>>4436176>Richard AvedonKnown for his transformative work in fashion and portraiture, Avedon’s minimalist style and ability to capture the essence of his subjects (e.g., Marilyn Monroe, actress, New York City, 5-6-57) have made him a cornerstone of 20th-century photography. His work, like Dovima with Elephants (1955), is iconic and frequently featured in major auctions and museum collections (e.g., Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA).
>Annie LeibovitzRenowned for her celebrity portraits and editorial work with Vogue and Vanity Fair, Leibovitz’s images are instantly recognizable for their bold compositions and cultural relevance (e.g., her Portraits 2005-2016 collection). Her work is both commercially successful and artistically significant, making it a solid choice for study or investment.
>Cindy ShermanA pioneer of conceptual photography, Sherman’s self-portraits explore identity and societal roles, often fetching high prices at auction (e.g., her Untitled Film Stills series). Her work is essential for understanding contemporary art photography.
>Diane ArbusHer raw, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities, like Identical Twins, Roselle, N.J., 1967, are highly sought after and considered foundational in documentary photography. Her prints, such as those sold at Phillips auctions, are valued for their historical and emotional depth.
>Helmut NewtonKnown for provocative, glamorous fashion photography, Newton’s works like Sie Kommen Naked, Paris, 1981 are collector’s items due to their bold aesthetic and influence on modern fashion imagery.
>Irving PennA master of studio photography, Penn’s work spans fashion, portraiture, and still life, with iconic images like Dior Fur Scarf (Jean Patchett), New York, 1950-51. His prints are highly valued for their technical precision and timeless elegance.
>Robert Frank