Photography Trends and Artists

Photography Periods

Historical & Contemporary Photographer List

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Historical Photography Periods

Daguerreotype (1839-1860s)
Calotype (1840s-1860s)
Wet Plate Collodion (1851-1880s)
Tintype (1850s-1900s)
Pictorialism (1885-1915)
Photo-Secession Movement (1902-1917)
Modernism (1920s-1940s)
Documentary Photography (1930s-1950s)
Street Photography (1950s-present)
Post-War Photography (1945-1960s)
Pop Art and Appropriation (1960s-1970s)

Contemporary Photography Periods

Conceptual Photography (1960s-present)
New Topographics (1970s-present)
Postmodernism (1980s-1990s)
Digital Revolution (1990s-present)
Staged and Constructed Images (1990s-present)
Environmental and Climate Change Photography (2000s-present)
Identity and Representation (2000s-present)
Vernacular Photography (2000s-present)
Immersive and Interactive Media (2010s-present)
AI and Machine Learning in Photography
Post-Internet Photography
Activist Photography
Hybrid Practices

Photography Periods

Historical Photography Periods

Daguerreotype (1839-1860s)
The Daguerreotype, invented by Louis Daguerre in 1839, was the first publicly announced photographic process. It used a silver-coated copper plate to produce a single, highly detailed image that could not be reproduced. This technique quickly gained popularity for its ability to capture minute details, making it ideal for portraits and still life compositions. However, it required long exposure times and intricate preparation, limiting its practical use.

Despite these limitations, the Daguerreotype set the stage for future photographic advancements. It marked the beginning of photography as a practical medium and led to the development of more efficient and reproducible processes, such as the Calotype. The legacy of the Daguerreotype lies in its pioneering role in the photographic arts and its influence on the subsequent evolution of photographic technology.
Calotype (1840s-1860s)
The Calotype, introduced by William Henry Fox Talbot in the 1840s, was a significant improvement over the Daguerreotype. Using paper coated with silver iodide, the Calotype produced a negative image that could be used to create multiple positive prints, a revolutionary concept at the time. This process made photography more versatile and accessible, allowing photographers to capture and share images more freely.

The Calotype paved the way for the mass production of photographs and laid the foundation for modern photographic practices. It also inspired further innovations in photographic technology, such as the development of the Wet Plate Collodion process. The ability to produce multiple prints from a single negative was a game-changer, leading to widespread adoption in both artistic and documentary photography.
Wet Plate Collodion (1851-1880s)
The Wet Plate Collodion process, invented by Frederick Scott Archer in 1851, dramatically improved photographic quality and efficiency. This technique involved coating a glass plate with collodion and exposing it while still wet, resulting in highly detailed and reproducible images. The process was faster and more reliable than its predecessors, making it a popular choice for both portrait and landscape photography.

The Wet Plate Collodion process remained the standard in photography for several decades due to its superior image quality. It was instrumental in documenting significant historical events, such as the American Civil War, and in capturing the expanding landscapes of the American West. This period saw photography become an essential tool for both artistic expression and historical documentation.
Tintype (1850s-1900s)
The Tintype process, also known as ferrotype, emerged in the 1850s as a more affordable and accessible alternative to the Daguerreotype and Wet Plate Collodion processes. Tintypes used a thin sheet of iron coated with a photographic emulsion to create a positive image directly on the metal surface. This method was quicker and less expensive, making photography available to a broader audience.

Tintypes were particularly popular during the American Civil War, as they allowed soldiers and their families to exchange affordable and durable portraits. The ease and speed of the Tintype process also made it a staple of street photography and carnival portraiture. Its popularity waned with the advent of more advanced photographic techniques, but it remains an important part of photographic history.
Pictorialism (1885-1915)
Pictorialism was an international photographic movement that sought to establish photography as a fine art form. Emerging in the late 19th century, Pictorialists emphasized aesthetics, composition, and emotional expression over technical precision. They often used soft focus, special lenses, and printing techniques to create images that resembled paintings or etchings, blurring the lines between photography and traditional art forms.

This movement played a crucial role in gaining acceptance for photography within the art world. Pictorialism influenced many photographers and led to the formation of influential photographic societies and salons. Although it declined with the rise of Modernism, Pictorialism’s impact is evident in the continued exploration of photography as a means of artistic expression.
Photo-Secession Movement (1902-1917)
The Photo-Secession Movement, led by Alfred Stieglitz, was a pivotal development in the history of photography. Founded in 1902, the movement aimed to promote photography as a legitimate art form and to elevate its status within the broader art community. The Photo-Secessionists embraced Pictorialist aesthetics but also pushed for greater recognition of the medium’s unique qualities and potential.

The movement was instrumental in establishing photography as an art form, with exhibitions, publications, and galleries dedicated to showcasing photographic works. The legacy of the Photo-Secession Movement can be seen in the ongoing efforts to integrate photography into the fine arts, as well as in the continued exploration of the medium’s artistic possibilities.
Modernism (1920s-1940s)
Modernism in photography emerged in the early 20th century as photographers sought to break away from the romanticism of Pictorialism. Emphasizing abstraction, geometric forms, and new perspectives, Modernist photographers like Man Ray, Edward Weston, and Ansel Adams explored the medium’s ability to capture reality in innovative and objective ways. This period also saw the development of documentary photography as a distinct genre.

The Modernist approach to photography had a profound impact on the art world, influencing not only photographers but also painters, architects, and designers. The focus on form, composition, and the inherent qualities of the photographic process set the stage for future explorations in abstract and conceptual photography. Modernism’s legacy is evident in the continued appreciation for the aesthetic and documentary potential of photography.
Documentary Photography (1930s-1950s)
Documentary photography rose to prominence during the 1930s and 1940s, driven by the desire to capture and communicate the realities of the world. Photographers like Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, and Gordon Parks documented the social and economic challenges of the Great Depression and World War II. Their work highlighted the power of photography to tell stories, evoke empathy, and drive social change.

This period solidified the role of photography as a tool for journalism and historical documentation. The influence of documentary photography extended beyond its initial social missions, shaping the visual language of photojournalism and influencing subsequent generations of photographers. The emphasis on authenticity, narrative, and human experience continues to resonate in contemporary documentary practices.
Street Photography (1950s-present)
Street photography emerged in the mid-20th century as a dynamic and spontaneous approach to capturing urban life. Pioneered by photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Garry Winogrand, and Diane Arbus, this genre focuses on candid moments and the everyday experiences of people in public spaces. Street photographers often use small, unobtrusive cameras to capture fleeting interactions and unique compositions.

The immediacy and authenticity of street photography have made it a popular and enduring genre. It has influenced a wide range of photographic practices and continues to inspire photographers to explore the social and cultural fabric of urban environments. Street photography remains a powerful medium for documenting the diversity and vibrancy of city life.
Post-War Photography (1945-1960s)
The post-war period saw significant developments in photography, with artists exploring new themes and techniques in response to the social and cultural changes of the time. Photographers like Robert Frank, Diane Arbus, and William Klein captured the complexities of post-war society, from the banality of everyday life to the intensity of personal identity. This period also saw the rise of color photography as a mainstream artistic medium.

Post-war photography marked a shift towards more personal and experimental approaches. The use of color, innovative compositions, and unconventional subjects reflected the broader cultural movements of the era, including the Beat Generation and Pop Art. The impact of post-war photography is evident in its continued influence on contemporary photographic practices and its role in expanding the boundaries of the medium.
Pop Art and Appropriation (1960s-1970s)
The 1960s and 1970s witnessed the emergence of Pop Art and appropriation in photography. Artists like Andy Warhol, Richard Prince, and Cindy Sherman utilized photographic techniques to explore themes of consumerism, mass media, and identity. By incorporating and recontextualizing existing images, these artists challenged traditional notions of originality and authorship.

This period saw the integration of photography into the broader Pop Art movement, blurring the lines between high art and popular culture. Appropriation artists used photography to critique and reflect on contemporary society, often with a sense of irony and satire. The legacy of this period is evident in the ongoing use of appropriation and recontextualization in contemporary art and photography.

Contemporary Photography Periods

Conceptual Photography (1960s-present)
Conceptual photography emerged in the 1960s as part of the broader conceptual art movement. This genre prioritizes ideas and concepts over traditional aesthetic concerns, often using photography as a means to document performances, installations, or other ephemeral works. Artists like Cindy Sherman, John Baldessari, and Sophie Calle are known for their innovative use of photography to explore themes of identity, narrative, and perception.

Conceptual photography challenges viewers to engage with the underlying ideas and meanings behind the images. It often incorporates elements of text, performance, and multimedia, pushing the boundaries of what photography can be. This genre continues to be a significant influence in contemporary art, inspiring new generations of artists to explore the intersection of concept and visual representation.
New Topographics (1970s-present)
The New Topographics movement, which began in the 1970s, marked a shift in landscape photography towards a more detached and objective approach. Photographers like Robert Adams, Lewis Baltz, and Stephen Shore focused on the human-altered landscape, documenting suburban sprawl, industrial sites, and other man-made environments with a clinical precision. This movement challenged the romanticized views of nature prevalent in earlier landscape photography.

New Topographics emphasized the impact of human activity on the environment, often highlighting the mundane and overlooked aspects of the built landscape. This approach has had a lasting influence on contemporary photography, encouraging photographers to explore environmental and social issues through a more critical and analytical lens. The movement’s legacy is evident in the continued relevance of its themes and aesthetics in current photographic practices.
Postmodernism (1980s-1990s)
Postmodernism in photography emerged in the 1980s as a reaction against the formalism and objectivity of Modernism. This movement embraced irony, parody, and pastiche, challenging the notion of a single, authoritative perspective. Photographers like Cindy Sherman, Barbara Kruger, and Richard Prince used appropriation, collage, and other techniques to deconstruct images and explore themes of identity, media, and consumer culture.

Postmodern photography often questions the nature of reality and representation, blurring the lines between truth and fiction. By appropriating and recontextualizing existing images, postmodern photographers critique the influence of mass media and popular culture on our perceptions. The impact of postmodernism is still felt today, with many contemporary artists continuing to explore these themes in their work.
Digital Revolution (1990s-present)
The advent of digital technology in the 1990s revolutionized photography, making it more accessible and versatile. Digital cameras, image editing software, and the internet transformed how photographs are created, manipulated, and shared. Photographers like Andreas Gursky, Thomas Ruff, and Cindy Sherman embraced these new tools to push the boundaries of photographic art, creating large-scale, digitally manipulated images that challenge traditional notions of photography.

