Great Photographers Through the Decades

 Hippolyte Bayard

 1840

 1847

1863

This was one of the earliest photographers I found, and his work was really interesting.  Especially the first photograph, which was technically a self portrait of himself as a "Drowned Man."  He purposefully did this photograph to present the idea that no one would care about a civil servant dying.  I also like these pictures because I get a taste of what they dressed like in the 1800s.

Mike Disfarmer

 All photographed between 1939-1946

I think it is interesting that Disfarmer mainly did portrait photographs.  They feel staged and a little inpersonal, but I think that gives it the odd feel that makes them great.  He did his best to capture the moment in relationships between the subjects in the sullen time periods in which he took the pictures.

Thurston Hopkins

 1955

 1953

 1954

 1956

I loved Hopkin's photos because they illustrated the eccentricities of the time period superbly.  He experimented with ethical issues, such as the little boy with the gun in his hand in the street, or the little girl sleeping under newspapers.  I enjoyed the interesting topic matter and what it made me think about.

Sandy Skoglund

 1992-1995

1992-1995

This photographer was definitely a surprise to me! At first I was like what the heck... and then I started to look at them and think hmmm...  Skoglund definitely had an compelling perspective on the world and her photography demonstrated that clearly.  She played with texture and odd combinations, which made her photography original and definitely unique.

Frans Lanting

I was in love with Lanting's work! I love the breathtaking scenery and the gorgeous personality of the photos.  Something about the way that she is able to get up close and personal with her subjects and photograph them in a new and interesting way really spoke to me.   I love the turtle image and the llama image because they are so original and majestic.  This is by far one of my favorite photographers!