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#10
Josué Rivas
Rivas, Josué. Great Spirit. 2016
One of the best ways to make an impact in the world you live in is to document it. That's exactly what Josué Rivas did at the Standing Rock Reservation. Rivas documented the struggles of the people there, but also their livelihood. He humanized them in a beautiful way that can only help their cause. This photo in particular is stunning, the backlighting sets the focus right on the chief and you can't help but take him seriously because of it. He appears grand and powerful, wise beyond his years. The details in the shadows of his clothing are superb as well and highlight the garb he is wearing furthering the idea that he has status and merit. He has a voice, they have a voice, we have a voice.
#9
Richard Renaldi
Renaldi, Richard. From the series "Manhattan Sunday".
In his series "Manhattan Sunday," Richard Renaldi explores Manhattan in the early hours of Sunday till morning. He primarily focuses on those having to do with night life whether it be couples or dancers or club goers. It's a highly personal project that sort of explores the scenes he was a part of when he was younger and lead to an AIDS diagnosis later in life. The photos feel like they're from an outsiders perspective looking in just as he is an outsider from that lifestyle he once lived now observing those deep within it.
Renaldi's website is here.
#8
Jadwiga Brontē
Brontē, Jadwiga. No Privacy. 2015
Jadwiga Brontē spent 2 years documenting places in Belarus that house children and adults that are thought too different or disabled to take part in normal society. The way these beds are captured is so symbolic of these people's struggles in this place. They have no privacy, autonomy, or sense of the outside world.
Catch more of Jadwiga Brontē's work here.
#7
Tony Vaccaro
Vaccaro, Tony. The ruins of Cassino. 1946.
Sent off to Europe during WWII Vaccaro aimed to document the war in a real way. The common way that war was portrayed was staged and unrealistic. He shot during the days and developed his film at night inside army helmets. A true hero he showed the horrors of war but also the tender moments and the juxtaposition of these.
More of Tony Vaccaro's work here.
#6
David Carol
Carol, David. Gorilla. 2015
David Carol's "No Plan B," series is all about the unexpected. He travels on road trips across the country documenting things that stick out to him. He attempts to organize the chaos of the world, and the road, with his photographs.
More of Carol's work can be found here.
#5
Robert Cumming
Cumming, Richard. Fisherman + Boat Out of Water for Repairs; “Jaws” Attraction Area on Universal Studios Tour. 1977.
Richard Cumming's work is all about the idea of depiction vs. deception. He loves to play around and take advantage of the fact that a single capture can do both of these things. One thing that makes Cumming's work unique is that he doesn't try to hide the fact that he's tricking you. He never quite completes his illusions so they are easy to see through.
Fr more of Cumming's work click here.
#4
Shen Wei
Wei, Shen. Peach Tree. 2014.
Shen Wei captures the elegance of flora against a black background with high contrast. This emphasizes all of the characteristics and details of each flower. The elegance and grace of each piece is entrapping.
Shen Wei's website here.
#3
Jeff Mikkelson
Mikkelson, Jeff. Liquid Dreams.
I admire Jeff Mikkelson's control over color and lighting. Each photo in his "Liquid Dreams," series is incredibly crafted. I also adore the look on each of the model's faces. So clams and serene even though you know that must not have been comfortable. Surprising and different this series is gorgeous and excites the eye.
Mikkelson's work can be found here.
#2
Donald R. Blumberg
Blumberg, Donald. Untitled. 1968-1969.
Donald Blumberg takes a jab at media and news with his project "This Just In,". Using art as a means of propaganda makes a statement about the news industry and how Americans receive and interpret their news.
#1
Colin McRae
McRae, Colin. Rainbow Fields.
Colin McRae's landscapes are nothing short of magical. He transports you to a whole new world and I couldn't be happier to go there. His leading lines and sharp colors make your eyes dart and flow all around his photos. Although the colors are saturated and intense, I still feel a sense of calmness looking at his photos.
More from McRae is here.