The digital revolution has democratized photography, enabling more people to participate in the medium and share their work globally. It has also led to the emergence of new genres, such as digital art and internet-based photography. The influence of digital technology continues to shape contemporary photographic practices, driving innovation and expanding the possibilities of visual storytelling.
Staged and Constructed Images (1990s-present)
Staged and constructed photography involves creating meticulously planned and often elaborate scenes for the camera. This approach, popularized in the 1990s, challenges the traditional notion of photography as a medium for capturing reality. Artists like Jeff Wall, Gregory Crewdson, and Cindy Sherman are known for their highly orchestrated images that blur the line between photography and other visual arts, such as cinema and painting.

By constructing scenes and directing subjects, these photographers explore themes of fiction, reality, and the nature of photographic representation. This genre has become a significant part of contemporary photography, influencing artists across various disciplines and encouraging a more theatrical and narrative-driven approach to image-making. The emphasis on construction and staging has expanded the creative potential of photography, allowing for greater artistic expression and experimentation.
Environmental and Climate Change Photography (2000s-present)
Environmental and climate change photography has gained prominence in the 21st century as photographers turn their lenses towards pressing ecological issues. Artists like Edward Burtynsky, Sebastião Salgado, and James Balog document the impact of human activity on the environment, from deforestation and pollution to climate change and natural disasters. Their work raises awareness and inspires action by highlighting the beauty and fragility of our planet.

This genre often combines aesthetic beauty with a strong environmental message, using photography as a tool for advocacy and education. By capturing the consequences of environmental degradation, these photographers contribute to the global dialogue on sustainability and conservation. Their images serve as powerful reminders of the urgent need to protect and preserve our natural world.
Identity and Representation (2000s-present)
Contemporary photographers have increasingly focused on themes of identity and representation, exploring issues related to race, gender, sexuality, and culture. Artists like Zanele Muholi, LaToya Ruby Frazier, and Deana Lawson use photography to challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity, and give voice to marginalized communities. Their work often combines personal narratives with broader social and political commentary.

This genre emphasizes the importance of visibility and representation in shaping societal attitudes and understanding. By documenting and sharing diverse experiences, these photographers contribute to a more inclusive and equitable visual culture. Their images provoke reflection and dialogue, encouraging viewers to consider the complexities of identity and the power of representation.
Vernacular Photography (2000s-present)
Vernacular photography refers to the use of everyday, often amateur, photographs to create art. This genre, which gained traction in the 2000s, celebrates the beauty and authenticity of ordinary images. Artists like Erik Kessels, Joachim Schmid, and John Stezaker collect and recontextualize found photographs, creating new narratives and meanings from seemingly mundane snapshots.

By elevating vernacular images to the status of art, these photographers challenge traditional hierarchies and notions of artistic value. Their work highlights the cultural and historical significance of everyday photography, revealing the stories and emotions embedded in these seemingly insignificant images. Vernacular photography continues to inspire contemporary artists to explore the artistic potential of the ordinary and the overlooked.
Immersive and Interactive Media (2010s-present)
The rise of immersive and interactive media in the 2010s has transformed the way audiences experience photography. Artists like Laurie Anderson, Doug Aitken, and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer create installations that engage viewers in multi-sensory experiences, often incorporating elements of sound, light, and motion. These works challenge traditional notions of static, two-dimensional photography, offering dynamic and participatory encounters.

This genre blurs the boundaries between photography, installation art, and new media, expanding the possibilities for artistic expression. By inviting audience interaction, these artists create more engaging and memorable experiences, encouraging viewers to become active participants in the art. Immersive and interactive media continue to push the boundaries of what photography can achieve, exploring new ways to connect with audiences and tell stories.
AI and Machine Learning in Photography
The integration of AI and machine learning in photography represents a cutting-edge frontier in the medium’s evolution. Artists like Mario Klingemann, Anna Ridler, and Robbie Barrat use algorithms to create and manipulate images, exploring the creative potential of artificial intelligence. These technologies enable the generation of entirely new forms of photographic art, often blurring the lines between human and machine creativity.

AI and machine learning have the potential to revolutionize photography, offering new tools for image creation, analysis, and manipulation. These technologies can assist in everything from enhancing image quality to generating unique artistic styles. The ongoing exploration of AI in photography raises important questions about authorship, originality, and the role of technology in the creative process.
Post-Internet Photography
Post-Internet photography reflects the influence of the internet and digital culture on contemporary image-making. Artists like Amalia Ulman, Jon Rafman, and Petra Cortright create works that engage with the aesthetics, behaviors, and phenomena of online life. This genre often incorporates digital manipulation, found images, and internet-based platforms, challenging traditional boundaries between the virtual and the real.

Post-Internet photography explores how digital technology and social media shape our perceptions and interactions. By examining the intersections of online and offline worlds, these artists reveal the profound impact of the internet on contemporary culture and identity. The genre continues to evolve as technology advances, reflecting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the digital age.
Activist Photography
Activist photography uses the power of visual storytelling to raise awareness and drive social change. Photographers like JR, Sebastião Salgado, and Zanele Muholi document social injustices, human rights issues, and environmental crises, often working in collaboration with communities and advocacy organizations. Their images serve as powerful tools for mobilizing public opinion and inspiring action.

This genre highlights the potential of photography to influence social and political discourse. By bringing attention to pressing issues and amplifying marginalized voices, activist photographers contribute to the global fight for justice and equality. Their work demonstrates the enduring impact of photography as a medium for advocacy and change.
Hybrid Practices
Hybrid practices in photography involve the fusion of multiple artistic disciplines and mediums. Artists like Christian Marclay, William Kentridge, and Shirin Neshat blend photography with video, performance, installation, and other forms of art, creating multifaceted works that challenge traditional categorizations. These hybrid approaches allow for greater experimentation and innovation in the creation of photographic art.

By combining different mediums and techniques, hybrid practices expand the expressive possibilities of photography. These works often engage with complex themes and narratives, encouraging viewers to experience art in new and diverse ways. The interdisciplinary nature of hybrid practices reflects the fluid and evolving landscape of contemporary art, where boundaries between mediums are increasingly blurred.

Historical & Contemporary Photographer List

Historical Photography Periods

1. Daguerreotype (1839-1860s)

Louis Daguerre (1787-1851) – Daguerre was a French artist and photographer, recognized for inventing the daguerreotype process of photography.
Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey (1804-1892) – A French photographer known for his daguerreotypes of the Middle East, capturing some of the earliest images of the region.
John Adams Whipple (1822-1891) – An American inventor and photographer, Whipple was one of the first to photograph the moon and known for his work in astrophotography.
Mathew Brady (1822-1896) – Brady was an American photographer best known for his portraits of celebrities and documentation of the American Civil War.
Southworth & Hawes (active 1843-1863) – Albert Southworth and Josiah Johnson Hawes were prominent American daguerreotypists known for their high-quality portrait work.
Robert Cornelius (1809-1893) – An American pioneer of photography, Cornelius produced the first known American photographic self-portrait (a daguerreotype) in 1839.
Jean-Baptiste Sabatier-Blot (1809-1880) – A French photographer and engraver, Sabatier-Blot was known for his portrait daguerreotypes.
Carl Ferdinand Stelzner (1805-1894) – Stelzner was a German daguerreotypist known for his portraits and architectural photographs.
Félix Nadar (1820-1910) – A French photographer, caricaturist, and balloonist, Nadar was renowned for his portraits and pioneering aerial photography.
Antoine Claudet (1797-1867) – Claudet was a French photographer known for his improvements to the daguerreotype process and his portrait work.
Hermann Biow (1804-1850) – A German photographer, Biow was known for his early daguerreotypes and documentation of the 1848 revolutions in Germany.
Charles Fontayne (1805-1871) – An American daguerreotypist known for his panoramic daguerreotypes of Cincinnati.
William Shew (1820-1903) – Shew was an American photographer known for his daguerreotype portraits and contributions to photographic technology.
Thomas Easterly (1809-1882) – An American photographer known for his daguerreotypes documenting the American Midwest and Native American subjects.
Richard Beard (1801-1885) – Beard was a British photographer who opened one of the first daguerreotype studios in London and held several patents related to photography.
Augustus Washington (1820-1875) – An African American daguerreotypist known for his portraits of notable abolitionists and African leaders.
Nicolaas Henneman (1813-1898) – Henneman was a Dutch photographer and assistant to William Henry Fox Talbot, known for producing some of the earliest calotypes.
Pierre-Gustave Joly de Lotbinière (1798-1865) – A French Canadian photographer known for his daguerreotypes of ancient monuments in the Middle East.

2. Calotype (1840s-1860s)

William Henry Fox Talbot (1800-1877) – An English scientist and inventor, Talbot is best known for inventing the calotype process, a precursor to modern photographic processes.
David Octavius Hill (1802-1870) – A Scottish painter and photographer, Hill is known for his collaboration with Robert Adamson, producing early calotype portraits.
Robert Adamson (1821-1848) – A Scottish photographer who partnered with David Octavius Hill, Adamson was a pioneer in calotype portrait photography.
John Dillwyn Llewelyn (1810-1882) – A Welsh photographer known for his early calotype landscapes and botanical studies.
Benjamin Brecknell Turner (1815-1894) – An English photographer known for his calotype landscapes and architectural photographs.
Maxime Du Camp (1822-1894) – A French writer and photographer known for his calotype images of Egypt and the Middle East.
Gustave Le Gray (1820-1884) – A French photographer renowned for his technical innovations in photography and his calotype landscapes and seascapes.
Louis De Clercq (1836-1901) – A French photographer known for his calotype images of the Near East and Mediterranean regions.
Henri Le Secq (1818-1882) – A French photographer and painter known for his calotype images of Gothic architecture.
Roger Fenton (1819-1869) – An English photographer known for his pioneering work in war photography and his calotype landscapes and architectural images.
John Muir Wood (1805-1892) – A Scottish photographer known for his calotype images of Scottish landscapes and architecture.
Charles Nègre (1820-1880) – A French photographer known for his calotype portraits and architectural studies.
Édouard Baldus (1813-1889) – A French photographer known for his calotype images of French monuments and architecture.
Auguste Salzmann (1824-1872) – A French archaeologist and photographer known for his calotype images of ancient ruins in the Middle East.
William Bambridge (1810-1879) – An English photographer known for his calotype portraits and documentation of the British royal family.
Francis Bedford (1816-1894) – A British photographer known for his calotype landscapes and architectural photographs.
James Robertson (1813-1888) – A British photographer known for his calotype images of the Crimean War and Middle Eastern landscapes.
Charles Clifford (1819-1863) – A British photographer known for his calotype images of Spain and Spanish architecture.
Philip Henry Delamotte (1821-1889) – An English photographer known for his calotype images documenting the construction of the Crystal Palace.
Nicolaas Henneman (1813-1898) – Henneman was a Dutch photographer and assistant to William Henry Fox Talbot, known for producing some of the earliest calotypes.

