Portrait Photographers

 John Kenny

In 2006 I developed my style of portrait photography within traditional communities, heavily influenced by the dramatic pictures of chiaroscuro artists. Chiaroscuro is an Italian term which literally means light-dark. Back then, at the very start of my Africa journey, I was buzzing with energy having met people of real magnetism just days into my trip. I was excited by extraordinary people and fascinating cultures and wondered how I could possibly communicate and express these feelings of excitement to friends and family back home.

Diane Arbus

Born:

March 14,1943

New York City, New York, United States

Died:

July 26,1971

Greenwich Village, New York, United States

Diane Arbus started out in advertising and fashion photography with her husband. They became quite a successful duo, with their work appearing in such magazines as Vogue. Her success continued through the 1960′s but sadly, after fighting personal challenges, she committed suicide in her apartment in NYC. 

 

 

Eve Arnold 

 

 Born:

April 21, 1912

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Died:

January 4, 2012

London, United Kingdom

Eve Arnold is one of the most famous portrait photographers to date. She is known for her celebrity photographs and perhaps best known for her photos of Marilyn Monroe & Jackie Kennedy. Eve almost lived to be 100 years old but died in London 3 months before her 100th birthday. 

 

 

Cecil Beaton

Born:

January 14, 1904

Hampstead, United Kingdom

Died:

January 18, 1980 

Broad Chalke, United Kingdom

Cecil Beaton was hired as a staff photographer for Vanity Fair & Vogue. During that time there he developed a unique style of posing sitters with unusual backgrounds. He was also a diarist, interior designer, & Oscar-winning stage & costume designer. He died in his home in England at the age of 76. 

 

Gertrude Käsebier

Born:

May 18, 1852

Fort Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Died:

October 12, 1934

New York City, New York, United States

Gertrude Käsebier is one of the most famous portrait photographers of the early 20th century. She was very influential and women who were just starting in photography sought her out. She is best known for her sensitive depictions of motherhood and one of the founders of the influential photo-Secession group. She died at her daughter’s home in 1934.