Your Favourite Photographers

[manatee19 5]

Thanks Alex,

 

I may also submit that I was on the jury in Antibes when Mr. Mustard himself managed to gather a large chunk of the still photography prizes. Thank God all 3 juges (an Italian, a Frenchman and a "québécois") didn't have a clue about the name of the autors... as it must be in any well run competition... otherwise we may have had some hesitation to give so much to the same person.

 

Moreover, Alex's winning images were so different from one another that we could not make any connection.

 

If I may quote Mr Brooks when he chaired the jury at Antibes: The most important part of an image is the message, the impression it leaves on us.

 

What I find most intersting also is to see how a photographer's work evolves over time. I have gathered all of Mr. Doubilet's work for NGM. It is a learning experience to look at the changes in his work over time. I don't mean to say that he is THE overall best u/w photographer. However, looking at the change in the way he uses light convinces me that it takes time to master and integrate the idiosynchrasies and complexity of u/w photography; as I have experienced it myself looking at my images.

 

Some master it faster because of talent, time spent u/w, willingness to advance faster. Others might take longer. I think that as long as the individual keeps learning and makes progress, fun it still there.

 

Newbert's contribution was also peculiar. I consider that there was a pre-Newbert period in u/w photography and a post-Newbert era. Lighting style took a bold step after his work came on the market.

 

A forum like Wetpixels is great for this reason, it helps us learn from each other and, in this respect, integrate this knowledge as a part of our personal style.

 

One land photographer that has impressed me a lot is Steve McCurry, author of the perennial Afghan Girl image. This single image has been "overexposed" in the sense that NG has used it so much. However, it remains a very powerful picture.

 

And since Alex asked who is/are your favourite photographers, I must add Jim and Cathy Church. Their work has helped tons of u/w photogaphers learn the basics, just like Stephen Frink more recently.

 

I am drifting a bit here....

 

Back to the other computer now!

 

Michel

 

PS: No Alex did not ask for my praise.

 

PS2: Alex, which image is yours on the fronts featured on DD website?

[Alex_Mustard 0]

PS2: Alex, which image is yours on the fronts featured on DD website?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Mine is the ariel view of the clownfish on Dive Magazine. Plus thanks for the kind words about my pix at Antibes, Michel. I am actually planning to enter seriously again this year for the first time since then - can't let M. Ballesta have it all his own way!

 

I am really happy that this thread has so many contributions. It is a good one because whether you are new to photography or knew the stars before they were famous, everyone has an opinion and something to contribute.

 

I have used one of the moderator tools here on wetpixel to add links to a few of the posts in this thread. I hope people don't mind, but it makes it easier to see the photographers' images

 

Alex

[Steve Jones 0]

great thread, this one.

 

It was Doubilet and Newbert that had the most influence on me in the early days.

 

But one of the most memorable experiences was the time I spent diving with Leni Riefenstahl

 

Controversial and both revered and reviled for her past, nobody can deny that this was a woman of exceptional talent.

 

I dived with her in the Maldives in '95 - she was 93 years old and needed little assistance. Her mind was still razor sharp and the stories she recounted to me of her meetings with some of the most evil men in history still stay in my mind - this was a woman who hadn't just seen and photographed history - she was part of it.

 

Steve

[anthp 0]

Crikey!

 

Go to bed for a couple of hours and look what happens - you miss a thread with nearly 30 replies! Excellent idea BTW.

 

There have been so many of my favourite inspirational topside and UW photographers mentioned already. I thought that I had one topside guy left to mention, but Michel has beaten me to the punch and nominated Steve McCurry who I find to be capable of some of the most powerful and beautiful portraits. Everyone knows his ubiquitous Afghan Girl, but a quick peak at his website demonstrates that she clearly wasn't just a "one off."

 

In terms of UW photographers, one of my favourites has yet to get a guernsey - Gary Bell. He seems to mainly work downunder, but has some superb topside and UW work that some other folks might enjoy. I wrote to him earlier in the year (looking for books featuring his work) and he mentioned that he is planning a dedicated coffee table book for some time later this year.

 

Also wanted to mention another NG photographer - Tim Laman - whose recent NG article on fish sight, I really enjoyed. He also does some spectacular topside work in rainforests.

 

Better hit reply on this before someone beats me to the punch!!