3. Wet Plate Collodion (1851-1880s)

Frederick Scott Archer (1813-1857) – An English photographer who invented the wet plate collodion process, revolutionizing photographic practice.
Mathew Brady (1822-1896) – Brady was an American photographer best known for his portraits of celebrities and documentation of the American Civil War.
Timothy H. O’Sullivan (1840-1882) – An American photographer known for his work during the Civil War and his Western landscape photography.
Carleton Watkins (1829-1916) – An American photographer known for his large-format images of the American West, particularly Yosemite.
Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904) – Muybridge was an English photographer known for his pioneering work in photographic studies of motion.
Julia Margaret Cameron (1815-1879) – A British photographer known for her portraits of famous figures and her soft-focus aesthetic.
John Beasley Greene (1832-1856) – An American-born French archaeologist and photographer known for his early images of Egypt and Algeria.
Charles Marville (1813-1879) – A French photographer known for his documentation of Paris before and during its transformation under Baron Haussmann.
Gustave Le Gray (1820-1884) – A French photographer renowned for his technical innovations in photography and his calotype landscapes and seascapes.
Roger Fenton (1819-1869) – An English photographer known for his pioneering work in war photography and his calotype landscapes and architectural images.
John Thomson (1837-1921) – A Scottish photographer known for his work documenting the people and landscapes of Asia and his street photography in London.
Andrew J. Russell (1829-1902) – An American photographer known for his images of the Civil War and the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad.
John K. Hillers (1843-1925) – An American photographer known for his work documenting Native American tribes and Western landscapes.
Francis Frith (1822-1898) – A British photographer known for his extensive documentation of the Middle East and his photographic publishing company.
Francis Bedford (1816-1894) – A British photographer known for his calotype landscapes and architectural photographs.
George Washington Wilson (1823-1893) – A Scottish photographer known for his scenic views of Scotland and royal portraiture.
Alexander Gardner (1821-1882) – An American Civil War photographer known for his detailed images of battlefields and notable figures.
Solomon D. Butcher (1856-1927) – An American photographer known for his documentation of pioneer life in Nebraska.
Hill & Adamson (active 1843-1848) – David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson were Scottish photographers known for their pioneering calotype portraits.
O. G. Mason (1846-1930) – Mason was an American photographer known for his documentary and scientific images, particularly of the Western United States.

4. Tintype (1850s-1900s)

Hamilton Smith (1819-1903) – An American scientist and photographer credited with inventing the tintype process in the 1850s.
Mathew Brady (1822-1896) – Brady was an American photographer best known for his portraits of celebrities and documentation of the American Civil War.
Timothy H. O’Sullivan (1840-1882) – An American photographer known for his work during the Civil War and his Western landscape photography.
George N. Barnard (1819-1902) – An American photographer known for his Civil War images and his documentation of the burning of Columbia, South Carolina.
Alexander Gardner (1821-1882) – An American Civil War photographer known for his detailed images of battlefields and notable figures.
William H. Mumler (1832-1884) – An American photographer known for his controversial spirit photographs, which purported to show the ghosts of deceased persons.
Rufus Anson (1821-1902) – An American photographer known for his portrait work in the tintype process.
James Presley Ball (1825-1904) – An African American photographer known for his daguerreotypes and tintypes, and for his documentation of African American life.
Charles R. Savage (1832-1909) – An English-born American photographer known for his documentation of the American West and the construction of the transcontinental railroad.
Jeremiah Gurney (1812-1895) – An American photographer known for his early daguerreotypes and tintype portraits.
William Rulofson (1826-1878) – An American photographer known for his portrait work and for his contributions to the development of the tintype process.
Albert Southworth (1811-1894) – Southworth, part of the team Southworth & Hawes, was known for his high-quality daguerreotype portraits and later tintype work.
Josiah Johnson Hawes (1808-1901) – Hawes, part of the team Southworth & Hawes, was known for his high-quality daguerreotype portraits and later tintype work.
Edward Z. Webster (1830-1893) – An American photographer known for his tintype portraits and documentation of life in the American South.
Frank A. Nims (1853-1935) – An American photographer known for his tintype images of the American West and Native American subjects.
Frederick Coombs (1803-1874) – An American photographer known for his daguerreotypes and tintypes, as well as his eccentric personality and public performances.
George S. Cook (1819-1902) – An American photographer known for his tintype images and his documentation of the American South.
Augustus Washington (1820-1875) – An African American daguerreotypist known for his portraits of notable abolitionists and African leaders.
Henry Jackson (1843-1942) – An American photographer known for his tintype images and documentation of the American West.
Lorenzo Chase (1819-1904) – An American photographer known for his tintype portraits and early stereoscopic images.

5. Pictorialism (1885-1915)

Alfred Stieglitz (1864-1946) – Stieglitz was an American photographer and modern art promoter who played a key role in the Pictorialist movement.
Edward Steichen (1879-1973) – Steichen was a Luxembourg-born American photographer known for his Pictorialist images and contributions to photographic modernism.
Clarence H. White (1871-1925) – An American photographer and teacher known for his Pictorialist style and contributions to photographic education.
Gertrude Käsebier (1852-1934) – Käsebier was an American photographer known for her portraits and her role in the Pictorialist movement.
Alvin Langdon Coburn (1882-1966) – An American photographer known for his Pictorialist images and later abstract photographic work.
Robert Demachy (1859-1936) – A French Pictorialist photographer known for his manipulated images and involvement in the Photo-Club de Paris.
Anne Brigman (1869-1950) – An American photographer known for her Pictorialist images of women in natural landscapes, often with a mystical quality.
F. Holland Day (1864-1933) – An American photographer known for his Pictorialist images and involvement in the Photo-Secession movement.
Heinrich Kühn (1866-1944) – An Austrian-German photographer known for his Pictorialist images and contributions to the development of fine art photography.
Frank Eugene (1865-1936) – An American-German photographer known for his Pictorialist images and involvement in the Photo-Secession movement.
Frederick H. Evans (1853-1943) – A British photographer known for his architectural images and contributions to the Pictorialist movement.
George Seeley (1880-1955) – An American photographer known for his Pictorialist images and involvement in the Photo-Secession movement.
Arthur Wesley Dow (1857-1922) – An American painter and photographer known for his contributions to art education and the Pictorialist movement.
Karl Struss (1886-1981) – An American photographer and cinematographer known for his Pictorialist images and work in early Hollywood.
James Craig Annan (1864-1946) – A Scottish photographer known for his Pictorialist images and involvement in the Photo-Secession movement.
Ema Spencer (1857-1941) – An American photographer known for her Pictorialist images and involvement in early photographic societies.
Eva Watson-Schütze (1867-1935) – An American photographer known for her Pictorialist images and involvement in the Photo-Secession movement.
Joseph T. Keiley (1869-1914) – An American photographer known for his Pictorialist images and involvement in the Photo-Secession movement.
William B. Dyer (1860-1931) – An American photographer known for his Pictorialist images and contributions to early photographic societies.
Mary Devens (1857-1920) – An American photographer known for her Pictorialist images and involvement in the Photo-Secession movement.

6. Photo-Secession Movement (1902-1917)

Alfred Stieglitz (1864-1946) – Stieglitz was an American photographer and modern art promoter who played a key role in the Pictorialist movement.
Edward Steichen (1879-1973) – Steichen was a Luxembourg-born American photographer known for his Pictorialist images and contributions to photographic modernism.
Gertrude Käsebier (1852-1934) – Käsebier was an American photographer known for her portraits and her role in the Pictorialist movement.
Clarence H. White (1871-1925) – An American photographer and teacher known for his Pictorialist style and contributions to photographic education.
Alvin Langdon Coburn (1882-1966) – An American photographer known for his Pictorialist images and later abstract photographic work.
Paul Haviland (1880-1950) – A French-American photographer and writer known for his involvement in the Photo-Secession movement and contributions to early modern photography.
Frank Eugene (1865-1936) – An American-German photographer known for his Pictorialist images and involvement in the Photo-Secession movement.
Karl Struss (1886-1981) – An American photographer and cinematographer known for his Pictorialist images and work in early Hollywood.
Adolph de Meyer (1868-1949) – A German-born British photographer known for his Pictorialist images and work in fashion photography.
William E. Dassonville (1879-1957) – An American photographer known for his Pictorialist images and contributions to photographic chemistry.
Anne Brigman (1869-1950) – An American photographer known for her Pictorialist images of women in natural landscapes, often with a mystical quality.
Laura Gilpin (1891-1979) – An American photographer known for her images of the American Southwest and Native American cultures.
Alice Boughton (1866-1943) – An American photographer known for her portraits and involvement in the Photo-Secession movement.
F. Holland Day (1864-1933) – An American photographer known for his Pictorialist images and involvement in the Photo-Secession movement.
Frederick H. Evans (1853-1943) – A British photographer known for his architectural images and contributions to the Pictorialist movement.
George Seeley (1880-1955) – An American photographer known for his Pictorialist images and involvement in the Photo-Secession movement.
Francis Bruguière (1879-1945) – An American photographer known for his Pictorialist images and experimental work in abstract photography.
Mary Devens (1857-1920) – An American photographer known for her Pictorialist images and involvement in the Photo-Secession movement.
Joseph T. Keiley (1869-1914) – An American photographer known for his Pictorialist images and involvement in the Photo-Secession movement.

