Every year, on August 19th, the world comes together to celebrate International Photography Day. This day is a tribute to the art and science of photography, a medium that has the incredible ability to freeze a moment in time and convey emotions, stories, and historical events like no other.

On this special occasion we want to pay homage to the captivating art of freezing moments in time through the lenses of visionary photographers. Through their unique perspectives and artistic expressions, these photographers have gifted the world with visual stories.

Let's explore the works of six remarkable artists who have contributed significantly to the world of photography:



Daidō Moriyama: The Urban Flâneur

Daidō Moriyama is a Japanese photographer who is considered a pioneer of street photography. His work is characterized by its gritty realism and its use of unconventional framing.

Moriyama began his photography career in the 1960s, and his work quickly gained a following for its raw and unflinching look at the urban landscape. He is known for his use of a handheld camera and his willingness to shoot in low light conditions.

His work often features grainy textures and blurred images, which give it a sense of immediacy and urgency.

Daidō Moriyama's raw and gritty street photography offers an unfiltered view of urban life. Through his lens, the mundane becomes extraordinary, and the chaos of cities is distilled into striking black and white images.

His iconic photograph "Stray Dog" encapsulates the essence of Tokyo's bustling streets, inviting viewers to experience the energy and anonymity of urban existence.


Fig 2: Daido Moriyama, Untitled, 1971

Fig 3: Daido Moriyama, Nakaji Heno Tabi, 1987

Fig 4: Daido Moriyama, Night Shinjuku, 2018

Fig 5: Daido Moriyama, Crash from Accident 6, Akushidento 1969, 1969

Fig 6: Daido Moriyama, Osaka, Daido Hysteric, No. 8, 1997

Eddie Adams: The Memorable Photojournalist

Eddie Adams was an American photojournalist who began his photography career in the early 1960s, and he quickly became one of the most respected photojournalists in the world. He covered many major events of his time, including the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the Apollo 11 moon landing.

His portraits of world leaders, celebrities, and everyday individuals carry a sense of intimacy and authenticity. His lens often peeled back the layers to reveal vulnerability, strength, and humanity in the subjects he photographed.

Eddie Adams' dedication to journalism and his ability to translate complex narratives into visual moments earned him numerous accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize. His work exemplifies the power of photography to not only document events but also to serve as a catalyst for change.

Adams is best known for his photograph of the summary execution of Nguyễn Văn Lém, a Viet Cong prisoner, by South Vietnamese police chief Nguyễn Ngọc Loan. The photograph, which was taken on February 1, 1968, during the opening stages of the Tet Offensive, is one of the most iconic images of the Vietnam War.


Fig 8: Eddie Adams, Marine Crossfire, Vietnam,1965

Fig 9: Eddie Adams, Street Execution of a Viet Cong Prisoner, Saigon, 1968

Fig 10: Eddie Adams, Untouchable children, India, 1978

Fig 11: Eddie Adams, Marilyn Monroe, Korea, c.1954

Fig 12: Eddie Adams, The Beatles, Ed Sullivan Show, 1964


Annie Leibovitz: The Portrait Virtuoso

Annie Leibovitz began her photography career in the 1970s, and she quickly became one of the most sought-after photographers in the world. Her work is characterized by its bold composition and its use of light and shadow. She is also known for her willingness to push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable, and she has created some of the most iconic and controversial photographs of our time.

Leibovitz's portraits are synonymous with capturing the essence of her subjects. Her ability to reveal the depths of character within celebrities and public figures is truly remarkable. From her iconic portrait of John Lennon and Yoko Ono to her breathtaking Disney Dream Portraits, Leibovitz's work has forever altered the landscape of portrait photography.


Fig 14: Annie Leibovitz, Queen Elizabeth II, 2007

Fig 15: Annie Leibovitz, Queen Elizabeth II, 2007

Fig 16: Annie Leibovitz, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, 1980

Fig 17: Annie Leibovitz, Demi Moore, 1991

Fig 18: Annie leibovitz, Disney Dream Portrait Series, Snow White, 2011


Alexey Titarenko: The Poet of Long Exposure


Alexey Titarenko began his photography career in the 1980s, and his work has been exhibited in museums and galleries all over the world. He is a recipient of the Hasselblad Foundation International Award in Photography, one of the most prestigious awards in photography.

Titarenko's long exposure photography tells haunting tales of city life and human existence. In his series "City of Shadows," he captures the rhythm of St. Petersburg through ethereal, blurred figures against the backdrop of iconic architecture.

His work is characterized by its use of long exposures and unusual angles. He often shoots at night, and he uses the long exposures to create blurred images that capture the movement of people and cars. He also uses unusual angles to create distorted and disorienting images.

Titarenko's photographs invite us to contemplate the passage of time and the transient nature of urban existence.


Fig 20: Vasileostrovskaya Metro Station, 1992

Fig 21: Rain on Nevsky Prospect, 1993

Fig 22: Crowd Trying To Enter Vassileostrovskaya Metro Station During the Collapse of The Soviet Union

Fig 23: Pensioner at The Trolley Stop, 1992

Fig 24: Under Scaffolding, St.Peterburg, 1992


Trey Ratcliff: The Master of HDR Landscapes


Trey Ratcliff is renowned for his ground-breaking work in High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography. His images transport viewers into breath-taking landscapes where vibrant colours and intricate details are heightened to an otherworldly level. One of his most notable works, "The Great Wall of China," captures the serpentine wonder against a sunset backdrop, evoking a sense of timelessness and grandeur.

Ratcliff began his photography career in the early 2000s, and he quickly gained a following for his unique style. His work has been featured in magazines such as National Geographic and Time, and he has published several books of his photographs.

Ratcliff is a self-taught photographer, and he has developed his own unique technique for processing his images. He uses a combination of software and hardware to create his dreamlike and surreal images. He is also an avid blogger, and he shares his photos and techniques with his followers.


Fig 26: Trey Ratcliff, An Edinburgh Street Scene, 2023

Fig 27: Trey Ratcliff, I love Rocks!, 2023

Fig 28: Trey Ratcliff, Road to The Inn, 2011

Fig 29: Trey Ratcliff, Ginzan Onsen, 2019

Fig 30: Trey Ratcliff, The Less Visited Parts of The Wall, 2011


Tyler Mitchell: Picturing Black Excellence


Tyler Mitchell made history as the first African-American photographer to shoot the cover of Vogue magazine. His photography celebrates black identity and challenges conventional norms.

Mitchell began his photography career in the early 2010s, and he quickly gained a following for his unique style. His work has been featured in magazines such as i-D and The New York Times Magazine, and he has also exhibited his work in museums and galleries.

Mitchell is a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in the fashion industry, and he has used his platform to give a voice to underrepresented communities. He is an inspiration to many young photographers, and he is sure to continue to make a significant impact on the photography industry.


Fig 32: Tyler Mitchell, Beyonce Vogue September Issue, 2018

Fig 33: Tyler Mitchell, Loewe Perfumes, 2022

Fig 34: Tyler Mitchell, Kamala Harris Vogue February Issue, 2021

Fig 35: Tyler Mitchell, Atlanta - i-D Magazine,2021

Fig 36: Tyler Mitchell, Zara, 2022


World Photography Day serves as a reminder that every photograph is a unique form of storytelling—a frozen moment that carries emotions, memories, and messages.

We celebrate not only the technical and artistic achievements of photographers but also the ability of their work to shape our understanding of history, culture, and human experiences.

Let us also acknowledge the power of photography to unite, inspire, and transform the way we perceive the world around us. Happy World Photography Day !