Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908–2004) was one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century and a pioneer of street photography. He is best known for the concept of the “decisive moment,” capturing the precise instant when form, movement, and meaning come together. Using a small Leica camera, he worked discreetly to photograph everyday life in a natural and spontaneous way. His images are characterized by strong composition, geometric balance, and a deep sensitivity to human behavior. As a co-founder of the Magnum Photos agency, he had a lasting impact on photojournalism. Cartier-Bresson saw himself less as a technician and more as a keen observer of life.

Ansel Adams (1902–1984) was one of the most important photographers of the 20th century, best known for his powerful landscape photography. He is especially famous for his black-and-white images of the American West, particularly Yosemite National Park. Adams developed the Zone System, a technique that allowed precise control over exposure and contrast. His photographs are marked by sharp detail, dramatic lighting, and a strong sense of grandeur in nature. Beyond photography, he was a passionate environmentalist who used his work to promote conservation. Adams viewed photography as both a technical craft and an expressive art form.

Robert Capa (1913–1954) was one of the most influential war photographers in history. He is known for his intense and emotionally powerful images taken on the front lines of major conflicts, including the Spanish Civil War and World War II. Capa believed that if a photograph wasn’t good enough, the photographer wasn’t close enough, a principle that defined his bold working style. His photographs convey raw realism, danger, and the human cost of war. As a co-founder of Magnum Photos, he helped establish photography as a serious journalistic profession. Capa’s work and life were shaped by risk, commitment, and deep empathy for people caught in conflict.

Helmut Newton (1920–2004) was a highly influential fashion and portrait photographer known for his provocative and bold style. His work often explored themes of power, sexuality, and glamour, challenging traditional ideas of beauty. Newton’s photographs are characterized by strong contrasts, dramatic lighting, and confident, dominant subjects. He worked extensively for major fashion magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. His images frequently blurred the line between fashion, art, and eroticism. Helmut Newton remains a controversial yet iconic figure in modern photography.