7. Modernism (1920s-1940s)

Man Ray (1890-1976) – An American visual artist and photographer known for his avant-garde photography and contributions to the Dada and Surrealist movements.
Edward Weston (1886-1958) – An American photographer known for his sharply focused and detailed black-and-white images of natural forms and landscapes.
Ansel Adams (1902-1984) – An American photographer and environmentalist known for his black-and-white landscape photographs of the American West.
Imogen Cunningham (1883-1976) – An American photographer known for her botanical, portrait, and nude photography.
Paul Strand (1890-1976) – An American photographer and filmmaker known for his role in establishing photography as an art form.
Laszlo Moholy-Nagy (1895-1946) – A Hungarian painter and photographer known for his contributions to the Bauhaus and his innovative use of light and shadow in photography.
Alexander Rodchenko (1891-1956) – A Russian artist, sculptor, and photographer known for his constructivist and avant-garde photography.
Berenice Abbott (1898-1991) – An American photographer known for her black-and-white photographs of New York City architecture and urban life.
Tina Modotti (1896-1942) – An Italian photographer and political activist known for her documentary photographs of Mexico and her involvement in the Mexican muralist movement.
Dorothea Lange (1895-1965) – An American documentary photographer known for her Depression-era work for the Farm Security Administration (FSA).
Walker Evans (1903-1975) – An American photographer known for his documentary work during the Great Depression and his role in the FSA.
Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004) – A French photographer known for his candid street photography and for co-founding Magnum Photos.
André Kertész (1894-1985) – A Hungarian-born photographer known for his groundbreaking contributions to photojournalism and the photographic essay.
Margaret Bourke-White (1904-1971) – An American photographer and documentary photographer known for her work with LIFE magazine and her images of World War II.
Bill Brandt (1904-1983) – A British photographer known for his high-contrast images of British society, landscapes, and nudes.
Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898-1995) – A German-born American photographer and photojournalist known for his work with LIFE magazine.
Helen Levitt (1913-2009) – An American photographer known for her candid street photography of New York City.
Brassai (1899-1984) – A Hungarian-born French photographer known for his nighttime images of Paris and his involvement in the Surrealist movement.
Ilse Bing (1899-1998) – A German photographer known for her avant-garde and modernist photography in the 1920s and 1930s.
Harry Callahan (1912-1999) – An American photographer known for his experimental and abstract approach to photography.

8. Documentary Photography (1930s-1950s)

Dorothea Lange (1895-1965) – An American documentary photographer known for her Depression-era work for the Farm Security Administration (FSA).
Walker Evans (1903-1975) – An American photographer known for his documentary work during the Great Depression and his role in the FSA.
Margaret Bourke-White (1904-1971) – An American photographer and documentary photographer known for her work with LIFE magazine and her images of World War II.
Gordon Parks (1912-2006) – An American photographer, musician, and film director known for his work documenting social issues and his role as the first African American staff photographer for LIFE magazine.
Robert Capa (1913-1954) – A Hungarian-born war photographer and photojournalist known for his images of conflict and his role in co-founding Magnum Photos.
W. Eugene Smith (1918-1978) – An American photojournalist known for his powerful photo essays and his work with LIFE magazine.
Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004) – A French photographer known for his candid street photography and for co-founding Magnum Photos.
Berenice Abbott (1898-1991) – An American photographer known for her black-and-white photographs of New York City architecture and urban life.
Russell Lee (1903-1986) – An American photographer known for his work documenting rural America during the Great Depression for the FSA.
Arthur Rothstein (1915-1985) – An American photographer known for his work documenting rural America during the Great Depression for the FSA.
John Vachon (1914-1975) – An American photographer known for his work documenting rural America during the Great Depression for the FSA.
Marion Post Wolcott (1910-1990) – An American photographer known for her work documenting rural America during the Great Depression for the FSA.
Esther Bubley (1921-1998) – An American photographer known for her documentary work during the Great Depression and World War II.
Jack Delano (1914-1997) – An American photographer known for his work documenting rural America during the Great Depression for the FSA.
Ansel Adams (1902-1984) – An American photographer and environmentalist known for his black-and-white landscape photographs of the American West.
David Seymour (Chim) (1911-1956) – A Polish-born photographer and photojournalist known for his images of conflict and his role in co-founding Magnum Photos.
Wayne Miller (1918-2013) – An American photographer known for his work documenting World War II and post-war American life.
Edward Weston (1886-1958) – An American photographer known for his sharply focused and detailed black-and-white images of natural forms and landscapes.
George Rodger (1908-1995) – A British photojournalist known for his images of World War II and his role in co-founding Magnum Photos.
Robert Frank (1924-2019) – A Swiss-born American photographer known for his influential book “The Americans” and his candid images of American society.

9. Street Photography (1950s-present)

Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004) – A French photographer known for his candid street photography and for co-founding Magnum Photos.
Robert Frank (1924-2019) – A Swiss-born American photographer known for his influential book “The Americans” and his candid images of American society.
Garry Winogrand (1928-1984) – An American street photographer known for his portrayal of American life and social issues in the mid-20th century.
Diane Arbus (1923-1971) – An American photographer known for her portraits of marginalized and unusual subjects.
Lee Friedlander (born 1934) – An American photographer known for his candid black-and-white images of urban life and social landscapes.
William Klein (1926-2022) – An American-born French photographer known for his unconventional approach to street photography and fashion photography.
Joel Meyerowitz (born 1938) – An American photographer known for his pioneering color street photography and large-format urban landscapes.
Helen Levitt (1913-2009) – An American photographer known for her candid street photography of New York City.
Bruce Davidson (born 1933) – An American photographer known for his documentary and street photography, often exploring social issues and urban life.
Elliott Erwitt (born 1928) – A French-born American photographer known for his candid and often humorous images of everyday life.
Mary Ellen Mark (1940-2015) – An American photographer known for her photojournalism and documentary photography, often focusing on marginalized communities.
Vivian Maier (1926-2009) – An American street photographer whose extensive body of work was discovered posthumously, revealing her talent for capturing urban life.
Saul Leiter (1923-2013) – An American photographer known for his pioneering color street photography and abstract images.
Robert Doisneau (1912-1994) – A French photographer known for his playful and candid images of Parisian street life.
Brassai (1899-1984) – A Hungarian-born French photographer known for his nighttime images of Paris and his involvement in the Surrealist movement.
Daido Moriyama (born 1938) – A Japanese photographer known for his gritty and high-contrast black-and-white images of urban life.
Weegee (Arthur Fellig) (1899-1968) – An American photographer known for his stark and often sensational images of crime scenes and urban life in New York City.
Bruce Gilden (born 1946) – An American street photographer known for his close-up and confrontational style of capturing urban life.
Philip-Lorca diCorcia (born 1951) – An American photographer known for his staged and documentary-style images that blur the line between fiction and reality.
Martin Parr (born 1952) – A British documentary photographer known for his satirical and humorous images of modern life and consumer culture.

10. Post-War Photography (1945-1960s)

Robert Frank (1924-2019) – A Swiss-born American photographer known for his influential book “The Americans” and his candid images of American society.
Diane Arbus (1923-1971) – An American photographer known for her portraits of marginalized and unusual subjects.
William Klein (1926-2022) – An American-born French photographer known for his unconventional approach to street photography and fashion photography.
Saul Leiter (1923-2013) – An American photographer known for his pioneering color street photography and abstract images.
Richard Avedon (1923-2004) – An American fashion and portrait photographer known for his innovative and influential work.
Irving Penn (1917-2009) – An American photographer known for his fashion photography, portraits, and still life images.
Harry Callahan (1912-1999) – An American photographer known for his experimental and abstract approach to photography.
Roy DeCarava (1919-2009) – An American photographer known for his black-and-white images capturing the lives of African Americans in Harlem.
Helen Levitt (1913-2009) – An American photographer known for her candid street photography of New York City.
Robert Doisneau (1912-1994) – A French photographer known for his playful and candid images of Parisian street life.
Brassai (1899-1984) – A Hungarian-born French photographer known for his nighttime images of Paris and his involvement in the Surrealist movement.
Walker Evans (1903-1975) – An American photographer known for his documentary work during the Great Depression and his role in the FSA.
André Kertész (1894-1985) – A Hungarian-born photographer known for his groundbreaking contributions to photojournalism and the photographic essay.
Dorothea Lange (1895-1965) – An American documentary photographer known for her Depression-era work for the Farm Security Administration (FSA).
Ansel Adams (1902-1984) – An American photographer and environmentalist known for his black-and-white landscape photographs of the American West.
Imogen Cunningham (1883-1976) – An American photographer known for her botanical, portrait, and nude photography.
Paul Strand (1890-1976) – An American photographer and filmmaker known for his role in establishing photography as an art form.
Minor White (1908-1976) – An American photographer and educator known for his black-and-white images and his influence on the theory and practice of photography.
Garry Winogrand (1928-1984) – An American street photographer known for his portrayal of American life and social issues in the mid-20th century.
Lee Friedlander (born 1934) – An American photographer known for his candid black-and-white images of urban life and social landscapes.

11. Pop Art and Appropriation (1960s-1970s)

Andy Warhol (1928-1987) – An American artist and leading figure in the Pop Art movement, Warhol was known for his iconic images of celebrities and consumer goods.
Richard Prince (born 1949) – Prince is an American artist known for his re-photographed images that challenge concepts of authorship and originality.
Cindy Sherman (born 1954) – Sherman is an American photographer known for her conceptual portraits that challenge notions of identity and representation.
Robert Heinecken (1931-2006) – An American artist known for his photographic work that explores media, advertising, and consumer culture.
Barbara Kruger (born 1945) – Kruger is an American conceptual artist known for her text-based works that address issues of power, identity, and consumerism.
John Baldessari (1931-2020) – Baldessari was an American conceptual artist known for his text and image-based works that challenge traditional art forms.
Sherrie Levine (born 1947) – Levine is an American artist known for her appropriation art, questioning authorship and originality in the art world.
Laurie Simmons (born 1949) – Simmons is an American artist known for her staged photographs that explore gender roles and identity.
Vik Muniz (born 1961) – Muniz is a Brazilian artist known for his photographic works that recreate famous images using unconventional materials.
Jeff Koons (born 1955) – Koons is an American artist known for his kitsch and often controversial works that explore consumer culture and mass media.
Richard Hamilton (1922-2011) – A British artist and leading figure in the Pop Art movement, Hamilton is known for his collage work that critiques consumer culture.
Claes Oldenburg (1929-2022) – A Swedish-American artist known for his large-scale public sculptures and soft sculptures that play with everyday objects.
Ed Ruscha (born 1937) – An American artist known for his paintings, photographs, and artist books that often explore themes of American culture and landscape.
David Hockney (born 1937) – A British artist known for his colorful and innovative paintings, photographs, and stage designs.
Duane Michals (born 1932) – An American photographer known for his narrative sequences and use of text to explore themes of identity and memory.
Yasumasa Morimura (born 1951) – Morimura is a Japanese artist known for his self-portraits that reimagine iconic images from art history and pop culture.
Gilbert & George (born 1943, 1942) – Gilbert & George are British artists known for their collaborative works that address social and political issues through large-scale photo-based art.
Hans-Peter Feldmann (born 1941) – Feldmann is a German artist known for his use of found photographs and everyday objects to create humorous and insightful works.
Allan McCollum (born 1944) – An American artist known for his large-scale installations that explore themes of mass production and individuality.
Christopher Williams (born 1956) – An American artist known for his conceptual photographs that explore the history and mechanics of photography.

