Comments on: Top 10 Most Influential Nature Photographers of All-Time http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/ Photography field reports by Richard Wong. Richard's work has been published in magazines, books, advertising, and offers fine art prints of his work. Images may be licensed as rights-managed stock photos by contacting Richard directly at Richard@rwongphoto.com or (626) 422-6151. California stock photography, fine art prints, photo blog: www.rwongphoto.com Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:19:21 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.3 hourly 1 By: Reader Recommendation: Check Out Richard Wong’s Blogs » Landscape Photography Blogger http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-61075 Reader Recommendation: Check Out Richard Wong’s Blogs » Landscape Photography Blogger Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:05:18 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-61075 [...] Whether you are an appreciator of good photography, a new photographer learning technique, an intermediate image maker refining your skills, or an old pro just getting set up on the internet, two blogs by Richard Wong are a wealth of solid knowledge that I recommend to all readers. “In The Field,” Richard Wong’s photography blog, is loaded with fine work and a good example of how to moderate comments and engage readers.  “Field Report: The Non-Glamorous Side of Photography,” offers good information on social media, internet marketing and many other business concerns. This blog also links to Richard Wong’s articles on social media published on sites all over the internet. Richard Wong’s blogs were recommended by Outdoor Photographer Magazine. Be sure to read Richard Wong’s widely known post, “Top 10 Most  Influential Nature Photographers of All-time.” [...] [...] Whether you are an appreciator of good photography, a new photographer learning technique, an intermediate image maker refining your skills, or an old pro just getting set up on the internet, two blogs by Richard Wong are a wealth of solid knowledge that I recommend to all readers. “In The Field,” Richard Wong’s photography blog, is loaded with fine work and a good example of how to moderate comments and engage readers.  “Field Report: The Non-Glamorous Side of Photography,” offers good information on social media, internet marketing and many other business concerns. This blog also links to Richard Wong’s articles on social media published on sites all over the internet. Richard Wong’s blogs were recommended by Outdoor Photographer Magazine. Be sure to read Richard Wong’s widely known post, “Top 10 Most  Influential Nature Photographers of All-time.” [...]

]]> By: Richard Wong http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-56886 Richard Wong Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:53:17 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-56886 Thanks Tom. I had been waiting to hear some thoughts about placement of the top four and you make great points about Porter and Muench. I find it fascinating that Muench has been around since the 50's and is still active. His career spans almost the entire history of color photography. Thanks Tom. I had been waiting to hear some thoughts about placement of the top four and you make great points about Porter and Muench. I find it fascinating that Muench has been around since the 50’s and is still active. His career spans almost the entire history of color photography.

]]> By: Tom Till http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-56885 Tom Till Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:05:01 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-56885 This is a great idea. I have been amazed for years about the ignorance of especially younger nature photographers about the icons who created this art form. Many have never heard of Eliot Porter or Phil Hyde, which is criminal. My only comment on your selections would be that Porter has to be number two (and not the new number two) because I believe he invented color nature photography. To me, the true artist is the person that does something first, and all color work flows from him. I also believe that he, along with David Muench created the large number of baby boomer nature photographers. These people used large format, have done an amazing body of work, and won many environmental battles with their images. True, Galen inspires a lot of people, and I am may be just splitting hairs here, but I think Porter is the more influential force. Also, Art Wolfe has to be in there. More people have been exposed to nature photography though just his tv show than any other photographer except Adams. Thanks for your thought-provoking blog. This is a great idea. I have been amazed for years about the ignorance of especially younger nature photographers about the icons who created this art form. Many have never heard of Eliot Porter or Phil Hyde, which is criminal. My only comment on your selections would be that Porter has to be number two (and not the new number two) because I believe he invented color nature photography. To me, the true artist is the person that does something first, and all color work flows from him. I also believe that he, along with David Muench created the large number of baby boomer nature photographers. These people used large format, have done an amazing body of work, and won many environmental battles with their images. True, Galen inspires a lot of people, and I am may be just splitting hairs here, but I think Porter is the more influential force. Also, Art Wolfe has to be in there. More people have been exposed to nature photography though just his tv show than any other photographer except Adams. Thanks for your thought-provoking blog.

