I like this photograph because it has a lot of head room and the main image is focused in the bottom third of the photograph. I also like the stark contrasts. It seems like this was taken in a different era.

I like this because it's a photo (or 2 rather) but it doesn't look like a photo. I like the fact that we can alter photographs to the point of abstraction where they look like paintings. This is just an experiment.

Edward Steichen

The Maypole

1932

This is such an interesting photograph in the fact that he sandwiched the negatives to show different perspectives of the same building. I love the use of line and the linear perspective.

http://masters-of-photography.com/S/steichen/steichen_maypole_full.html


Update: Edward Steichen really knew how to utilize line and form to create interesting compositions.  He had a superb eye for capturing the beauty in urban environments.

Edward Weston

Pepper No. 30

1930

Such a simple subject matter is utilized to create an elegant form. The movement and rich contrast of the pepper makes it almost an unrecognizable form.

http://masters-of-photography.com/W/weston/weston_pepper_number30_full.html


Update: Edward Weston can be considered a Master of Photography because he stresses the importance of knowing your equipment inside and out to be a good photographer rather than just buying the most expensive equipment thinking that'll make you a good photographer.

Ansel Adams

Mount McKinley,

Denali National Park, Alaska

1948

Ansel Adams is a very inspirational photographer. His use of the zone system provides very rich blacks, pure whites, and everything in between.

http://masters-of-photography.com/A/adams/adams_mckinley_full.html



 Update:  I think Ansel Adams is a good example of a "Master of Photography" because he was a genius when it came to all aspects of photography.  He developed the "Zone System" which is still taught today.  His use of light, composition, form, line, etc are all strikingly beautiful.

I like the use of depth of field in this photograph. The main focus is on the fishnet stalkings rather than the upper portion of her body, which is not usually the case in photographs of people.

I like the way this photograph looks because to me, it looks like she is not real, kind of doll-like. This was taken with a wide angle lens, and normally, wide angle lenses are not used to photograph people. I like to be different.