What Camera Gear do they use?

  Robert Mapplethorpe: The Master of Form, Beauty, and Controversy Introduction Robert Mapplethorpe (1946–1989) remains one of the most influential — and debated — photographers of the 20th century. Known for his exquisitely composed black-and-white portraits, floral still lifes, and provocative explorations of sexuality, Mapplethorpe pushed photography into the realms of sculpture, classical beauty, and cultural shock. His work elevated photography to fine art while simultaneously challenging American moral, political, and artistic boundaries. Whether photographing celebrities, flowers, athletes, or members of the New York BDSM scene, Mapplethorpe brought the same visual rigor: absolute control, perfection of form, and a near-sculptural understanding of light. Camera Gear Used by Robert Mapplethorpe Mapplethorpe’s iconic look comes from his commitment to medium-format clarity, studio precision, and highly controlled lighting. Primary Cameras Hasselblad 500 C/M (Medium Format) H...

  Ralph Gibson: Precision, Light, and the Leica Legacy Ralph Gibson, born in 1939 in Los Angeles, is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary photography. Known for his striking use of shadow, geometry, and surreal abstraction, Gibson has built an entire career around the discipline of seeing — and the precision of his beloved Leica cameras. Camera Gear Leica M rangefinders – primarily the Leica M6 and later the Leica M9 , M Monochrom , and Leica Q2 Monochrom . Leica M6 Leica M9 Leica M11 Monochrom Leica Q2 Lenses: predominantly 50 mm Summicron and 35 mm Summilux lenses. Film: for decades, Gibson shot exclusively on Kodak Tri-X 400 black-and-white film, which defined his signature tonal style. Digital transition: In recent years, he has embraced digital Leicas while maintaining the same minimalist discipline — one camera, one lens, one idea. Technique and Vision Ralph Gibson’s photographs are about perception rather than documentation. He composes wi...

  Tyler Mitchell: Fresh Eyes on Portrait & Fashion Photography Tyler Mitchell (born 1995) is an American photographer and filmmaker known for his vivid, dreamlike imagery that celebrates youth, identity, and Black culture. In 2018, he made history as the first Black photographer to shoot the cover of Vogue in its 125-year history, featuring Beyoncé. His work blends fine-art, editorial, and documentary influences, offering a poetic yet socially engaged vision of contemporary life. Camera Gear Began shooting as a teenager with a Canon DSLR , which he used to film skateboarding and travel videos before turning to still photography. Frequently photographs with medium-format film cameras such as the Mamiya RZ67 and Mamiya 7 II for portrait and fashion projects. Mamiya RZ 67 Mamiya 7 II Has been seen using Leica M6 film rangefinder cameras in editorial and gallery work. Leica M6 Often works with Kodak Portra and Ektar color film stocks for their luminous tones and...

  Philippe Halsman: Inventor of “Jumpology” and the Environmental Portrait Philippe Halsman (1906–1979, born Riga, Latvia) was a portrait photographer known for his creativity, technical inventiveness, and psychological depth. He designed custom cameras, used large-format and TLR systems, and was obsessed with light, gesture, and the unexpected. His portraits for Life , collaborations with Salvador Dalí (e.g. Dalí Atomicus ), and his own “Jump Book” project remain hallmarks of 20th-century photography. Camera Gear Here are camera tools and setups directly confirmed from sources, or with strong evidence: Old view camera (plate camera, ~9×12 cm) — Halsman started young, using a view camera found in the attic. Twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera designed by Halsman himself — He constructed a 9×12 cm twin-lens reflex in the 1930s, later other dual-lens (twin-lens) large-format “Halsman” cameras. Hasselblads and Rolleiflex TLRs — Used for certain portrait and reportage work. ...

Arnold Newman: The Master of Environmental Portraiture Arnold Newman (1918–2006, USA) was one of the most important portrait photographers of the 20th century. Celebrated as the pioneer of environmental portraiture , Newman placed his subjects within their personal or professional surroundings — creating images that revealed as much about their character and work as about their appearance. His portraits of Picasso, Stravinsky, and Kennedy are timeless studies in visual storytelling and composition. Camera Gear Arnold Newman worked across decades of photographic evolution, mastering both film and lighting with remarkable precision. His choice of tools reflected a commitment to control, clarity, and depth. Film Cameras Large Format 4x5 View Cameras – Used extensively for studio and on-location portraits, offering unmatched detail and tonal range. Arnold Newman and 4x5 Medium Format Cameras (Rolleiflex 2.8F, Hasselblad 500C) – His preferred systems for environmental portraits and ...

  Annie Leibovitz: The Art of Portraiture and Precision Annie Leibovitz (b. 1949, USA) is one of the most influential portrait photographers of the modern era. Her work has defined visual culture across five decades — from Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair covers to intimate portraits of artists, politicians, and cultural icons. Leibovitz’s photographs are theatrical, meticulously staged, and instantly recognizable for their cinematic lighting and storytelling power. Camera Gear Throughout her long career, Annie Leibovitz has adapted her tools to match the evolving demands of her work — from film-based reportage to high-end studio portraiture. Film Era Nikon F and Nikon FM2 – Her early cameras during the Rolling Stone years, when she photographed musicians like Mick Jagger and John Lennon. Nikon FM2 Kodak Tri-X and Ektachrome – Classic film stocks used for their reliability and tonal depth. Medium Format Cameras (Mamiya RZ67 Pro) – Became her tool of choice for editorial...

  Zanele Muholi: Visual Activist Through the Lens Zanele Muholi is a South African visual activist and photographer whose work powerfully documents and celebrates the lives of Black LGBTQIA+ communities. Known for their striking self-portraits and deeply personal series, Muholi uses photography as both art and activism — challenging stereotypes, confronting injustices, and creating visibility for marginalized identities. Their work is as technically masterful as it is socially urgent, positioning Muholi among the most important contemporary photographers of our time. Camera Gear Zanele Muholi has employed a range of professional gear across their projects, favoring tools that allow precision and intimacy: Nikon DSLR cameras (D800, D850) – For high-resolution portraiture and documentary projects. Nikon D850 Canon EOS 5D and 7D series – Used in earlier projects, providing versatility and reliability. Canon Eos 7D Canon Eos 5D Prime lenses (35mm, 50mm, 85mm f/1.4) – For sh...

  Giovanna Aryafara: Humanity Through the Lens Giovanna Aryafara is an Australian photographer whose work reflects a deep humanist vision, focusing on portraiture and social documentary across Africa, Asia, and beyond.  Her images often explore themes of cultural identity, resilience, and beauty in everyday life. Rooted in compassion and respect for her subjects, Aryafara’s work bridges fine art and documentary, earning international recognition in exhibitions and photography festivals. Camera Gear Giovanna Aryafara’s gear choices support her focus on detail-rich portraiture and environmental storytelling. She is quoted mentioning her gear in an interview: "For years, I exclusively used Canon gear, but three years ago, I transitioned to Sony Alpha R5 (two bodies), paired with my go-to lenses: Sony G Master 24-70mm Sony G Master 70-200mm Sony 50mm Prime Sony 16-35mm Sony A7 R5 The previous camera she mentions is a Canon Eos 5D Mark II. Canon Eos 5D Mark II Film & Techniqu...