Contemporary Photography Periods

12. Conceptual Photography (1960s-present)

Cindy Sherman (born 1954) – Sherman is an American photographer known for her conceptual portraits that challenge notions of identity and representation.
John Baldessari (1931-2020) – Baldessari was an American conceptual artist known for his text and image-based works that challenge traditional art forms.
Sophie Calle (born 1953) – Calle is a French conceptual artist and writer whose work often explores themes of identity, intimacy, and human relationships.
Bernd and Hilla Becher (1931-2007, 1934-2015) – The Bechers were German photographers known for their typological studies of industrial structures.
Jeff Wall (born 1946) – Wall is a Canadian artist known for his large-scale backlit photographs that often reference art history and contemporary culture.
Barbara Kruger (born 1945) – Kruger is an American conceptual artist known for her text-based works that address issues of power, identity, and consumerism.
Sherrie Levine (born 1947) – Levine is an American artist known for her appropriation art, questioning authorship and originality in the art world.
Thomas Demand (born 1964) – Demand is a German artist who creates life-size models of interior spaces, which he then photographs, exploring the relationship between reality and representation.
Hiroshi Sugimoto (born 1948) – Sugimoto is a Japanese photographer known for his minimalist and highly detailed black-and-white images.
Andreas Gursky (born 1955) – Gursky is a German photographer known for his large-scale, digitally manipulated images that explore contemporary life and consumer culture.
Wolfgang Tillmans (born 1968) – Tillmans is a German photographer whose work spans various genres, from portraiture to still life and abstraction.
Thomas Ruff (born 1958) – Ruff is a German photographer known for his large-scale portraits and digitally manipulated images that challenge traditional notions of photography.
Gillian Wearing (born 1963) – Wearing is a British artist known for her video and photography works that explore identity, social behavior, and public and private spaces.
Alfredo Jaar (born 1956) – Jaar is a Chilean artist whose installations and photographic works critique the power structures and injustices of contemporary society.
Roni Horn (born 1955) – Horn is an American artist whose work spans various media, including photography, sculpture, and drawing, often exploring themes of identity and place.
Taryn Simon (born 1975) – Simon is an American multidisciplinary artist whose photography and text-based works explore the invisible and the overlooked in society.
Alec Soth (born 1969) – Soth is an American photographer known for his large-scale projects and portraits that capture the subtleties of American life.
Ryan McGinley (born 1977) – McGinley is an American photographer known for his vibrant, youthful images that capture the spirit of contemporary youth culture.
Thomas Struth (born 1954) – Struth is a German photographer known for his detailed and large-scale images of urban environments, family portraits, and natural landscapes.
Hilla Becher (1934-2015) – Becher, along with her husband Bernd, was a German photographer known for her typological studies of industrial structures.

13. New Topographics (1970s-present)

Robert Adams (born 1937) – Adams is an American photographer known for his black-and-white images of the American West, capturing the impact of human activity on the landscape.
Lewis Baltz (1945-2014) – Baltz was an American photographer known for his stark images of suburban and industrial landscapes, part of the New Topographics movement.
Stephen Shore (born 1947) – Shore is an American photographer known for his color photographs of everyday scenes and landscapes, contributing to the acceptance of color photography as an art form.
Bernd and Hilla Becher (1931-2007, 1934-2015) – The Bechers were German photographers known for their typological studies of industrial structures.
Frank Gohlke (born 1942) – Gohlke is an American photographer known for his large-format images of landscapes altered by human intervention.
Nicholas Nixon (born 1947) – Nixon is an American photographer known for his intimate portraits and documentary-style images, including his famous series “The Brown Sisters.”
Joe Deal (1947-2010) – Deal was an American photographer known for his images of the altered landscape of the American West, part of the New Topographics movement.
John Schott (born 1944) – Schott is an American photographer known for his images of motels and roadside architecture, contributing to the New Topographics movement.
Henry Wessel, Jr. (1942-2018) – Wessel was an American photographer known for his black-and-white images capturing the light and landscape of the American West.
Thomas Struth (born 1954) – Struth is a German photographer known for his detailed and large-scale images of urban environments, family portraits, and natural landscapes.
Andreas Gursky (born 1955) – Gursky is a German photographer known for his large-scale, digitally manipulated images that explore contemporary life and consumer culture.
Edward Burtynsky (born 1955) – Burtynsky is a Canadian photographer known for his large-format images of industrial landscapes and environmental degradation.
Richard Misrach (born 1949) – Misrach is an American photographer known for his color images of the American desert and his environmental activism through photography.
Mitch Epstein (born 1952) – Epstein is an American photographer known for his large-format color images that explore the relationship between nature and culture.
Joel Sternfeld (born 1944) – Sternfeld is an American photographer known for his large-format color photographs that explore social landscapes and human intervention in nature.
William Eggleston (born 1939) – Eggleston is an American photographer known for his pioneering use of color photography to capture everyday scenes in the American South.
Alec Soth (born 1969) – Soth is an American photographer known for his large-scale projects and portraits that capture the subtleties of American life.
Michael Light (born 1963) – Light is an American photographer known for his aerial images of the American West, exploring themes of environmental impact and land use.
Mark Ruwedel (born 1954) – Ruwedel is an American photographer known for his black-and-white images that document the traces of human activity in the landscape.
Todd Hido (born 1968) – Hido is an American photographer known for his moody and atmospheric images of suburban landscapes and interiors.

14. Postmodernism (1980s-1990s)

Cindy Sherman (born 1954) – Sherman is an American photographer known for her conceptual portraits that challenge notions of identity and representation.
Barbara Kruger (born 1945) – Kruger is an American conceptual artist known for her text-based works that address issues of power, identity, and consumerism.
Richard Prince (born 1949) – Prince is an American artist known for his re-photographed images that challenge concepts of authorship and originality.
Jeff Wall (born 1946) – Wall is a Canadian artist known for his large-scale backlit photographs that often reference art history and contemporary culture.
Sherrie Levine (born 1947) – Levine is an American artist known for her appropriation art, questioning authorship and originality in the art world.
John Baldessari (1931-2020) – Baldessari was an American conceptual artist known for his text and image-based works that challenge traditional art forms.
Laurie Simmons (born 1949) – Simmons is an American artist known for her staged photographs that explore gender roles and identity.
Nan Goldin (born 1953) – Goldin is an American photographer known for her deeply personal and candid portraits that document LGBTQI+ communities and the AIDS crisis.
Vik Muniz (born 1961) – Muniz is a Brazilian artist known for his photographic works that recreate famous images using unconventional materials.
Yasumasa Morimura (born 1951) – Morimura is a Japanese artist known for his self-portraits that reimagine iconic images from art history and pop culture.
Andres Serrano (born 1950) – Serrano is an American photographer known for his provocative images that explore themes of religion, sex, and death.
Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-1989) – Mapplethorpe was an American photographer known for his stylized black-and-white portraits, nudes, and flower still lifes.
Louise Lawler (born 1947) – Lawler is an American conceptual artist known for her photographs that explore the presentation and marketing of art.
David Levinthal (born 1949) – Levinthal is an American photographer known for his staged images of toys and miniature scenes that address themes of history and popular culture.
Gilbert & George (born 1943, 1942) – Gilbert & George are British artists known for their collaborative works that address social and political issues through large-scale photo-based art.
Sophie Calle (born 1953) – Calle is a French conceptual artist and writer whose work often explores themes of identity, intimacy, and human relationships.
Thomas Demand (born 1964) – Demand is a German artist who creates life-size models of interior spaces, which he then photographs, exploring the relationship between reality and representation.
Gregory Crewdson (born 1962) – Crewdson is an American photographer known for his elaborately staged, cinematic images that explore the darker side of suburban life.
Rineke Dijkstra (born 1959) – Dijkstra is a Dutch photographer known for her large-scale portraits that capture the vulnerability and strength of her subjects.

15. Digital Revolution (1990s-present)

Andreas Gursky (born 1955) – Gursky is a German photographer known for his large-scale, digitally manipulated images that explore contemporary life and consumer culture.
Thomas Ruff (born 1958) – Ruff is a German photographer known for his large-scale portraits and digitally manipulated images that challenge traditional notions of photography.
Cindy Sherman (born 1954) – Sherman is an American photographer known for her conceptual portraits that challenge notions of identity and representation.
Jeff Wall (born 1946) – Wall is a Canadian artist known for his large-scale backlit photographs that often reference art history and contemporary culture.
Thomas Struth (born 1954) – Struth is a German photographer known for his detailed and large-scale images of urban environments, family portraits, and natural landscapes.
Gregory Crewdson (born 1962) – Crewdson is an American photographer known for his elaborately staged, cinematic images that explore the darker side of suburban life.
Rineke Dijkstra (born 1959) – Dijkstra is a Dutch photographer known for her large-scale portraits that capture the vulnerability and strength of her subjects.
Philip-Lorca diCorcia (born 1951) – DiCorcia is an American photographer known for his staged, documentary-style images that blur the line between fiction and reality.
Alex Prager (born 1979) – Prager is an American photographer and filmmaker known for her staged, cinematic images that often reference Hollywood and popular culture.
Loretta Lux (born 1969) – Lux is a German photographer known for her digitally manipulated portraits of children that blend reality and fantasy.
Bill Viola (born 1951) – Viola is an American video artist known for his large-scale installations that explore themes of human experience, emotion, and spirituality.
Hiroshi Sugimoto (born 1948) – Sugimoto is a Japanese photographer known for his minimalist and highly detailed black-and-white images.
Vik Muniz (born 1961) – Muniz is a Brazilian artist known for his photographic works that recreate famous images using unconventional materials.
AES+F (founded 1987) – AES+F is a Russian artist collective known for their digitally manipulated, large-scale works that explore contemporary global issues.
Mariko Mori (born 1967) – Mori is a Japanese artist known for her multimedia works that blend science fiction, technology, and spirituality.
Idris Khan (born 1978) – Khan is a British artist known for his digitally layered photographs that explore themes of memory and time.
Lorna Simpson (born 1960) – Simpson is an American artist known for her conceptual photography and video works that explore issues of race, gender, and identity.
Isaac Julien (born 1960) – Julien is a British filmmaker and installation artist whose work addresses themes of race, sexuality, and global politics.
Alfredo Jaar (born 1956) – Jaar is a Chilean artist whose installations and photographic works critique the power structures and injustices of contemporary society.
Thomas Demand (born 1964) – Demand is a German artist who creates life-size models of interior spaces, which he then photographs, exploring the relationship between reality and representation.

