There are many. But my two favorites are...
Sally Mann:
I can't post my very favorite pictures of hers because they portray children. She took photographs of her own children in the 1980s that caused quite a stir. I can't look at them and see anything but utter beauty, though.
Sally Mann - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sally Mann Gallery
there's an interesting article linked at the bottom of the gallery as well as an even more interesting response from the artist...she uses this quote from Robert Doisneau (another favorite photographer):
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Sally Mann
Over the years I've learned not to talk about my work, taking to heart the Robert Doisneau quote that goes something like this: "If you make pictures, don't speak, don't write, don't analyze yourself and don't answer any questions." I would amend that by adding, "And don't read any critical comments, either." People always seem to freight the work so heavily with meanings that were not in any way intended or even subconscious.
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This is good to keep in mind...
Some more recent work:
Gagosian Gallery - Exhibition - Sally Mann - March 16 - April 22, 2006
and an interview with Charlie Rose:
A conversation with photographer Sally Mann - Charlie Rose
Diane Arbus:
Diane Arbus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Some of her work:
DIANE ARBUS - PHOTOGRAPHS
I read a biography of her life late last year and it was very impactful. She was a very shy person, but she managed to capture the most remarkable portraits of the most remarkable people. I hope that one day I can get over my own timidity about asking people to let me take their picture. I love her work so much.
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I'd be lying if I said I never tried to emulate the work of these two photographers. Their images are so ingrained in my head that it would probably be impossible at this point to separate their vision from my own. One day I would like to have even an nth of their ability to capture soulful images.
So who are your favorite photographers?