What Camera Gear do they use?

  Weegee: The Master of Raw Urban Storytelling Introduction Weegee (Arthur Fellig, 1899–1968) was one of the most iconic and influential street photographers of the 20th century. Known for his stark, high-contrast black-and-white images of New York City’s crime scenes, nightlife, and urban chaos, Weegee captured the raw, unfiltered essence of mid-century America. His work blended photojournalism with a unique artistic sensibility, making him a pioneer in documenting the gritty reality of city life. Weegee’s ability to arrive at the scene of an event before anyone else—earning him his nickname from the Ouija board—cemented his legend as a photographer who was always in the right place at the right time. Camera Gear Used by Weegee Cameras 4×5 Speed Graphic – Weegee’s primary camera, renowned for its durability and reliability. He used this large-format press camera for its ability to produce high-quality, detailed negatives, even in low-light conditions. Burke & James Pr...

  Lisette Model: The Uncompromising Eye of Street and Portrait Photography Introduction Lisette Model (1901–1983) was one of the most radical and influential photographers of the 20th century. Known for her raw, confrontational portraits and unsentimental street photography, Model rejected beauty, elegance, and idealization in favor of truth, intensity, and presence. Born in Vienna and later working in Paris and New York, Model turned her camera toward subjects many photographers avoided: excess, aging bodies, awkwardness, arrogance, vulnerability, and power. From wealthy vacationers on the French Riviera to passersby in New York City, her photographs confront viewers with the physical and psychological reality of her subjects. Beyond her own work, Model’s influence expanded enormously through her teaching. As a longtime instructor at the New School in New York, she shaped generations of photographers — most notably Diane Arbus — instilling a philosophy that prioritized honesty, e...

  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...