16. Staged and Constructed Images (1990s-present)

Jeff Wall (born 1946) – Wall is a Canadian artist known for his large-scale backlit photographs that often reference art history and contemporary culture.
Gregory Crewdson (born 1962) – Crewdson is an American photographer known for his elaborately staged, cinematic images that explore the darker side of suburban life.
Cindy Sherman (born 1954) – Sherman is an American photographer known for her conceptual portraits that challenge notions of identity and representation.
Philip-Lorca diCorcia (born 1951) – DiCorcia is an American photographer known for his staged, documentary-style images that blur the line between fiction and reality.
Alex Prager (born 1979) – Prager is an American photographer and filmmaker known for her staged, cinematic images that often reference Hollywood and popular culture.
Lori Nix (born 1969) – Nix is an American photographer known for her intricate dioramas and staged scenes that explore themes of urban decay and disaster.
Sandy Skoglund (born 1946) – Skoglund is an American artist known for her surreal, staged photography and installations that often feature elaborate sets and props.
Didier Massard (born 1953) – Massard is a French photographer known for his meticulously crafted and fantastical staged scenes.
Vik Muniz (born 1961) – Muniz is a Brazilian artist known for his photographic works that recreate famous images using unconventional materials.
Sharon Core (born 1965) – Core is an American photographer known for her meticulously recreated still life images that reference historical paintings.
Thomas Demand (born 1964) – Demand is a German artist who creates life-size models of interior spaces, which he then photographs, exploring the relationship between reality and representation.
Paolo Ventura (born 1968) – Ventura is an Italian photographer known for his narrative, staged images that often feature miniature sets and figures.
Teun Hocks (born 1947) – Hocks is a Dutch artist known for his humorous and surreal staged photographs that often feature himself as the protagonist.
Samuel Fosso (born 1962) – Fosso is a Central African photographer known for his self-portraits that explore themes of identity and history.
Aneta Grzeszykowska (born 1974) – Grzeszykowska is a Polish artist known for her staged and manipulated photographs that explore themes of identity and the body.
Erwin Olaf (born 1959) – Olaf is a Dutch photographer known for his highly stylized and staged images that often explore themes of beauty and desire.
Wang Qingsong (born 1966) – Qingsong is a Chinese photographer known for his large-scale, staged images that critique contemporary Chinese society.
Richard Tuschman (born 1956) – Tuschman is an American photographer known for his staged, narrative images that blend photography and digital manipulation.
Simen Johan (born 1973) – Johan is a Norwegian photographer known for his digitally manipulated images that blend reality and fantasy.
Robert & Shana ParkeHarrison (born 1968, 1971) – The ParkeHarrisons are American artists known for their staged, narrative images that explore themes of environmental destruction and human intervention.

17. Environmental and Climate Change Photography (2000s-present)

Edward Burtynsky (born 1955) – Burtynsky is a Canadian photographer known for his large-format images of industrial landscapes and environmental degradation.
Sebastião Salgado (born 1944) – Salgado is a Brazilian social documentary photographer and photojournalist renowned for his powerful black-and-white images of social issues.
James Balog (born 1952) – Balog is an American photographer known for his work documenting climate change, particularly through his project “Extreme Ice Survey.”
Chris Jordan (born 1963) – Jordan is an American photographer known for his large-scale images that highlight the impact of consumerism and environmental issues.
Richard Misrach (born 1949) – Misrach is an American photographer known for his color images of the American desert and his environmental activism through photography.
Mitch Epstein (born 1952) – Epstein is an American photographer known for his large-format color images that explore the relationship between nature and culture.
Camille Seaman (born 1969) – Seaman is an American photographer known for her striking images of polar regions and the effects of climate change.
Daniel Beltrá (born 1964) – Beltrá is a Spanish photographer known for his aerial images of environmental disasters and the impact of human activity on nature.
David Maisel (born 1961) – Maisel is an American photographer known for his aerial images that document the environmental impact of human intervention.
Alex MacLean (born 1947) – MacLean is an American photographer known for his aerial images that capture the patterns and effects of human activity on the landscape.
Subhankar Banerjee (born 1967) – Banerjee is an Indian American photographer known for his work documenting the Arctic and advocating for environmental conservation.
J Henry Fair (born 1959) – Fair is an American photographer known for his aerial images of industrial sites and their environmental impact.
Nicky Hamilton (born 1973) – Hamilton is a British photographer known for his staged, cinematic images that explore environmental and social issues.
Lucas Foglia (born 1983) – Foglia is an American photographer known for his documentary-style images that explore the relationship between humans and nature.
Yann Arthus-Bertrand (born 1946) – Arthus-Bertrand is a French photographer known for his aerial images that highlight the beauty and fragility of the Earth.
Florian Schulz (born 1975) – Schulz is a German photographer known for his wildlife and nature images that promote conservation and environmental awareness.
Michael Kenna (born 1953) – Kenna is a British photographer known for his black-and-white landscapes that capture the beauty and serenity of nature.
Simon Norfolk (born 1963) – Norfolk is a British photographer known for his images of conflict zones and their aftermath, often highlighting the environmental impact of war.
Tim Hetherington (1970-2011) – Hetherington was a British photojournalist known for his images of conflict and his documentary work, including the Oscar-nominated film “Restrepo.”
Balazs Gardi (born 1975) – Gardi is a Hungarian photographer known for his documentary images that explore social and environmental issues.

18. Identity and Representation (2000s-present)

Zanele Muholi (born 1972) – Muholi is a South African visual activist and photographer whose work focuses on the LGBTQI+ community and issues of race, gender, and sexuality.
LaToya Ruby Frazier (born 1982) – Frazier’s work addresses issues of industrial decline, environmental justice, and systemic racism through intimate and powerful imagery.
Deana Lawson (born 1979) – Lawson is an American photographer known for her staged, intimate portraits that explore themes of family, community, and representation.
Catherine Opie (born 1961) – Opie is an American photographer known for her portraits and landscapes that explore identity, community, and the American social landscape.
Dawoud Bey (born 1953) – Bey is an American photographer known for his large-format portraits that capture the diversity and dignity of African American communities.
Mickalene Thomas (born 1971) – Thomas is an American artist known for her rhinestone-encrusted portraits that celebrate and critique notions of beauty, gender, and race.
Carrie Mae Weems (born 1953) – Weems is an American artist known for her photography, video, and installation works that address issues of race, gender, and class.
Hank Willis Thomas (born 1976) – Thomas is an American conceptual artist known for his photo-based works that explore themes of race, identity, and consumer culture.
Kehinde Wiley (born 1977) – Wiley is an American painter and photographer known for his portraits of African Americans in poses reminiscent of classical European art.
Wendy Red Star (born 1981) – Red Star is an American multimedia artist known for her work that explores Native American identity, history, and culture.
Rineke Dijkstra (born 1959) – Dijkstra is a Dutch photographer known for her large-scale portraits that capture the vulnerability and strength of her subjects.
Yinka Shonibare (born 1962) – Shonibare is a British-Nigerian artist known for his work that explores themes of colonialism, race, and cultural identity.
Omar Victor Diop (born 1980) – Diop is a Senegalese photographer known for his staged portraits that blend historical and contemporary themes to explore African identity.
Shirin Neshat (born 1957) – Neshat is an Iranian visual artist known for her work in film, video, and photography, exploring themes of identity, gender, and cultural conflict.
Hassan Hajjaj (born 1961) – Hajjaj is a Moroccan artist known for his vibrant, pop-art-inspired portraits that celebrate and critique cultural identity.
Samuel Fosso (born 1962) – Fosso is a Central African photographer known for his self-portraits that explore themes of identity and history.
Tseng Kwong Chi (1950-1990) – Tseng was a Hong Kong-born American photographer known for his self-portraits that critique identity and the role of the artist.
Chan-Hyo Bae (born 1975) – Bae is a South Korean photographer known for his staged self-portraits that explore themes of identity, history, and cultural displacement.
Maud Sulter (1960-2008) – Sulter was a British-Ghanaian artist known for her work that explored themes of identity, history, and the African diaspora.
Carla Williams (born 1965) – Williams is an American photographer known for her portraits that explore themes of race, gender, and sexuality.

19. Vernacular Photography (2000s-present)

Erik Kessels (born 1966) – Kessels is a Dutch artist known for his work with found photographs and his exploration of vernacular photography.
Joachim Schmid (born 1955) – Schmid is a German artist known for his use of found photographs to create new narratives and comment on the nature of photography.
John Stezaker (born 1949) – Stezaker is a British artist known for his collages that use found photographs to create surreal and thought-provoking images.
Tom Phillips (born 1937) – Phillips is a British artist known for his altered book project “A Humument” and his work with found photographs and texts.
Hans-Peter Feldmann (born 1941) – Feldmann is a German artist known for his use of found photographs and everyday objects to create humorous and insightful works.
Larry Sultan (1946-2009) – Sultan was an American photographer known for his work with found photographs and his exploration of family and domestic life.
Mike Mandel (born 1950) – Mandel is an American artist known for his collaborative projects with Larry Sultan and his use of found photographs to create new narratives.
Richard Prince (born 1949) – Prince is an American artist known for his re-photographed images that challenge concepts of authorship and originality.
Christian Boltanski (born 1944) – Boltanski is a French artist known for his installations that use found photographs and objects to explore themes of memory and loss.
Peter Piller (born 1968) – Piller is a German artist known for his use of found photographs and archival materials to create new narratives and comment on the nature of photography.
Marc Joseph (born 1966) – Joseph is an American artist known for his use of found photographs and his exploration of vernacular photography.
Ari Marcopoulos (born 1957) – Marcopoulos is a Dutch-American photographer known for his documentary-style images of subcultures and his use of found photographs.
Taryn Simon (born 1975) – Simon is an American multidisciplinary artist whose photography and text-based works explore the invisible and the overlooked in society.
Gillian Wearing (born 1963) – Wearing is a British artist known for her video and photography works that explore identity, social behavior, and public and private spaces.
Simryn Gill (born 1959) – Gill is a Malaysian-Australian artist known for her use of found photographs and objects to explore themes of identity and memory.
Rosângela Rennó (born 1962) – Rennó is a Brazilian artist known for her use of found photographs and archival materials to explore themes of memory and history.
Richard Avedon (1923-2004) – Avedon was an American fashion and portrait photographer known for his innovative and influential work.
Diane Arbus (1923-1971) – Arbus was an American photographer known for her intimate and often unsettling portraits of marginalized individuals.
Nan Goldin (born 1953) – Goldin is an American photographer known for her deeply personal and candid portraits that document LGBTQI+ communities and the AIDS crisis.
Martin Parr (born 1952) – Parr is a British documentary photographer known for his satirical and humorous images of modern life and consumer culture.