[jdaley 0]

When I think of the photographers that admire most I would have to start with David Doubilet. His work still amazes me, I never get tired of seeing it. I believe we are all still working in his wake. I wonder what magnificient images he must have in his library that he or National Geo have never published.

 

The other photographers that inspire me are Frans Lanting and Clyde Butcher. Frans Lantings portrait work is exceptional, truly captures the character and emotion of the animal. His landscapes and the way he paints colors with light is truly inspired.

 

Clyde Butcher primarily shoot landscapes of the Florida Everglades with large format equipment. Often referred to as the Ansel Adams of the Everglades his work is the best documentary of a vanishing eco-system. Clyde Butcher has the ability to look at a scene, sometimes of absolute chaos, completely unattractive and create a spectacular image.

 

I agree that some of the photographers on Wetpixel are truly world class (you know who you are B) ) and the opportunity to not only view their work but interact with them is unique and priceless.

[anthp 0]

I agree that some of the photographers on Wetpixel are truly world class (you know who you are  B) ) and the opportunity to not only view their work but interact with them is unique and priceless.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Totally agree!! It is one of the aspects of wetpixel that has contributed to my chronic addiction. Such a great resource. B)

[manatee19 5]

So Sir Alex plans to enter Antibes this year... good news indeed and more wetpixelites should do it as well.

 

Speaking about favourites, in the hexagone, Lionel Pozzoli and Fred DiMeglio have done some very nice work.

 

In Italy, I am thinking about Claudio Bertassini.

 

We don,t see too many German names and I know there are some very good shooters out there too.

 

I think we ought to add David Pilosof for his book Samantha.

It sold pretty well and it was a different approach to u/w photography. Wouldn't be very popular in the Bible belt though.

 

Michel

 

PS: Alex, attending Antibes in person this year?

[gobiodon 62]

I would add Tibor Dombovari to the list. I know him personally, and his work influenced my UW photography a lot.

He had a great success series at Antibes and won several prizes for his slides:

2000 Bronze:

2002 Silver:

http://www.underwater-festival.com/fr/dire.../dombovari.html

 

2003 Gold:

http://www.underwater-festival.com/fr/dire.../diapos/or.html

 

Take into consideration that he is from a country (Hungary) which has no seacoast.

 

Marcell

[BradDB 0]

Here is a book I enjoy some of you might be interested in:

 

The Worlds Top Photographers

and the stories behind their greatest images

Wildlife

by Terry Hope

 

Each photographer gets a four page spread to show his/her favorite images and, best of all, discuss them.

The only underwater photographers included are David Doubilet, Fred Bavendam, Norbert Wu and Flip Nicklin. Land nature photographers include Art Wolfe, Tom Mangelsen, Kennan Ward, Frans Lanting and many others.

 

-Brad

[mandarinfish 0]

My favorites have mostly been mentioned: Chris Newbert, Tony Wu, Takako Uno, Norbert Wu. Most inspiration to me has been Chris, but wonderful and inspirational in her own right is Chris' wife, Birgitte (Deda) Wilms. I have also found influential Scott Tuason and Espen Rekdal. For topside and landscape, aside from the well known names, I have found inspiration from a local Oregonian, Chris Carvalho.

[NWDiver 42]

There are so many greats, so many that inspire.

 

That said, the first time I saw David Doubilet's "Water Light Time" I was dumbstruck. It still holds a spot on the living room coffee table!

[scubamarli 5]

Well, here's two more:

For land: Freeman Patterson www.freemanpatterson.com

For Water: Roger Steene

Roger's mastery of macro and finding rare critters got me hooked. His book Coral Reefs is one I look at over and over and still find inspiration within.

 

Marli

[UWPhotoTech 0]

Many of the photographers I'd choose were already mentioned, but here's three more:

 

Marty Snyderman

 

Stan Waterman

 

Mauricio Handler

[carib-blu 0]

Good stuff here gang! I have to say that I am inspired and taught by so many photographers, including folks right here at Wetpixel. By far my favorite and most inspirational has to be Richard Avedon. I had a chance to view his "Portrait" exhibit at the Metropolitan Musuem of Art in New York. These bigger than life black and whites were amazing. The photography world said good bye to one of it's best last October. Here is a link, hope it's o.k. to post it here.