]]> By: David Leland Hyde http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-56704 David Leland Hyde Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:39:37 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-56704 I was born in 1965 when my dad (Philip Hyde) was 44. I missed the earliest "pioneering" but certainly met many of the cast of characters. As background for my book about Dad, I've done some reading both in books and correspondence about that piece of the history of photography and how it intertwined with the beginnings of modern environmentalism. There are valid and diverse perspectives. In what I said above, I certainly don't intend to invalidate Europe's development of photography or environmentalism, or that of other regions. I'm saying that the photographers who gathered to protect the national treasures of the American West, played a major role in popularizing both photography and conservation on a global scale. They taught the people who are teaching photography now, while their photographs led to views changing about the environment, to the point that it is now cool care about the planet. I was born in 1965 when my dad (Philip Hyde) was 44. I missed the earliest “pioneering” but certainly met many of the cast of characters. As background for my book about Dad, I’ve done some reading both in books and correspondence about that piece of the history of photography and how it intertwined with the beginnings of modern environmentalism. There are valid and diverse perspectives. In what I said above, I certainly don’t intend to invalidate Europe’s development of photography or environmentalism, or that of other regions. I’m saying that the photographers who gathered to protect the national treasures of the American West, played a major role in popularizing both photography and conservation on a global scale. They taught the people who are teaching photography now, while their photographs led to views changing about the environment, to the point that it is now cool care about the planet.

]]> By: Richard http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-56654 Richard Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:50:21 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-56654 Thanks for sharing further insights, David. If there is anyone qualified to speak on subject, it would be you since you were probably there first-hand during this time. I agree about the Western landscape photographers. Others might feel slighted but the genre and the modern environmental movement was pioneered in the West for the most part. Your dad definitely had a big role in that. Thanks for sharing further insights, David. If there is anyone qualified to speak on subject, it would be you since you were probably there first-hand during this time.

I agree about the Western landscape photographers. Others might feel slighted but the genre and the modern environmental movement was pioneered in the West for the most part. Your dad definitely had a big role in that.

