an enormous impact on the validity and importance of photography as an art form. By studying these artists and viewing their works, it can often lead to new ideas and great new artistic paths.