Jeremy Cowart

Fun LIST FOR SURE. EVEN IF IT REALLY IS JUST A WAY TO STIR UP DEBATE.

<3

It was interesting to see how many of the people listed use extensive photoshoping/compositing. Even among portrait photographers. A couple of people have said chase jarvis. That guy has changed the way people learn photography. like Jeremy said about being an "idea guy." Chase is an idea guy.

Great list! Thanks for sharing it. I'm excited to browse through them all.

I miss Richard Avedon on this list

For me definitly Zack Arias was the most inspiring for the last years... His attitude, skills and honesty inspires me over and over again

Photographer, or photoshop compositor? Or Mixed media artists? Most famous photographer personality this year? You have to make some very clear guidelines when you make any of these lists -- most of which are pretty useless as categorical lists. FUn eye candy though...

YOU BELONG ON THE LIST! SERIOUSLY YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHERS I HAVE EVER COME ACROSS

This is a pretty solid list!!   I'm really surprised that Bruce Weber isn't in the list.  Also, I could see Peter Lik and/or Marsel Van Oosten added for nature/landscape section.

for lifestyle photography that looks like a gorgeous piece of art - joy harmon prouty of wildflowers photography is amazing. she brings forth beauty and emotion in a powerful way. www.wildflowersphotos.com

I think you should definitely consider categorizing street photographers. And I felt a few people missing from the list like Chase Jarvis, Joe Mcnally and Vivian Maier...

Dan Busta and joe mcnally are at this point my biggest inspirators.. By far.

Surprising that Max Vadukul and Patrick Demarchelier don't make the list.

This is a great list for sure.... great work, Jeremy.... its a hard job, picking only a few from a huge list.... I think different genre of photography needs to be addressed as well if we talk about photography in general.... others have already mentioned some missing names who at least deserve a place in the inspiration list... someone doesn't have to be the best photographer to be the most inspirational... inspiring others is a quality that doesn't belong to everyone.... Ansel Adams, HCB, Raghu Rai, Steve McCurry, Philippe Halsman, Arnold Newman, Galen Rowell - these names inspired a whole generation of photographers.... while others like McNally, David Hobby and others inspired a whole generation of off-camera-flash photogs!.... don't forget the best exponents of the social media who inspired others, though I know you won't include your name in it.... :)

IN my opinion its joe Mcnally his technique and knowledge of light hiting his subjects is amazing.

Definitely missing Carlos Serrao, as well as Joe McNally. Frank Ockenfels, not to mention Strobist...

Anke Luckmann, Carlos Serrao , tim macpherson and sasha goldberger are the best for me and me obiusly :p

i can't wait to see the official list :) one day, when i find a niche, i hope to be considered one of these amazing photographers!

Bryan rapoza of avenfoto.com is making images that very few others have

Michael Jordan Smith (Fashion and other types)

I agree Jeremy. Aaron should be on that list. his work is amazing. Am I right in saying there is no Chase Jarvis or joe mcnally on the list?

i Think platon, gregory crewdson, and nick knight deserve a shout.

I believe the world is ready for the next great photographer. I am excited to see what you find.

Wow. so many talented guys n gals, Added to my Pinboard.

Great suggestions everyone. We intend this to be just the beginning, and will be adding many more photographers. we have a review board of 10+ professional photographers to approve each entry to maintain quality.

wow! never heard about most of those photographers. Thanks for sharing.

Jay maisel and Joe Mcnally

I'm surprised that joe mcnally and frank doorhof aren't on the list!

How can you miss the likes of Stephen DuPont and Todd heisler for doco? I think there might be some slight confusion between "greatest" and "most well known".

I'm gonna go ahead and say something that probably will sound stupid. First of all, it's true to say that a lot of people are missing from this list. Some of them are well known photographers, such as yourself, steve mccurry, chase jarvis, elliott erwitt and many many more. And second, i'm gonna say that i'm missing from that list. but it's more than fair, since i'm not yet a great photographer. But i'm on my way, doing what i love the most and having the best teachers in the world : you guys! This comment is both a way to forever push myself to actually become the great photographer i know i have the possibility to became and a way to thank you guys that share knowledge, experience, art with all of us learning around the world, giving us the chance of getting inspired and getting pushed on a daily basis. Truly yours, nicola.

You're missing www.matthewpriestley.com

Thanks so much Jeremy. You belong on the list, not only because of your amazing work, but because you are inspiring as a person. I am happy to add people to the list, please keep the suggestions coming.

well, like all lists it´s all based on the personal taste of the creator. Maybe one or two, but the rest lack of the so-called "soul impact". Someone told recently that there was 3 or 4 really good photographers, and all of the are dead.

Definitely chase jarvis for commercial, and frank larson for documentary. Chase is self-explanitory, and frank larson is probably one of the most underrated docu photographers ever.