 

http://www.americanphotomag.com/article.as...0&page_number=2

 

Thinking I'll load the Nikonos with some T-Max and head to Sting Ray City!!

 

Thanks for the great posts on this one!

 

Aurabest,

john

[pmooney 6]

I have to give Douglas David Seifert my vote for having undiminished style ! ( he is the best dressed u/w photgrapher I have ever seen ) Doug has been there since day one - helping, promoting, but above all shooting fantastic images. www.douglasseifert.com

 

Jim Watt for his unbridled enthusiasm for the medium and his willingness to share !

 

And finaly Berkley White not for any other reason than the continual encouragement he provides and the inspiration that is given so freely.........

 

thanks

[kriptap 0]

There truly are some great photographers out there, but some of their web sites really suck..

 

A lot of people I've never heard of here, great seeing the images they have. B)

[kcf955 1]

As mentioned earlier, my early influences were David Doubilet, Chris Newbert and Howard Hall.

 

For something a little different, in wedding photography Denis Reggie is the father of "wedding photojournalism" and helped to raise the status of wedding photographers to a new high.

[Tom_Kline 141]

My original inspiration for underwater photography was seeing Douglas Faulkner's underwater photographs when I was a youngster, about 1970, in a Life Library of Photography volume and Modern Photography magazine. More recently, a decade or so ago, was first seeing Within a Rainbowed Sea by Chris Newbert.

Tom

[laz217 0]

Wow! Great topic, Alex. There's definitely an endless number of hours of searching the web and buying even more coffee table books available in the many suggestions fellow Wetpixelites have made. My web site and bank account are not going to be happy.

 

To add my own collection of electrons to this list..

 

I've got a long list of favorite photographers. Some well known, others a legend to those who know them. In my ever-growing collection of photography coffee books. The one's that I continue to turn the pages over and over again include:

 

Tony Wu & William Tan's Silent Symphony - http://www.tony-wu.com

Tony Wu's writings are well-versed and a true joy to read.. and reread.. and reread. The photography in their grand prize winning book is spectacular.

 

Jurgen Freund Sulu-Sulawesi Seas - http://www.scubayogi.de/

I just recently purchased his book and I am very impressed. His collection of images really exemplifies to me someone who has documented the ocean's many faces. From the rare and unique to marine conservation. I hope I can one day redo (as Frink has already done so well) for the Florida Keys what Freund has done for the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas.

 

Jeffrey Rotman Eyes Into Secret Seas - http://www.agpix.com/rotman

Jeffrey Rotman's work appeals to me because of its artistic perspective. His photographs take the already beautiful colors and patterns found in the ocean and brings them up-close and personal for a very artistic and aw-inspiring view.

 

There are many more but these three examples of underwater photographers continue to inspire me as I once again turn through the worned-out pages of their life's work.

 

A couple of other folks I would like to mention who have inspired me are in the field of underwater story-telling -- Underwater Cinematography.

 

I have followed from inception to their current adventures the films and the writings of Howard & Michelle Hall. From reading their stories in my collection of Ocean Realm magazines, the companion books to their series of Secrets of the Ocean Realm and Coral Reef Adventures, to wearing out my complete collection of their work on VHS and DVD, or reading the stories on their website ( http://www.howardhall.com ). I really find their work inspiring and very enjoyable. After watching their films I am always in the "I've got a great idea for a story about the Florida Keys" mood.

 

Stan Waterman http://www.stanwaterman.com/ - How can anyone not enjoy Stan's humorous and eloquent story telling. Aside from being inspired by his zest for adventure, I always finish one of Stan's film knowing a few more famous quotes. When asked what my future plans are I quote Stan in the film about his life, The Man Who Loves Sharks (he loves macro now too!) -- "[Like Stan] I want to make my avocation my vocation."

To paraphrase Stan's good friend, Robert Frost.. "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I would love to go on a liveaboard trip one day with Mr. Waterman."

 

Mike deGruy - His out of the ordinary work and the enthusiasm and energy he shows in his films is very inspiring. I literally keep copies of one of his films, The Octopus Show, simply because I wear out the tapes from watching it over and over again.

 

Of course, then there are the unsung heros in my life. Some photographers.. some not.