]]> By: David Leland Hyde http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-56642 David Leland Hyde Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:33:48 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-56642 Thank you Richard for putting together an excellent list. Though my list would differ some, I am glad you included my father, Philip Hyde, who has often been under appreciated for his contributions to photography. I am surprised you did not include Edward Weston, Brett Weston, Minor White, John Sexton and possibly Carr Clifton and Jack Dykinga. Clifton, Sexton and Dykinga are perhaps not as influential as some, but they would fall into the category you mention of making by far the best photographs. The Westons and Minor White, it has been argued, were not strictly nature photographers. However, they not only made some of the greatest landscape photographs of all time, but have influenced all of photography. Back when Adams, the Westons, White, Porter and Hyde were first working, nature photography was not even a term. In fact, photography was not even recognized as an art. People before them had made photographs of nature, but without these pioneers, those photographers would remain in obscurity, as perhaps would the whole genre. Edward Weston was an example not just in photography but in lifestyle. He did not jet set all over the globe or own a lot of fancy equipment. He lived a very simple life, close to nature. When Ansel Adams started the first fine art photography program at the California School of Fine Arts, where Philip Hyde was in the second class, the art students in other departments flew into an uproar, protesting that photography did not belong and would ruin the reputation of their school. Photographers today think the field is tough with all of the competition, but back then there was no market. The photographers I mention, helped to establish the West Coast Tradition, involving Straight Photography, simple, clean compositions and often, natural subjects. I know there are talented and even influential Europeans, Australians and East Coast Photographers, but if we are talking about nature photography, it was pioneered in the Western U. S. Adams, Porter and Hyde went on to help the Sierra Club and other environmental groups protect more wilderness than anyone else in photography ever did or probably ever will. Adams was an advocate for photography and wilderness his whole life. Porter and Hyde brought color to the medium. Porter's books were the best sellers. Hyde was young, poor, desperate and talented. He was able to drop everything and run off to unknown places at David Brower's bidding and thus more of his images were used in the famous Exhibit Format Series than any of the others. Thank you Richard for putting together an excellent list. Though my list would differ some, I am glad you included my father, Philip Hyde, who has often been under appreciated for his contributions to photography. I am surprised you did not include Edward Weston, Brett Weston, Minor White, John Sexton and possibly Carr Clifton and Jack Dykinga. Clifton, Sexton and Dykinga are perhaps not as influential as some, but they would fall into the category you mention of making by far the best photographs. The Westons and Minor White, it has been argued, were not strictly nature photographers. However, they not only made some of the greatest landscape photographs of all time, but have influenced all of photography. Back when Adams, the Westons, White, Porter and Hyde were first working, nature photography was not even a term. In fact, photography was not even recognized as an art. People before them had made photographs of nature, but without these pioneers, those photographers would remain in obscurity, as perhaps would the whole genre. Edward Weston was an example not just in photography but in lifestyle. He did not jet set all over the globe or own a lot of fancy equipment. He lived a very simple life, close to nature. When Ansel Adams started the first fine art photography program at the California School of Fine Arts, where Philip Hyde was in the second class, the art students in other departments flew into an uproar, protesting that photography did not belong and would ruin the reputation of their school. Photographers today think the field is tough with all of the competition, but back then there was no market. The photographers I mention, helped to establish the West Coast Tradition, involving Straight Photography, simple, clean compositions and often, natural subjects. I know there are talented and even influential Europeans, Australians and East Coast Photographers, but if we are talking about nature photography, it was pioneered in the Western U. S. Adams, Porter and Hyde went on to help the Sierra Club and other environmental groups protect more wilderness than anyone else in photography ever did or probably ever will. Adams was an advocate for photography and wilderness his whole life. Porter and Hyde brought color to the medium. Porter’s books were the best sellers. Hyde was young, poor, desperate and talented. He was able to drop everything and run off to unknown places at David Brower’s bidding and thus more of his images were used in the famous Exhibit Format Series than any of the others.

]]> By: Blogging Best Practices for Photographers « Field Report: http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-54490 Blogging Best Practices for Photographers « Field Report: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:05:04 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-54490 [...] Write content that interests your audience and is conducive to discussions. My article on Top Ten Most Influential Nature Photographers of All-Time is an example of this. Once I wrote the blog post, I started a discussion thread on the Nature [...] [...] Write content that interests your audience and is conducive to discussions. My article on Top Ten Most Influential Nature Photographers of All-Time is an example of this. Once I wrote the blog post, I started a discussion thread on the Nature [...]

]]> By: Richard Wong http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-54338 Richard Wong Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:22:17 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-54338 Thanks for the input, Tom. Regarding Art Morris, if you've seen several of the nature photography forums online then you could probably have a good idea for why I included him on the list because there are a lot of bird photographers out there and most seem to have been influenced by him to some degree. As for Banerjee, his ANWR book being passed around the Senate helped bring the topic of oil drilling on the North Slope into mainstream discussion and it has been a point of contention since. To me that is pretty significant. Thanks for the input, Tom. Regarding Art Morris, if you’ve seen several of the nature photography forums online then you could probably have a good idea for why I included him on the list because there are a lot of bird photographers out there and most seem to have been influenced by him to some degree.

As for Banerjee, his ANWR book being passed around the Senate helped bring the topic of oil drilling on the North Slope into mainstream discussion and it has been a point of contention since. To me that is pretty significant.

