August Sander was a German photographer known for his seminal project “People of the 20th Century,” a comprehensive photographic portrait of German society during the early 20th century. He was born on November 17, 1876, in Herdorf, Germany, and died on April 20, 1964, in Cologne.

Sander’s project aimed to categorize and document the diverse social strata and professions that comprised German society at the time. His portraits were characterized by their straightforward and unembellished style, often depicting subjects against plain backgrounds and in natural light. Sander’s approach was influenced by his belief in the importance of objective observation and his interest in sociology.

“People of the 20th Century” consisted of a series of photographic portfolios organized into seven categories, including “The Farmer,” “The Skilled Tradesman,” “The Woman,” and “The Artist.” Sander’s portraits captured the essence of his subjects and provided a candid glimpse into their lives, occupations, and social status.

Although Sander’s work fell out of favor during the Nazi regime, which deemed it as “degenerate art,” his photographs have since been recognized for their cultural and historical significance. His portraits offer a valuable record of German society during a period of significant social, political, and economic change.

August Sander’s legacy as a photographer is enduring, with his work continuing to be celebrated for its artistic merit and documentary value. His portraits remain influential in the fields of photography and sociology, offering valuable insights into the human experience and the complexities of society.

Andreas Gursky is a contemporary German photographer known for his large-scale, digitally manipulated images that often depict vast landscapes, crowded urban scenes, and complex architectural spaces. He was born on January 15, 1955, in Leipzig, East Germany.

Gursky is renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to transform ordinary subjects into mesmerizing visual experiences through his use of scale, composition, and digital manipulation techniques. His photographs often feature striking patterns, repetition, and symmetry, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between humans and their environments in the modern world.

One of Gursky’s most famous works is “Rhein II,” a photograph of the Rhine River that he digitally altered to remove all signs of human activity, creating a serene and minimalist depiction of the landscape. In 2011, “Rhein II” sold for over $4 million, making it the most expensive photograph ever sold at the time.

Throughout his career, Gursky has explored a wide range of subjects, from stock exchanges and factories to natural landscapes and crowded public spaces. His images challenge traditional notions of photography and raise questions about the nature of representation, reality, and perception in the digital age.

Gursky’s work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important photographers of his generation. His innovative approach to photography continues to inspire and influence artists and photographers today.

Alvin Langdon Coburn was an influential American photographer known for his pioneering contributions to pictorialism and abstract photography. He was born on June 11, 1882, in Boston, Massachusetts, and showed an early interest in photography.

Coburn gained recognition for his atmospheric and artistic images, which often depicted landscapes, cityscapes, and portraits. He was a key figure in the pictorialist movement, which emphasized photography as a form of artistic expression rather than mere documentation. Coburn experimented with various techniques, including soft focus, multiple exposures, and alternative printing processes, to create visually striking images that evoked emotion and atmosphere.

One of Coburn’s most famous works is his series of photographs of London, including his iconic image “The Octopus,” which captures the bustling energy of the city’s streets. He also produced innovative abstract photographs using mirrors and prisms to create kaleidoscopic effects.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Coburn was a leading advocate for photography as a legitimate art form. He was a member of the Photo-Secession group founded by Alfred Stieglitz and exhibited his work in major art galleries and salons around the world.

Coburn’s legacy as a photographer and advocate for the arts continues to be celebrated today. His innovative approach to photography and his efforts to elevate the medium as an art form have had a lasting impact on the development of modern photography.

Alfred Stieglitz was a pioneering American photographer, art promoter, and gallery owner who played a crucial role in shaping the course of photography as an art form in the early 20th century. Born in 1864 in Hoboken, New Jersey, Stieglitz began his career as a photographer in the 1880s, exploring various techniques and subjects.

