Photographers are a very important part of the fashion world. They are the ones who create the dream images the fashion publications of the world and the brands we all know.

We have put together a list of the most important fashion photographers of the moment and of the past, who have influenced the world of beauty and who continue to serve as inspiration for upcoming editors, models and photographers.

 

 

Man Ray

 

 

 

Born in 1890, Man Ray is respected and known both in the art world as well as in the fashion world. Ray is considered one of the most versatile modern artists. He was a true innovator in the world of photography, but also experimented with film.

 

 

 

He also took up fashion photography in Paris, where he worked with couturiers such as Chanel, Balenciaga, Lanvin and Schiaparelli.

Ray died in 1976, after having spent almost the exact same of years of his life in Paris as he did in New York.

 

 

Richard Avedon

 

 

 

Born in 1923, Richard Avedon is a highly influential artist who redefined the post-WW II role of the fashion photographer. He became chief photographer at Harper’s Bazaar, but he also created photos for Vogue, Look and Life.

 

 

 

Avedon photographed most of the covers of Vogue from 1973 until 1988.

He also shot campaigns for iconic fashion and style labels such as Calvin Klein Jeans, Gianni Versace and Revlon.

 

 

Cecil Beaton

 

 

 

Cecil Beaton is considered on the most important English photographers, as he was a strong influence on the world of portrait art through his fashion photography.

 

 

 

Cecil Beaton has photographed not only models, but also world leaders, film stars, royalty and more. He was knighted in 1972 and was elected an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain in 1965.

He has also won two Oscars for his costume design and is also known for his paintings and writing.

 

 

Irving Penn

 

 

 

Irving Penn is one of the most important American photographers of the 20th century. Born in 1917, Penn was a part of the group of photographers who revolutionized the concept of fashion photography in the second part of the century.

 

 

 

After the Second World War, he worked with Vogue, but also photographed ad campaigns for brands such as Issey Miyake and Clinique.

 

 

William Klein

 

 

 

William Klein was a camera artist and film maker who, due to his works for Vogue achieved international recognition as a fashion photographer.

 

 

 

His photos are noted for the use of wide-angle lenses, telephoto as well as motion blur and natural lighting.

William Klein is also known for his film “Qui Etes Vous, Polly Magoo” (“Who are You, Polly Magoo”), which is relevant and impactful even 50 years after its release.

Klein is a true icon and landmark in the history of fashion and beauty.

 

 

Annie Leibovitz

 

 

 

Annie Leibovitz is the photographer responsible for some of the most beautiful portraits that have even been created.

 

 

 

Her pictures, filled with emotion and energy, create a unique world, where the mind controls the body.

She began her career in the 1970s as a photographer for Rolling Stone and since 1983; she began to work for Vanity Fair.

Leiboviz’s work is a mix of fashion, celebrity and lifestyle photography, as she covers multiple layers of life with her work.

 

 

Bruce Weber

 

 

 

Bruce Weber is synonymous with an all-American aesthetic. The photographer and film maker is best-known for his ad-campaign work for brands like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Abercrombie & Fitch, Revlon and more.

 

 

 

He is also credited for numerous photographs published in publications like GQ, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Elle, Interview and Life magazine.

 

 

Mario Testino

 

 

 

Born in 1954, Mario Testino is a Peruvian fashion photographer renowned for his advertising campaigns for Dolce and Gabbana and Gucci, as well as for his work for magazines such as Vanity Fair.

 

 

 

Testino is an all-around creative, having also worked as a guest editor, creative director, art collaborator and entrepreneur. He also owns a charity in Peru, dedicated to helping young artists.

 

 

Steven Meisel

 

 

 

Steven Meisel is a photographer who has worked with everyone from Valentino and Versace to Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton.

 

 

 

Meisel became famous by shooting a series of covers for both Italian and American Vogue.

Meisel is considered to have had a strong influence on the careers of models such as Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Keren Elson, Amber Valetta and Lara Stone.

 

 

Terry Richardson

 

 

 

New York City photographer Terry Richardson is a very controversial name in the fashion world, as some people like and respect his works, while others don’t consider him to be relevant at all.

 

 

 

Richardson’s success however, cannot be denied. He has shot campaigns for brands such as Tom Ford or Diesel and created editorial work for Vanity Fair, Vogue, GQ and Harper’s Bazaar.

His photographs are considered to be extremely sexual, which make some people consider him an unabashed creep, while others see him as a trail blazer. Regardless of what you think of him, he is a very strong influence in the fashion world and is very relevant in the genre.

 

As you can see, great photographers are the ones responsible for the beautiful images we love to admire in magazines, on posters and everywhere else. They inspire us to dream and to be the best version of us in our daily lives.

 

Fraquoh and Franchomme

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. We want to hear from you! Who is your favorite fashion photographer? What do you like about their aesthetic? Which is your favorite fashion photo ever? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!