Diane Arbus transformed photography by turning her lens toward the downtrodden and forgotten, favoring “freaks” over the polite society into which she was born. The recognition she received after her death doesn’t erase the struggles and violent controversies she faced during her life. Hers is a tragic tale, one of an unwavering woman who pursued her art against all odds.
Photographers I Love: David LaChapelle
David LaChapelle’s over-the-top images blend art, fashion, pop culture and representation. At first glance, they may appear superficial (and even kitsch), but beneath the glitter is a throve of meaning – with a good dose of sex and humor thrown into it!
Photographers I Love: Seydou Keita
I love how Seydou Keita’s images use the formality of 19th century bourgeoisie portraiture in an unmistakably African setting. Regarded as the father of African photography, his work continues to inspire countless artists.
Photographers I Love: Sebastião Salgado
Salgado left a promising career as an economist to chase his dream of being a photographer. He obviously loves and cares about the people he meets and brings his understanding of economics and how the world works to his assignments.
Photographers I Love: Nick Knight
There’s something very British about Nick Knight’s photography. His works mixes both punk and old-world elegance. He’s the Alexander McQueen of photography (or maybe Alexander McQueen was the Nick Knight of fashion?).
Photographers I Love: Nadav Kander
I remember vividly when I first saw Nadav Kander’s work: I was a young art buyer at BBDO New York when his agent came to show us his books. Bill was a great agent, but Kander’s photographs didn’t need any selling.
Photographers I Love: Javier Vallhonrat
I love photographer Javier Vallhonrat’s approach to color – it’s very painterly and makes me think of Impressionism.
Photographers I Love: Nan Goldin
Photographer Nan Goldin’s images are not always easy to face. They show hardship, violence and pain. But they also, and more importantly, show life – the good, the bad, and the ugly of it.
Photographers I Love: Jeanloup Sieff
Photographer Jean-Loup Sieff captured the who’s who of fashionable Paris (and years later, me!).
Photographers I Love: Tyler Mitchell
Photographer Tyler Mitchell’s subjects, be they models or everyday people, are effortlessly cool, like only cool 19-year-olds know how to be. They play with gender roles and pay no mind to what people may think of their clothes or skin color. Mitchell shows us moments when being young and alive is all that matters.