 

My dive buddy and friend, Fritz ( http://thelivingsea.com/static/aboutus.php ), is always the greatest inspiration for me. Chuck-full of ideas and always willing to try any hair-brained scuba idea I might have unless it involves outdoor camping (LOL!). I owe a lot of what I've learned of the ocean and diving to him. While he is not a photographer, he taught me the lessons that made the biggest difference in my photography -- patience to sit and observe all the little marvels around me and becoming a good and responsible diver (ie. perfecting my bouyancy, navigation, etc.).

 

Lastly but certainly not least, a very dear friend who we recently lost but whose legend will always live on - Paul Caputo from Quiescence Diving Services in Key Largo ( http://www.quiescence.com/ ). Here is a person whose countless stories of adventure and his amazing photography always kept me on the edge of my seat. He was the reason I would sometimes show up for a dive 3 or 4 hours early - hoping he was around to hear more about his many adventures and take a peek at what I called the "Wow" office. As that was the only word that would repeatedly come out of my mouth. I learned a lot from Paul and still continue to do so from my very GREAT friend Capt. John and the rest of the wonderful folks at Quiescence. I consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to have such a wonderful friend and an amazing role model from which to develop who I want to be in this ever-evolving but always fun and full of wonder we call diving... oh yeah.. and underwater photography too.

[scubamarli 5]

Two more for the list that has grown so quickly...

Constantinos Petrinos: His "Realm of the Pygmy Seahorse" really tells what diving Lembeh is all about.

Sergio Sarta

Cheers,

Marli

[Marjo 8]

Most favorite nature photographer and biggest inspiration ever - Hannu Hautala few examples of Hannu Hautala's work

 

Most inspirational UW photographer at the moment - Alessandro Dodi dodiphotosub

[MikeVeitch 0]

I have to give Douglas David Seifert my vote for having undiminished style ! ( he  is the best dressed u/w photgrapher  I have ever seen ) thanks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Seifert! Best dressed photographer!?!?!?

 

Obviously you haven't seen him in that silly yellow "shark attraction" wetsuit....he looks like a lemon

[Kelpfish 15]

There are a couple of unsung heros as well, such as Dave McCray, Eric Hanauer and George Tillack. Eric is a very accomplished writer and photographer whose work is global. George's work is absolutely incredible and rivals any other U/W/ photographer I have seen, just under Doubilet, Newbert, WU and Perrine.

 

I really think that this thread is two pieces. If we are looking for famous, then spot on. If we are looking for best photographers regardless of fame or fortune, we probably all have our own list. Eric's website is www.ehanauer.com. I will have to see if I can find the other two. MCCray' work has been in magazines in photo form only, as he prefers to not write.

 

Joe

[Kelpfish 15]

One more thing. As more pros go digital you are going to see the quality of their work explode, like we have discussed of digital newbies once or twice before. Not all pros have switched completely like Doubilet. But I had Snyderman over for dinner in March and he has completely switched to digital. Chris Newbert just about quit diving after the intro of digital and Photoshop, as he felt it was no longer an art of photography, but computer skills. Thus, those pros who embrace digital will be showing more and more excellent pics just as we digi-freaks see our work improving. I think the next 10-year ride will be a wild one where standards are raised due to the capabilities of digital.

 

Keep shooting and learning. It's a hell of a ride.

 

Joe

[Donovan 0]

On Land, W.Eugene Smitth, Elliot Porter, the Capas, Ansel Adams, Jerry Uelsmann, Weegee, Stieglitz, Gordon Parks, Harold Edgerton, Helmut Newton, Mapelthorpe, Don Mcullin, Dorothea Lang, Dicki Chapell, Walker Evans, Marie Cosindas and lots more.

 

Underwater, Jack Mckenny, Hans Hass, J.Y. Cousteau, J Barry Heron, Lamar Boren and Lois Marden.

In the past I have had the priviledge to work with David Doubillet, Bates Littlehales, Johnathan Blair, Flip Schulke, Flip Nicklin, Nick Caloyanis, Harold Edgerton and Otis Imboden. Each was very helpfull and generous with their hard won knowledge. Twenty years later, Davids advice on how to get close to critters while blowing loud bubbles is something I treasure and pass on to all guests on my boat.

Splash,

Don Kincaid

www.adventurekeywest.com