]]> By: Tom http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-54335 Tom Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:55:28 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-54335 You use the term "influential." That makes a difference to me. The list of "influential" nature photographers is different than the list of "greatest." So my list would include Art Wolfe. He's prolific, good teacher, good communicator, inspires many beginners and amateurs, conservation ethic is strong. If Weston qualifies per one commenter, how about Ernst Haas? http://www.ernst-haas.com/ Very inspirational to me. I second the Mangelsen and Brandenberg mentions. Art Morris is the great bird photographer but not sure that gets him on my "most influential nature photographers" list. The rest of your list is solid. Don't see how Subhankar Banerjee has the body of work or influence to make the list. You use the term “influential.” That makes a difference to me. The list of “influential” nature photographers is different than the list of “greatest.”

So my list would include Art Wolfe. He’s prolific, good teacher, good communicator, inspires many beginners and amateurs, conservation ethic is strong.

If Weston qualifies per one commenter, how about Ernst Haas? http://www.ernst-haas.com/ Very inspirational to me.

I second the Mangelsen and Brandenberg mentions.

Art Morris is the great bird photographer but not sure that gets him on my “most influential nature photographers” list.

The rest of your list is solid.

Don’t see how Subhankar Banerjee has the body of work or influence to make the list.

]]> By: Richard http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-49413 Richard Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:58:33 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-49413 Thanks Sabyasachi. Regarding the websites, not all of the photographers had websites when I looked into them or weren't as informative as the links that I provided here. Thanks Sabyasachi. Regarding the websites, not all of the photographers had websites when I looked into them or weren’t as informative as the links that I provided here.

]]> By: Richard http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-44931 Richard Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:25:03 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-44931 Thanks guys. Clyde Butcher is in Outdoor Photographer magazine from time to time and has some nice b&w work from the Everglades. Thanks guys. Clyde Butcher is in Outdoor Photographer magazine from time to time and has some nice b&w work from the Everglades.

]]> By: Armando Solares http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-43464 Armando Solares Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:02:19 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-43464 One of my personal favorites, Clyde Butcher. Google him. For urban nature, Claudio Edinger. One of my personal favorites, Clyde Butcher.
Google him. For urban nature, Claudio Edinger.

]]> By: harry http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-43457 harry Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:13:51 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-43457 hugo van larwick hugo van larwick

]]> By: Richard Wong http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-38378 Richard Wong Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:45:05 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-38378 Good to know Gerry. I will look up those books on Amazon when I get a chance. I'm always on the lookout for good photo books. Good to know Gerry. I will look up those books on Amazon when I get a chance. I’m always on the lookout for good photo books.

]]> By: gerry menezes http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-38285 gerry menezes Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:33:47 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-38285 Christopher Newbert's "Within a Rainbowed Sea" is a must have. To fully appreciate his work, get a copy of the book. Mahalo and Aloha. Christopher Newbert’s “Within a Rainbowed Sea” is a must have. To fully appreciate his work, get a copy of the book. Mahalo and Aloha.

]]> By: Richard Wong http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-37976 Richard Wong Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:24:13 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-37976 I hear where you are coming from Gerry. Thanks for elaborating. I see Cartier-Bresson having an influence over most photographers for his "decisive moment" philosophy. It could be argued that capture the light just at the right moment is pure Cartier-Bresson just as the little twinkle in a grizzly bears eye. I just had a chance to check out Newbert's work and there is a lot of fascinating stuff on his site. Very exotic and I like how he makes the marine wildlife look artistic in some photos. I hear where you are coming from Gerry. Thanks for elaborating. I see Cartier-Bresson having an influence over most photographers for his “decisive moment” philosophy. It could be argued that capture the light just at the right moment is pure Cartier-Bresson just as the little twinkle in a grizzly bears eye.

I just had a chance to check out Newbert’s work and there is a lot of fascinating stuff on his site. Very exotic and I like how he makes the marine wildlife look artistic in some photos.

