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The world of high fashion photography is dominated by men, several of whom have recently stirred controversy for their treatment or portrayal of women. To refocus the conversation, ENTITY is celebrating five contemporary female fashion photographers who deserve to be recognized as the industry’s top talent. These established icons and rising stars demonstrate a passion for their craft and unique perspective worthy of a closer look.
With an already legendary career that began with Rolling Stone in the 1970s, Annie Leibovitz has taken some of the most iconic portraits of our generation. In 1991, Leibovitz became the first woman to exhibit her art at the National Portrait Gallery – she is only the second living photographer ever chosen for the honor. Her recent work can be seen in publications such as Vanity Fair and Vogue.
When selected to shoot the 2016 Pirelli calendar, an annual, limited edition publication typically filled with nude or scantily clad models, Leibovitiz chose to feature twelve successful women from diverse fields, such as sports, philanthropy and entertainment.
Only two women appeared undressed, Amy Schumer and Serena Williams, who each possess a sense of humor or power that undermines the calendar’s traditional nude setting. Schumer described her subsequent Vanity Fair shoot with Leibovitz as “one of the most meaningful moments of my life.”
This photographer and director demonstrates talent well beyond her years. Still in her twenties, Barbara often provides a feeling of access to privileged or private spaces. The videos she directs answer intriguing and slightly voyeuristic questions like, “What do NYC ballet dancers take with them on tour?” or “What does a Victoria’s Secret model carry inside her bag?” Her ability to capture these personal details and vulnerable moments has earned her recurring features in publications such as Teen Vogue and i-D.
With a foundation in fine art, Emma Summerton’s training as a painter influences her photography style. In her work, she tends to feature stark light and bold colors. While shooting look books and editorials for brands, Emma tries to consider the fashion pieces and the model as “all part of the sum” of her art.
In an interview with The Ground Mag, Summerton claims, “When I shot for Vogue Italia for the first time, it opened up this world for me that allowed me to realize that fashion photography could be a creative expression as well.”
Known for her sensual portrayals of femininity, this model-turned-photographer and director has helmed iconic campaigns. Von Unwerth has worked with Claudia Schiffer for Guess and on high fashion shoots for Dior, Chanel and Theirry Mugler. Her work is often sexy and provocative, celebrating the beauty of her models.
Talk about a power couple! This husband and wife duo are the ultimate fashion photography team. As highly sought-after assignment photographers, Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin have contributed to publications such as Vogue, W, Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar.
In an interview with AnotherMag, the couple credit, “the closeness of their partnership – they both work together and live together with their son,” as a key factor in their success.
