heros

My high school photography teacher Mr. Martz was THE BEST photograph teacher an aspiring photog could ask for. His quirky personality and unique teaching style bred creativity- he was great at teaching us the basics and then would let us experiment and learn on our own, giving helpful tips to improve our work while never criticizing us for our failures. In addition, every Monday he would sit us down and teach us about different photographers that have changed the world through their images- everyone from Ansel Adams and Paul Caponigro to Dorthea Lange and Annie Liebovitz. One of my lifetime goals is to acquire a collection of beautiful photography books from all of my favorite photographers. Some of two all time favorites include:

Paul Caponigro

The contrast of his black and white photographs is so stunning that it makes me want to only photograph is black and white for the rest of my life. Absolutely breathtaking.

Annie Liebovitz

She needs no introduction. One of the world's best portrait photographers (in my eyes), she lives the ultimate dream of photographing celebrities around the world. I just purchased her book Annie Liebovits At Work and it gave me a newfound perspective of her work, introduced me to images I had seen but didn't know were hers, and inspired a newfound love for photography by sharing stories and images how she come to where she is today. Such an inspiration.