Photographers Who Inspire Me
No artist creates in a vacuum. Over the years, I’ve drawn so much inspiration from photographers past and present — those whose work moves me, challenges me, or simply makes me want to go out and shoot. In this post, I’m sharing a few photographers who’ve left a lasting impression. Some are famous names you may know, others are lesser known — but each of them has helped shape how I see the world through my lens.
The photographer who inspired me to go out and be more deliberate and purposeful about my photography is Sean Tucker. During the pandemic, I watched many of his YouTube videos, and much of what he shared resonated with me. I’ve followed him ever since, and I love his photography and voice. Sean Tucker feels like a photographer born to create — his images appear effortless, yet I know how much intention lies behind them. Whether in color or black and white, his photographs are well-balanced, deeply narrative, and especially luminous in their light and shadow.
For me, black and white photography and capturing mood is beautifully exemplified by Fan Ho. Though most of his iconic images are monochrome, I sometimes feel I see color in them. His photographs evoke more than just a scene — they convey feeling, weather, and even smell. His images are deeply cinematic and emotional .
When I think of landscape photography and technique, nothing compares to Ansel Adams. His ability to render nature’s grandeur in sharp, sublime black and white continues to inspire me. I’ve immersed myself in his trilogy books — a true goldmine of knowledge and creativity.
Another photographer whose minimalist black and white work moves me deeply is Michael Kenna. His compositions evoke quiet moods and often have surprising brightness. Even his darker or more melancholic images hold a sense of calm optimism .
As I reflect, I realise I definitely lean toward a black and white aesthetic — but I remain drawn to moments lifted by warm color, too. I trust I’ll continue exploring both worlds, even if I’m unsure where I’ll ultimately land.
More recently, I discovered Petra Leary, Preet Uday, and Mads Peter Iversen. All three work with color in bold, inspiring ways:
Petra Leary uses drone photography to capture vibrant scenes, often basketball courts layered with geometric lines and rich contrast.
Preet Uday’s street photography brings mundane urban scenes to life through striking composition and distinct color treatments that feel very much aligned with how I see the world.
Mads Peter Iversen creates minimalist landscapes, where color contrast and composition evoke deep emotion and mood.
Their work feels like echoes of my own photographic sensibility, inspiring me to push further in color and composition.
Of course, there are many other photographers whose work I admire (and I follow numerous others on Instagram). I simply haven’t mentioned them all here — but I’m grateful for the constant stream of creativity I find in the work of fellow photographers.