Famous photographers
Photographers in this collection, ordered by how widely known they are.
These are the photographers in the Art Icons collection. A profile is included when its short description calls the artist a photographer, or when photography is listed ahead of painting and the description does not call them a painter or a designer. Painters who are only also tagged as photographers stay on the painter guides. The order is the same Wikipedia language-edition count as our most famous artists list (figures checked 2026-10-26).
The list includes Ansel Adams, Man Ray, Robert Doisneau and Robert Mapplethorpe.
1.Ansel Adams
1902–1984 · AmericanAnsel Adams (1902–1984) was an American photographer. Known for Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico and The Tetons and the Snake River.
2.Man Ray
1890–1976 · American · Surrealism, DadaMan Ray (1890–1976) was an American photographer associated with Surrealism and Dada. Known for Gift, Man Ray 1914 and Landscape (Paysage Fauve).
3.Robert Doisneau
1912–1994 · FrenchRobert Doisneau (1912–1994) was a French photographer. Known for The Kiss at the Hôtel de Ville and Un Regard Oblique.
4.Robert Mapplethorpe
1946–1989 · AmericanRobert Mapplethorpe (1946–1989) was an American photographer. Known for Man in Polyester Suit.
5.Ruth Orkin
1921–1985 · AmericanRuth Orkin (1921–1985) was an American photographer. Known for American Girl in Italy.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the most famous photographer on this list?
By Wikipedia language editions, Ansel Adams is the most widely known photographer in this collection.
Why are some painters who used a camera not listed?
The list keeps artists whose profile identifies them as photographers. An artist described as a painter stays on the painting guides, including famous American artists and the most famous artists.