20. Immersive and Interactive Media (2010s-present)

Laurie Anderson (born 1947) – Anderson is an American avant-garde artist known for her multimedia performances that combine music, visual art, and storytelling.
Doug Aitken (born 1968) – Aitken is an American artist whose work encompasses film, installation, and sculpture, often creating immersive and experiential environments.
Rafael Lozano-Hemmer (born 1967) – Lozano-Hemmer is a Mexican-Canadian artist known for his large-scale interactive installations that blend technology and public art.
Pipilotti Rist (born 1962) – Rist is a Swiss visual artist whose video installations blend pop culture, gender politics, and fantasy.
Janet Cardiff (born 1957) – Cardiff is a Canadian artist known for her audio walks and immersive sound installations.
Olafur Eliasson (born 1967) – Eliasson is an Icelandic-Danish artist known for his large-scale installations and sculptures that explore perception, movement, and environmental issues.
teamLab (founded 2001) – teamLab is a Japanese art collective known for their immersive digital installations that blend art, technology, and nature.
James Turrell (born 1943) – Turrell is an American artist known for his light and space installations that explore perception and the experience of light.
Random International (founded 2005) – Random International is an art collective known for their interactive installations that explore human interaction and digital technology.
Chris Milk (born 1974) – Milk is an American artist and director known for his immersive virtual reality experiences and interactive installations.
Marina Abramović (born 1946) – Abramović is a Serbian performance artist known for her works that test the limits of the body and explore themes of endurance and pain.
Yayoi Kusama (born 1929) – Kusama is a Japanese artist known for her immersive installations and polka-dot-covered environments that explore themes of infinity and self-obliteration.
Jennifer Steinkamp (born 1958) – Steinkamp is an American artist known for her digital animations and projections that transform architectural spaces into immersive environments.
Nam June Paik (1932-2006) – Paik was a Korean American artist known as the pioneer of video art, integrating technology and media into his artworks.
Stan Douglas (born 1960) – Douglas is a Canadian artist known for his video installations and photographs that explore history, politics, and technology.
Trevor Paglen (born 1974) – Paglen investigates the unseen aspects of our world, using photography and AI to explore issues of surveillance, data collection, and privacy.
Camille Henrot (born 1978) – Henrot’s interdisciplinary practice draws from internet culture, anthropology, and art history to explore human behavior.
Isaac Julien (born 1960) – Julien is a British filmmaker and installation artist whose work addresses themes of race, sexuality, and global politics.
Julian Rosefeldt (born 1965) – Rosefeldt is a German artist known for his visually stunning video installations that explore themes of society and culture.
Anish Kapoor (born 1954) – Kapoor is a British-Indian sculptor known for his large-scale installations and public artworks that explore form, space, and perception.

Emerging Trends (2020s-present)

21. AI and Machine Learning in Photography

Mario Klingemann (born 1970) – A pioneer in the use of neural networks and AI in art, Klingemann explores the intersections of art, technology, and human creativity.
Anna Ridler (born 1985) – Ridler is known for her work with self-generated data sets, using AI to create visually stunning and conceptually rich pieces.
Robbie Barrat (born 1999) – Barrat is a young artist utilizing AI algorithms to explore and expand the boundaries of generative art.
Refik Anadol (born 1985) – Anadol integrates media arts and AI, creating immersive data-driven installations that challenge perceptions of space and reality.
Memo Akten (born 1975) – Akten’s interdisciplinary work spans computation, art, and design, often leveraging AI to explore human and machine creativity.
Trevor Paglen (born 1974) – Paglen investigates the unseen aspects of our world, using photography and AI to explore issues of surveillance, data collection, and privacy.
Tom White (born 1982) – White’s artistic practice involves training AI to interpret and create art, questioning the nature of creativity and perception.
Sofia Crespo (born 1987) – Crespo uses AI to generate organic forms and imagery, focusing on the symbiosis between technology and the natural world.
Helena Sarin (born 1963) – Sarin is an artist and engineer who uses GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) to create intricate and compelling visual art.
Jake Elwes (born 1993) – Elwes explores the creative potential of AI, examining its impact on art and society through multimedia installations and performances.
Gene Kogan (born 1985) – Kogan is an artist and programmer focused on generative systems, collective intelligence, and computer creativity.
Ross Goodwin (born 1989) – Goodwin uses AI as a co-creator, producing literary works and visual art that blur the lines between human and machine authorship.
Zach Blas (born 1981) – Blas’s work examines the political implications of technology, particularly how AI affects identity and agency.
Carla Gannis (born 1970) – Gannis combines traditional art techniques with digital processes, exploring themes of digital identity and virtual reality.
Sougwen Chung (born 1986) – Chung collaborates with AI to create art that investigates the relationship between humans and machines.
Harshit Agrawal (born 1991) – Agrawal’s work spans AI and interactive art, exploring how technology can augment and transform creative practices.
Mike Tyka (born 1982) – Tyka, a former scientist, now creates art using neural networks, focusing on the intersections of technology and human emotion.
Golan Levin (born 1972) – Levin is an artist and engineer whose work involves developing new modes of interactive expression through AI and computational design.
Scott Eaton (born 1974) – Eaton combines art, anatomy, and AI to create detailed sculptures and digital works that explore the human form.

22. Post-Internet Photography

Amalia Ulman (born 1989) – Ulman’s work spans performance and social media, critiquing contemporary issues of identity and self-presentation.
Jon Rafman (born 1981) – Rafman explores the impact of digital technology on human experience, often using found footage and internet artifacts in his work.
Petra Cortright (born 1986) – Cortright’s digital paintings and videos blend internet culture with traditional art forms, examining the aesthetics of the online world.
Ed Fornieles (born 1983) – Fornieles engages with social media and immersive installations to critique contemporary culture and social norms.
Bunny Rogers (born 1990) – Rogers’s multimedia installations draw from internet culture, exploring themes of trauma, identity, and nostalgia.
Brad Troemel (born 1987) – Troemel’s work examines the commodification of online content and the dynamics of digital economies.
Artie Vierkant (born 1986) – Vierkant explores the intersection of physical and digital realms, questioning the nature of objecthood in the digital age.
Parker Ito (born 1986) – Ito’s work incorporates internet culture, digital aesthetics, and traditional art-making techniques to explore contemporary visual culture.
Ryan Trecartin (born 1981) – Trecartin’s videos and installations are known for their frenetic style and commentary on digital communication and identity.
Lizzie Fitch (born 1981) – Fitch collaborates with Ryan Trecartin to create immersive video installations that critique contemporary media and culture.
Cory Arcangel (born 1978) – Arcangel’s work spans various media, often using obsolete technology and internet culture to create playful and critical artworks.
Camille Henrot (born 1978) – Henrot’s interdisciplinary practice draws from internet culture, anthropology, and art history to explore human behavior.
Constant Dullaart (born 1979) – Dullaart’s work critiques corporate control over digital culture, often using manipulated internet content and software.
Harm van den Dorpel (born 1981) – Van den Dorpel uses algorithms and generative processes to create art that explores the aesthetics of the digital age.
LaTurbo Avedon (virtual artist) – Avedon, a virtual avatar, creates art that challenges traditional notions of identity and authorship in the digital realm.
Aram Bartholl (born 1972) – Bartholl’s work bridges the gap between online and offline worlds, often through public interventions and installations.
Jennifer Chan (born 1986) – Chan’s video art and digital installations critique online culture, focusing on themes of gender, race, and digital labor.
Kate Durbin (born 1983) – Durbin’s art and writing explore the aesthetics of internet culture, often focusing on the experiences of women and marginalized groups.
Claire Evans (born 1985) – Evans, an artist and writer, investigates the intersections of technology, culture, and the future, often through collaborative projects.
Jesse Darling (born 1981) – Darling’s interdisciplinary practice addresses themes of vulnerability, embodiment, and the politics of digital spaces.

23. Activist Photography

JR (born 1983) – JR is a French street artist and photographer known for his large-scale public art projects that address social and political issues.
Sebastião Salgado (born 1944) – Salgado is a Brazilian social documentary photographer and photojournalist renowned for his powerful black-and-white images of social issues.
Shahidul Alam (born 1955) – Alam is a Bangladeshi photographer, writer, and human rights activist who uses his work to advocate for social change and justice.
Zanele Muholi (born 1972) – Muholi is a South African visual activist and photographer whose work focuses on the LGBTQI+ community and issues of race, gender, and sexuality.
Nan Goldin (born 1953) – Goldin is an American photographer known for her deeply personal and candid portraits that document LGBTQI+ communities and the AIDS crisis.
LaToya Ruby Frazier (born 1982) – Frazier’s work addresses issues of industrial decline, environmental justice, and systemic racism through intimate and powerful imagery.
Taryn Simon (born 1975) – Simon is an American multidisciplinary artist whose photography and text-based works explore the invisible and the overlooked in society.
Susan Meiselas (born 1948) – Meiselas is a documentary photographer known for her work in conflict zones and her commitment to human rights and social justice.
Donna Ferrato (born 1949) – Ferrato is an American photojournalist and activist whose work focuses on domestic violence, women’s rights, and social justice.
Gideon Mendel (born 1959) – Mendel is a South African photographer known for his work on HIV/AIDS and climate change, using his art to highlight global crises.
Alec Soth (born 1969) – Soth is an American photographer known for his large-scale projects and portraits that capture the subtleties of American life.
Pieter Hugo (born 1976) – Hugo is a South African photographer whose work addresses post-colonial Africa and the complexities of contemporary society.
Fazal Sheikh (born 1965) – Sheikh is an American photographer whose portraits and landscapes address themes of displacement, human rights, and dignity.
Richard Mosse (born 1980) – Mosse is an Irish conceptual documentary photographer known for his use of infrared film to document conflict zones.
Alfredo Jaar (born 1956) – Jaar is a Chilean artist whose installations and photographic works critique the power structures and injustices of contemporary society.
Lisa Kristine (born 1965) – Kristine is an American humanitarian photographer who documents indigenous cultures and modern slavery to inspire global change.
Kadir van Lohuizen (born 1963) – Van Lohuizen is a Dutch photojournalist whose work focuses on environmental issues and the impact of human activity on the planet.
Joel Sternfeld (born 1944) – Sternfeld is an American photographer known for his large-format color photographs that explore social landscapes and human intervention in nature.
Michael Christopher Brown (born 1978) – Brown is an American photographer whose work covers conflict zones and the impact of technology on photojournalism.