Stieglitz was a leading figure in the movement to establish photography as a legitimate form of artistic expression. He advocated for photography’s recognition as a fine art medium, rather than merely a means of documentation. Stieglitz was instrumental in introducing European avant-garde art movements, such as Impressionism and Cubism, to American audiences through his influential photography journal “Camera Work” and his gallery “291.”

As a photographer, Stieglitz is renowned for his pioneering use of the camera to explore themes of urban life, nature, and the human experience. He experimented with composition, lighting, and printing techniques to create evocative and emotionally resonant images. Stieglitz’s series of photographs depicting New York City, including his iconic image “The Steerage,” are considered masterpieces of early 20th-century photography.

In addition to his own work, Stieglitz mentored and promoted numerous other photographers, including Edward Steichen, Paul Strand, and Ansel Adams, helping to elevate photography to the status of fine art. His legacy as a photographer, curator, and advocate for the arts continues to influence photographers and artists to this day.

Alexander Gardner was a Scottish photographer who became famous for his significant contributions during the American Civil War era. Born in 1821 in Paisley, Scotland, Gardner immigrated to the United States in 1856 and soon found work as a photographer.

During the Civil War, Gardner worked alongside Mathew Brady, another renowned photographer, capturing compelling images of soldiers, battles, and scenes from the war. Gardner’s work was instrumental in documenting the realities and human toll of the conflict.

One of Gardner’s most famous photographs is “The Home of a Rebel Sharpshooter,” which depicts a Confederate soldier lying dead behind a barricade during the Battle of Gettysburg. This image, like many of Gardner’s others, provided a raw and unfiltered view of the war’s brutality.

After the Civil War, Gardner continued his photography career, documenting the aftermath of the conflict and various aspects of American life. He also played a role in the exploration and documentation of the American West, capturing images of landscapes, Native Americans, and frontier life.

Alexander Gardner’s legacy as a photographer is significant, not only for his technical skill but also for his ability to capture the human experience during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. His photographs serve as important historical records and continue to be studied and admired to this day.

Aleksandr Rodchenko was a prominent Russian artist, sculptor, photographer, and graphic designer who played a crucial role in the Russian avant-garde movement during the early 20th century. Born in 1891 in St. Petersburg, Russia, Rodchenko initially studied drawing and painting before becoming involved in the avant-garde scene.

Rodchenko is perhaps best known for his innovative contributions to photography and photomontage. He embraced the principles of Constructivism, an artistic movement that sought to merge art with modern industrial materials and technology while emphasizing geometric forms and dynamic compositions. Rodchenko’s photography often featured unconventional angles, close-ups, and experimental techniques, reflecting his interest in capturing the essence of modernity and urban life.

In addition to his photography, Rodchenko also made significant contributions to graphic design and poster art. He believed in the power of art as a tool for social and political change, and his graphic designs often conveyed bold messages in support of the Bolshevik Revolution and the Soviet regime.

Throughout his career, Rodchenko remained committed to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and challenging traditional artistic norms. His work continues to be celebrated for its creativity, innovation, and lasting impact on modern art and design.

Adolphe Terris, a French photographer, was tasked with documenting the evolving landscape of Marseille, France, amidst its construction projects and urban transformations. A native of Aix-en-Provence, Terris initially relocated to Marseille with intentions of establishing a bookstore. However, his passion for photography led him to embark on a career in the field, commencing at a local photo studio in 1856.

In 1861, Terris secured his inaugural commission from the municipal authorities to chronicle the city’s modernization efforts. Over the course of nearly two decades, he diligently captured the progression of rehabilitation and construction initiatives across various urban facets, encompassing buildings, thoroughfares, waterways, railways, and the waterfront.

His comprehensive photographic documentation stands as a vital testament to the extensive changes and revitalization initiatives undertaken within one of France’s largest urban centers. These images, recognized for their historical significance, were subsequently incorporated into a publication by the French Ministry of Public Works. Additionally, Adolphe Terris played a pivotal role as one of the founding members of the Société Marseillaise de Photographie.