]]> By: gerry menezes http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-37958 gerry menezes Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:20:16 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-37958 I took advantage of the lose interpertation of landscape and inclued all work done outdoors and without a huge array of lights, assistants, etc. I hoped you were looking for influences that worked alone in the outdoors and contributed to the genre of nature photography. Without Cartier-Bresson, we would not understand how to use the "miniature camera" without strobes and tripods. I don't think I need to defend myself with Weston: he was a photographer of nature. And, please take the time to check out Newbert. He is the best underwater photographer, bar none; he is the standard. His images are the ones everyone looks at and becomes speechless. Thanks for your time. I took advantage of the lose interpertation of landscape and inclued all work done outdoors and without a huge array of lights, assistants, etc. I hoped you were looking for influences that worked alone in the outdoors and contributed to the genre of nature photography. Without Cartier-Bresson, we would not understand how to use the “miniature camera” without strobes and tripods. I don’t think I need to defend myself with Weston: he was a photographer of nature. And, please take the time to check out Newbert. He is the best underwater photographer, bar none; he is the standard. His images are the ones everyone looks at and becomes speechless. Thanks for your time.

]]> By: Richard Wong http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-36189 Richard Wong Sun, 12 Jul 2009 08:02:20 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-36189 Hi Gary. No doubt that the Westons and Cartier-Bresson are influential photographers in other genres no doubt but the post was about listing the top nature photographers. As with Mike's comment, the Westons were known for their art / still life work and Cartier-Bresson was a street photographer but had no involvement with nature photography. That part is not subjective. I'll be sure to check out your personal choices. I'm always interested to see what else is out there. I'm familiar with Burkett's work already and agree that he is good. Hi Gary. No doubt that the Westons and Cartier-Bresson are influential photographers in other genres no doubt but the post was about listing the top nature photographers. As with Mike’s comment, the Westons were known for their art / still life work and Cartier-Bresson was a street photographer but had no involvement with nature photography. That part is not subjective.

I’ll be sure to check out your personal choices. I’m always interested to see what else is out there. I’m familiar with Burkett’s work already and agree that he is good.

]]> By: gerry menezes http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-36150 gerry menezes Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:16:42 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-36150 I am sure the lists of other photographers will reflect a personal taste. It has too...that's why it's an "influence". Yes to Adams but more for his role in the craft of photography. Eliot Porter and Galen Rowell are both really strong influences. These four are manditory for inclusion: Edward Weston, taught us how a print should look, not to mention giving us Brett; Henri Cartier-Bresson, he taught us how to see; Joel Meyerowitz, he taught us to see in color and Jerry Uelsmann taught us photography is art. The following three are personal choices...but just look at their work and you will get hooked too. They are Christopher Newbert, look at his book "Within A Rainbowed Sea" and you will be blown away; Art Haseltine, the only underwater photographer I have ever heard that uses a medium format camera to shoot black and white film for underwater images and the best large format photographer working today is Christopher Burkett. I am sure the lists of other photographers will reflect a personal taste. It has too…that’s why it’s an “influence”.
Yes to Adams but more for his role in the craft of photography.
Eliot Porter and Galen Rowell are both really strong influences.
These four are manditory for inclusion: Edward Weston, taught us how a print should look, not to mention giving us Brett; Henri Cartier-Bresson, he taught us how to see; Joel Meyerowitz, he taught us to see in color and Jerry Uelsmann taught us photography is art. The following three are personal choices…but just look at their work and you will get hooked too. They are Christopher Newbert, look at his book “Within A Rainbowed Sea” and you will be blown away; Art Haseltine, the only underwater photographer I have ever heard that uses a medium format camera to shoot black and white film for underwater images and the best large format photographer working today is Christopher Burkett.

]]> By: Richard Wong http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/comment-page-1/#comment-32824 Richard Wong Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:14:15 +0000 http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/?p=1557#comment-32824 Hi Mike. To my knowledge, Weston wasn't really a nature photographer. If he was, probably not to the effect that the others were. Hi Mike. To my knowledge, Weston wasn’t really a nature photographer. If he was, probably not to the effect that the others were.

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