Portrait photography is one of the most famous type of photography, especially in the digital age of the “selfie’’. Also known as portraiture, portrait photography is the art of taking a photo of one person or group of people, capturing their most real mood and emotion. From dignitaries and celebrities to world-changing revolutionaries, every figure who has made a dent in history has been immortalized through iconic portraits.
So, who is famous for portrait photography? Names like Annie Leibovitz, Richard Avedon, and Steve McCurry top the charts. Their magical ability to frame personalities, coupled with their aesthetic understanding of light, color, and shadows, has granted them legendary status in the world of portrait photography. Yet, what truly sets them apart is their prowess in presenting their subjects in their authentic essence, portraying a persona that’s not only recognizable but deeply connected to their individuality.
In today’s list, you will find a great collection of portraits of the most iconic people throughout history. Of course it is impossible to pick the best. So feel free to add your examples by using comments section.
10 – Audrey Hepburn
Date: 1961. Photographer: John Kobal.
Famous press shot from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
09 – Salvador Dali
Date: 1942. Photographer: Philippe Halsman.
Salvador Dali is best known for the striking and bizarre images in his surrealist work. Also famous with his flamboyant moustache, influenced by 17th-century Spanish master painter Diego Velázquez.
08 – Humphrey Bogart
Date: 1938-1939. Photographer: George Hurrell.
Humphrey Bogart was a mega-star in the golden age of Hollywood who is best known with Casablanca movie.
07 – Buzz Aldrin
Date: 1969. Photographer: Neil Armstrong.
This portrait was captured in 1969, the day that the Eagle lunar lander made the first touchdown on the moon. It was one of the most groundbreaking undertakings in space exploration.
06 – Winston Churchill
Date: 1941. Photographer: Yousuf Karsh.
This portrait was shot in the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, Canada after the photographer Yousuf Karsh had annoyed Churchill by taking away his cigar.
05 – Sigmund Freud
Date: 1920. Photographer: Unknown.
Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis.
04 – Marilyn Monroe
Date: 1954. Photographer: Matty Zimmerman.
This was a scene from the movie “The Seven Year Itch’’.
03 – Abraham Lincoln
Date: Nov. 8 1863. Photographer: Alexander Gardner.
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States and also the first the first president who is assassinated.
02 – Che Guevara
Date: 1960. Photographer: Alberto Korda.
Ernesto “Che” Guevara Havannassa at the La Coubre Memorial Service in 1960.
01 – Albert Einstein
Date: 1951. Photographer: Arthur Sasse.
The theoretical physicist Albert Einstein sticks his tongue out while leaving his 72nd birthday celebration on 14 March 1951.
In the vast expanse of visual art, iconic portraits serve as timeless tokens of history. Every face framed, every personality captured tells a unique story that resounds in the corridors of time. Each portrait discussed, from powerful world leaders to pioneering scientists, artists, and entertainers, carries an immeasurable impact on the world. In essence, these iconic images speak a universal language that transcends time and geography. They are not mere photographs but windows into the souls of the individuals they represent.