As the coronavirus pandemic has stifled industries across the world, the art world has been forced to embrace widespread change and harsh restrictions. Art galleries and public exhibitions have either been forced to cease operations or cap patron visits as a way of adhering to social distancing requirements.
However, that doesn’t mean that the world’s best art photographers have stopped designing and creating the works that made them famous in the first place. If you’re interested in learning more about some of the world’s best photographers, check out this list of the top 5 best in the business based on this rating points list.
Here are the world leading photographers:
#1 Steve McCurry
Steve McCurry has cultivated a reputation for quality, elegance and sophistication. His exhibitions document the lives of people, cultures and ways of life overlooked continuously in modern society. His most famous work occurred in the mid-1980s when McCurry was travelling through Pakistan.
As he wandered the streets of a refugee camp near Peshawar, McCurry came across a young Pashtun orphan with piercing green eyes. Upon taking the image, which is now known as “Afghan Girl”, McCurry knew he had just captured a seminal moment. The photo was subsequently used for the cover of National Geographic and has been used many times since 1984.
#2 Chris Prestidge
Chris Prestidge is an award-winning photographer based in Sydney, Australia. He is the principal owner of At Dusk Photography, which he has been operating for many years. Prestidge’s work reflects his deep personal commitment and love for photography. For him, each static image represents a powerful emotional experience for everyone involved.
He has been published in several leading Australian magazines, like Hello May, Women’s Health Magazine, Magnolia Rouge and others. Characterised as a lifestyle photographer, Prestidge has provided his services to many functions and events, along with his suite of art photos.
#3 Shamus Johnson
Shamus Johnson from Shamus Photography. Based in the heart of California, United States, Johnson has a wealth of experience when it comes to art photography. He’s been invested in the art world for most of his life, and in his early years, he desperately wanted to be an artist.
Whilst he loved drawing, Johnson admits he wasn’t particularly good at it, and as a result, made the brave switch to photography since that aligned better with his skillsets. He loves taking photos of natural landmarks throughout California, especially during early morning fog or rain. He also spent close to two decades travelling in Asia, which he believes ignited his passion for photography.
#4 Frans Lanting
Coming in at number 4 on our list is Frans Lanting, an acclaimed art photographer from the Netherlands. Lanting initially pursued a career in economics, graduating with a master’s degree in Rotterdam, before moving to the United States to study environmental planning. While in the United States, Lanting started photography as a hobby and hasn’t looked back since.
Some of Lanting’s most critically praised exhibitions include “LIFE: A Journey Through Time”, “Dialogues with Nature” and “Into Africa”. Each project presents the human experience in a unique, visually resplendent manner, whether it be society’s relationship with the natural world or the harsh beauty of the wilderness.
#5 Bart Kuykens
Born in Belgium, Bart Kuykens is one of the world’s most well-known art photographers. Know for his edgy, monochromatic style, Kuykens shoots only black and white photos for his exhibitions. He has close to 60 000 Instagram followers, and has done photoshoots for several celebrities, such as former television host, Jay Leno, former German professional tennis player, Boris Becker and even more recently, Wladimir Klitschko – one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history.
Kuykens has also ventured into more promotional advertisements for several global brands, like Porsche. He was the focal point in two recent Porsche ads, which were purposefully filmed in black and white, thereby emulating Kuyken’s photography style.
Cameron Dickerson is a seasoned journalist with nearly 10 years experience. While studying journalism at the University of Missouri, Cameron found a passion for finding engaging stories. As a contributor to Kev’s Best, Cameron mostly covers state and national developments.