24. Hybrid Practices

Christian Marclay (born 1955) – Marclay is a visual artist and composer known for his innovative work with sound, video, and collage.
William Kentridge (born 1955) – Kentridge is a South African artist whose work spans drawing, animation, and performance, often addressing social and political themes.
Shirin Neshat (born 1957) – Neshat is an Iranian visual artist known for her work in film, video, and photography, exploring themes of identity, gender, and cultural conflict.
Doug Aitken (born 1968) – Aitken is an American artist whose work encompasses film, installation, and sculpture, often creating immersive and experiential environments.
Gillian Wearing (born 1963) – Wearing is a British artist known for her video and photography works that explore identity, social behavior, and public and private spaces.
Isaac Julien (born 1960) – Julien is a British filmmaker and installation artist whose work addresses themes of race, sexuality, and global politics.
Olafur Eliasson (born 1967) – Eliasson is an Icelandic-Danish artist known for his large-scale installations and sculptures that explore perception, movement, and environmental issues.
Pipilotti Rist (born 1962) – Rist is a Swiss visual artist whose video installations blend pop culture, gender politics, and fantasy.
Janet Cardiff (born 1957) – Cardiff is a Canadian artist known for her audio walks and immersive sound installations.
Jeff Wall (born 1946) – Wall is a Canadian artist known for his large-scale backlit photographs that often reference art history and contemporary culture.
Cindy Sherman (born 1954) – Sherman is an American photographer and filmmaker known for her conceptual portraits that challenge notions of identity and representation.
Gregory Crewdson (born 1962) – Crewdson is an American photographer known for his elaborately staged, cinematic images that explore the darker side of suburban life.
Thomas Demand (born 1964) – Demand is a German artist who creates life-size models of interior spaces, which he then photographs, exploring the relationship between reality and representation.
Anselm Kiefer (born 1945) – Kiefer is a German painter and sculptor known for his works that engage with German history and mythology.
Marina Abramović (born 1946) – Abramović is a Serbian performance artist known for her works that test the limits of the body and explore themes of endurance and pain.
Laurie Anderson (born 1947) – Anderson is an American avant-garde artist known for her multimedia performances that combine music, visual art, and storytelling.
Jenny Holzer (born 1950) – Holzer is an American conceptual artist known for her text-based public art projects that address social and political issues.
Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008) – Rauschenberg was an American artist known for his innovative works that combined painting, sculpture, photography, and printmaking.
Nam June Paik (1932-2006) – Paik was a Korean American artist known as the pioneer of video art, integrating technology and media into his artworks.
Matthew Barney (born 1967) – Barney is an American artist known for his multimedia works that blend performance, video, and sculpture, exploring themes of mythology and transformation.

Names List

Historical Photography Periods

Contemporary Photography Periods

Conceptual Photography (1960s-present)

Cindy Sherman, John Baldessari, Sophie Calle, Bernd and Hilla Becher, Jeff Wall, Barbara Kruger, Sherrie Levine, Thomas Demand, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Andreas Gursky, Wolfgang Tillmans, Thomas Ruff, Gillian Wearing, Alfredo Jaar, Roni Horn, Taryn Simon, Alec Soth, Ryan McGinley, Thomas Struth, Hilla Becher

New Topographics (1970s-present)

Robert Adams, Lewis Baltz, Stephen Shore, Bernd and Hilla Becher, Frank Gohlke, Nicholas Nixon, Joe Deal, John Schott, Henry Wessel, Jr., Thomas Struth, Andreas Gursky, Edward Burtynsky, Richard Misrach, Mitch Epstein, Joel Sternfeld, William Eggleston, Alec Soth, Michael Light, Mark Ruwedel, Todd Hido

Postmodernism (1980s-1990s)

Cindy Sherman, Barbara Kruger, Richard Prince, Jeff Wall, Sherrie Levine, John Baldessari, Laurie Simmons, Nan Goldin, Vik Muniz, Yasumasa Morimura, Andres Serrano, Robert Mapplethorpe, Louise Lawler, David Levinthal, Gilbert & George, Sophie Calle, Thomas Demand, Gregory Crewdson, Rineke Dijkstra

Digital Revolution (1990s-present)

Andreas Gursky, Thomas Ruff, Cindy Sherman, Jeff Wall, Thomas Struth, Gregory Crewdson, Rineke Dijkstra, Philip-Lorca diCorcia, Alex Prager, Loretta Lux, Bill Viola, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Vik Muniz, AES+F, Mariko Mori, Idris Khan, Lorna Simpson, Isaac Julien, Alfredo Jaar, Thomas Demand

Staged and Constructed Images (1990s-present)

Jeff Wall, Gregory Crewdson, Cindy Sherman, Philip-Lorca diCorcia, Alex Prager, Lori Nix, Sandy Skoglund, Didier Massard, Vik Muniz, Sharon Core, Thomas Demand, Paolo Ventura, Teun Hocks, Samuel Fosso, Aneta Grzeszykowska, Erwin Olaf, Wang Qingsong, Richard Tuschman, Simen Johan, Robert & Shana ParkeHarrison

Environmental and Climate Change Photography (2000s-present)

Edward Burtynsky, Sebastião Salgado, James Balog, Chris Jordan, Richard Misrach, Mitch Epstein, Camille Seaman, Daniel Beltrá, David Maisel, Alex MacLean, Subhankar Banerjee, J Henry Fair, Nicky Hamilton, Lucas Foglia, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Florian Schulz, Michael Kenna, Simon Norfolk, Tim Hetherington, Balazs Gardi

Identity and Representation (2000s-present)

Zanele Muholi, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Deana Lawson, Catherine Opie, Dawoud Bey, Mickalene Thomas, Carrie Mae Weems, Hank Willis Thomas, Kehinde Wiley, Wendy Red Star, Rineke Dijkstra, Yinka Shonibare, Omar Victor Diop, Shirin Neshat, Hassan Hajjaj, Samuel Fosso, Tseng Kwong Chi, Chan-Hyo Bae, Maud Sulter, Carla Williams

Vernacular Photography (2000s-present)

Erik Kessels, Joachim Schmid, John Stezaker, Tom Phillips, Hans-Peter Feldmann, Larry Sultan, Mike Mandel, Richard Prince, Christian Boltanski, Peter Piller, Marc Joseph, Ari Marcopoulos, Taryn Simon, Gillian Wearing, Simryn Gill, Rosângela Rennó, Richard Avedon, Diane Arbus, Nan Goldin, Martin Parr

Immersive and Interactive Media (2010s-present)

Laurie Anderson, Doug Aitken, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Pipilotti Rist, Janet Cardiff, Olafur Eliasson, teamLab, James Turrell, Random International, Chris Milk, Marina Abramović, Yayoi Kusama, Jennifer Steinkamp, Nam June Paik, Stan Douglas, Trevor Paglen, Camille Henrot, Isaac Julien, Julian Rosefeldt, Anish Kapoor

AI and Machine Learning in Photography

Mario Klingemann, Anna Ridler, Robbie Barrat, Refik Anadol, Memo Akten, Trevor Paglen, Tom White, Sofia Crespo, Helena Sarin, Jake Elwes, Gene Kogan, Ross Goodwin, Zach Blas, Carla Gannis, Sougwen Chung, Harshit Agrawal, Mike Tyka, Golan Levin, Scott Eaton

Post-Internet Photography

Amalia Ulman, Jon Rafman, Petra Cortright, Ed Fornieles, Bunny Rogers, Brad Troemel, Artie Vierkant, Parker Ito, Ryan Trecartin, Lizzie Fitch, Cory Arcangel, Camille Henrot, Constant Dullaart, Harm van den Dorpel, LaTurbo Avedon, Aram Bartholl, Jennifer Chan, Kate Durbin, Claire Evans, Jesse Darling

Activist Photography

JR, Sebastião Salgado, Shahidul Alam, Zanele Muholi, Nan Goldin, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Taryn Simon, Susan Meiselas, Donna Ferrato, Gideon Mendel, Alec Soth, Pieter Hugo, Fazal Sheikh, Richard Mosse, Alfredo Jaar, Lisa Kristine, Kadir van Lohuizen, Joel Sternfeld, Michael Christopher Brown

Hybrid Practices

Christian Marclay, William Kentridge, Shirin Neshat, Doug Aitken, Gillian Wearing, Isaac Julien, Olafur Eliasson, Pipilotti Rist, Janet Cardiff, Jeff Wall, Cindy Sherman, Gregory Crewdson, Thomas Demand, Anselm Kiefer, Marina Abramović, Laurie Anderson, Jenny Holzer, Robert Rauschenberg, Nam June Paik, Matthew Barney

Photography Trends and Artists

Jump to Chapter

Historical Photography Periods

Contemporary Photography Periods

Photography Periods

Historical Photography Periods

Contemporary Photography Periods

Historical & Contemporary Photographer List

Historical Photography Periods

1. Daguerreotype (1839-1860s)

2. Calotype (1840s-1860s)

3. Wet Plate Collodion (1851-1880s)

4. Tintype (1850s-1900s)

5. Pictorialism (1885-1915)

6. Photo-Secession Movement (1902-1917)

7. Modernism (1920s-1940s)

8. Documentary Photography (1930s-1950s)

9. Street Photography (1950s-present)

10. Post-War Photography (1945-1960s)

11. Pop Art and Appropriation (1960s-1970s)

Contemporary Photography Periods

12. Conceptual Photography (1960s-present)

13. New Topographics (1970s-present)

14. Postmodernism (1980s-1990s)

15. Digital Revolution (1990s-present)

16. Staged and Constructed Images (1990s-present)

17. Environmental and Climate Change Photography (2000s-present)

18. Identity and Representation (2000s-present)

19. Vernacular Photography (2000s-present)

20. Immersive and Interactive Media (2010s-present)

Emerging Trends (2020s-present)

21. AI and Machine Learning in Photography

22. Post-Internet Photography

23. Activist Photography

24. Hybrid Practices

Names List

Historical Photography Periods

Daguerreotype (1839-1860s)

Calotype (1840s-1860s)

Wet Plate Collodion (1851-1880s)

Tintype (1850s-1900s)

Pictorialism (1885-1915)

Photo-Secession Movement (1902-1917)

Modernism (1920s-1940s)

Documentary Photography (1930s-1950s)

Street Photography (1950s-present)

Post-War Photography (1945-1960s)

Pop Art and Appropriation (1960s-1970s)

Contemporary Photography Periods

Conceptual Photography (1960s-present)

New Topographics (1970s-present)

Postmodernism (1980s-1990s)

Digital Revolution (1990s-present)

Staged and Constructed Images (1990s-present)

Environmental and Climate Change Photography (2000s-present)

Identity and Representation (2000s-present)

Vernacular Photography (2000s-present)

Immersive and Interactive Media (2010s-present)

AI and Machine Learning in Photography

Post-Internet Photography

Activist Photography

Hybrid Practices

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