Who are the greatest photographers of all time? We’ve previously asked industry experts, but you’ve now had your say! Here I have collated the results from an Amateur Photographer community vote
At the end of last year, we asked a panel of 20 esteemed photographers, curators and photography professionals to nominate their choices for the greatest photographer ever.
The results were varied, of course, and some might say rather surprising. Diane Arbus took the top spot and our “Greatest Photographer Ever” title from this vote, closely followed by William Eggleston, Daido Moriyama, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Martin Parr, Nan Goldin, Gordon Parks, André Kertész, Robert Frank and Lee Miller.
Every photography lover has an opinion on this, so following on from the success of Peter Dench’s feature, and the flurry of correspondence we had in response, we asked the Amateur Photographer community who their favourite photographers are.
We asked you to pick up to 10 of your favourite photographers. Over 170 people voted, with 300 photographers getting votes and nominations! So without further ado, in reverse order, here’s who you have voted as your greatest photographers ever…
Steve McCurry (=11 votes)
Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic figures in contemporary photography for more than five decades. His images were among the first to show the world the brutality of the Soviet invasion in 1979. His body of work spans conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions, and contemporary culture alike – yet always retains the human element that made his celebrated image of the Afghan Girl such a powerful image.
Richard Avedon (=11 Votes)
Avedon was a fashion, reportage and portrait photographer, primarily for Harper’s Bazaar before the likes of Vogue and The New Yorker – where his fashion and portrait photographs redesigned their aesthetic. He photographed models and fashions on the streets, in nightclubs, at the circus, on the beach and at other uncommon locations which became the hallmark of his work.
Bill Brandt (=11 votes)
Brandt was a prominent British photographer known for his distinctive nudes, with artistic influence in the genres of portraiture and landscape through his influential documentation of 20th Century British life.
Elliott Erwitt (13 votes)
Elliott Erwitt was an enigmatic figure who is often fondly remembered for his quirky photographs of dogs, but also a highly accomplished portrait photographer who shot some of the biggest names of the 20th century: Marilyn Monroe and Che Guevara, along with a moving and memorable portrait of Jacquie Kennedy at the funeral of John F. Kennedy in 1963.
He was drawn to ordinary moments that transcend time and circumstance – a good example being his iconic image of a couple kissing, captured in a car’s rear view mirror – as well as the surreal and humorous.
Joel Meyerowitz (15 votes)
An early advocate of colour photography, Joel Meyerowitz was instrumental in bringing this method to widespread recognition and use and is credited for expanding its global appreciation. His work since the early 1960s has made him a leading figure in the history of 20th century photography and an integral part of the American photographic canon.
The subjects of his photographs are wide-ranging, from his iconic depictions of the bustle of city life, to his depictions of coastal life and the vast seascapes of Cape Cod, through to his pivotal series documenting all the work inside Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11.
Martin Parr (19 votes)
Named one of the greatest photographers in our original feature, Martin Parr is the most well-known and talented of contemporary British documentary photographers.
His influence and legacy are immense. His work captured life in Britain, through playful, humorous, colourful images that often-sparked debate.
He was Magnum president, a collector extraordinaire, founder of the Martin Parr Foundation and creator of photobooks that reshaped whole genres, and a supporter of new photographers.
Lee Miller (21 votes)
Surrealist photographer, Vogue model and WWII correspondent, Lee Miller is one of the most fascinating figures of 20th century photography. Her Surrealist images along with her portraits and extraordinary WWII photographs have earned her a key place in the history of art. You like her because of “her observation and interpretation of what she saw.”
‘At the moment, I would have to say Lee Miller. Discovered her after watching Lee and the voice her photographs have, especially with the WWII images. The weight of it all can be felt through photographs.’
Vivian Maier (22 votes)
The work of Vivian Maier first came to widespread public attention in 2009, just a few months after her death. She worked as a nanny and care-giver whilst also venturing into street photography taking photos over five decades in Chicago and New York. You said:
‘For Vivian Maier, I guess it’s the story as much as the photography. To think she took all those photos and never had them developed is something I can’t even comprehend. Especially given I like to share photos within days of taking them!’
‘She just stands out amongst the rest, raw unedited, snapshots of what she saw every day, and just had that decisive moment, pardon the pun.’
Henri Cartier-Bresson (24 votes)
Taking fourth place, is master of the ‘decisive moment’ himself, Cartier-Bresson. From working as a war correspondent during World War II to becoming the pioneer of street photography and photojournalism, his candid images coined the term that describes the fleeting alignment of action, composition and emotional elements that demand a shutter click for a photograph.
You said: ‘HCB is the grandfather of documentary photography, and created beautiful compositions’
Sebastião Salgado (26 votes)
Always working in black and white, Salgado was known for his large scale and long term projects highlighting the plight of threatened cultures, environments and people. He approached his subjects with a deep humanity that was reflected in images that conveyed a powerful connection with the viewer.
You said:
‘Master of documentary/storytelling photography.’
‘Consistently breath-taking work’
‘The quality of the work is consistent. In every case have quality in the technique and in the concept. Image is more than just technique is a language, it has to have a meaning’
Don McCullin (30 votes)
Over seven decades, McCullin is one of Britain’s most recognised photojournalists, with harrowing images covering war, famine, disasters and urban conflict. His career also spans many other genres including landscapes and portraits.
You love him because of his:
‘Use of light and fan of high contrast B&W’
‘Outstanding and thought-provoking photography over several genres.’
‘Consistent, exceptional photographer of the British landscape’
Ansel Adams (35 votes)
Without a doubt the most favoured photographer by our community is Ansel Adams (obviously). Even before we put out our survey we had plenty of messages from you in response to our original feature asking: “Where’s Ansel?!”.
Ansel Adams is celebrated for his black and white landscapes of the American West, especially Yosemite, as well as his technical mastery. You said:
‘He is without doubt one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.’
‘Iconic!’
‘Inspiring, monumental body of work. Eye for an image.’
‘He can find the greatest beauty in the simplistic of light and settings.’
Other honourable mentions include…
Annie Leibovitz, David Bailey, Robert Frank, Saul Leiter, Fan Ho, Daido Moriyama, Joe Cornish, Robert Capa, and Tish Murtha. You said:
“For Tish Murtha, it’s the Documentary Photography which I find captivating. I didn’t live in the era she captured, but I still feel her photography captures what I see as the mood of the period so well.”
“All [Don Mccullin, Jim Mortram, Brian David Stevens] inspire me with their work and have clear, distinct, unique voices.”
“To me they represent many facets of photography. Truth, poignancy, intimacy a peek into the unseen and the beauty of every day life.’
“W Eugene Smith is arguably the best photo essay creator ever.’
“Salgado, Winogrand, Erwitt, Haas, Maier. Far too many brilliant photographers with certain images I wish I had taken.’
“So many fantastic image makers over the years.. its hard to choose. Herb Ritts was a huge inspiration for me.’
Do you agree with the public vote? Let us know by emailing [email protected] or commenting on social media.
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