Instagram is the most prominent social media platform that runs on the basis of visual captivation and graphics. There used to be a time when there was zero incorporation of audio within the app- and all content was judged based on its visual appeal. Therefore, it is no wonder that the app became the hub and nest of many photographers who were looking for a global outlet to display their works. There are many famous photographers on Instagram today who are also considered professional aces within their niche.
In this list, we have put together a list of the best photography accounts on Instagram. If you are looking for photographers to follow on Instagram for daily inspiration or to appease your visual desires, then you should have a look below.
Top Photographers on Instagram:
Lindsay Adler
Lindsay Adler is a photographer based in New York City, America. She dabbles in fashion, beauty, as well as portrait photography and can easily be considered one of the best photographers on Instagram. You will find breathtaking masterpieces spread all over her Instagram page, and once you are on her profile, it’ll be hard to get off the app.
Also, she runs a highly successful YouTube channel where she posts clips from her most popular photoshoots. Other than this, she also posts tutorial videos on both apps for photographers trying to improve their skills. She is highly skilled in portrait photography and often gives lessons for the same. She is perfect if you are looking for famous photographers to learn from.
Chris Burkard
Chris Burkard is a highly famous landscape photographer from America, with a staggering fan following of 3.9 million on Instagram. His Instagram is filled with stunning photos from all across the country and the world that’ll instantly leave you mesmerized. Burkard shoots all his photos in the style of a photo journal, giving them a unique appeal that is difficult to find anywhere else.
Perhaps this is the reason that he has the most diverse communities following his content on Instagram. Other than this, Chis Burkard is a big fan of action sports and water sports. Hence, a lot of his content is based on these two subjects as well. He is one of our most exciting and famous photographers to follow.
Jimmy Chin
Jimmy Chin is a photographer who works for National Geographic. Before his employment with National Geographic, Jimmy was already carrying out his hobby proficiently. His earlier posts are just as good as his recent ones- and once you view his work, it will become obvious why National Geographic hired Chin as one of their prime photographers.
Jimmy is one of the top Instagram photographers who deal in landscape photography- so if you are looking for posts under this topic, then he might be your best bet. Chin officially started photography in 1999. However, it was only after people noticed him as part of the National Geographic Family that he began to increase his fan following massively.
Eva Kosmas Flores
Eva Kosmas Flores is not only one of the most famous photographers today, but also a blogger, and recipe maker. With the description given here, you can guess the kind of content you will find most frequently on her page. However, when you visit her profile, you will be surprised by the wide variety of material you shall find. From knitting, beekeeping, and home design to gardening, food photography, and animal photography- her page contains an array of items for your eyes to feast on.
On her youtube page, you shall also find various tutorials- mostly related to cooking. She also runs her website where she frequently posts a lot of informative content on tasteful living.
Dylan Furst
Dylan Furst is a unique landscape photographer whose clicks are known for their surreal quality and unearthly aesthetic. Once you visit his page, you will find yourself transported into another dimension- where the Earth has been captured at its most exquisite and rare moments. This is one of the prime reasons he is among the top Instagram photographers today.
It is a word somewhere between a ‘dream and a nightmare- as he describes in his bio. He has a total of 1 million followers on Instagram and although he doesn’t run an official YouTube channel, there are many YouTube videos created by other photographers, teaching people how they can click pictures similar to Dylan Furst. The man is something of a role model today!
David Guttenfelder
David Guttenfelder is one of the most well-known documentary photographers from National Geographic. Among the most respected photographers in this genre, Guttenfelder has been an inspiration for many documentary creators around the world. He also worked as the chief Asia photographer for the Associated Press. Clearly, he is more than just a simple name among our famous photographers list.
At that time, he stayed in North Korea from 2011- to 2014. Therefore, his photography is a glimpse into his rare, adventurous life- the kind of life very few people get to live. He believes that Instagram is a platform where photographers can communicate with the world, and he makes sure his pictures always hold high meaning.
David LaChapelle
David LaChapelle is a commercial photographer who can always be spotted working with some of the top names in America. From singers, artists, and actors to humanitarian organizations and radical individuals- he has the in on everyone who is making a buzz in the country.
He is a fine art photographer and his Instagram account is filled with staggering, colorful, and impactful clicks that leave an indelible impression on your mind. LaChapelle is one of the top Instagram photographers in demand today. Highly insightful, his work is filled with many historical and Biblical references.
Paul Nicklen
Paul Nicklen is among the most popular and the most esteemed wildlife photographers that Earth holds today. There are numerous YouTube videos that people have created on him, his journey, and his views on life and photography. He has a whopping 7.4 million followers on Instagram and is often looked upon by young, aspiring photographers as a guide and role model.
He brings out the wildest and the most tender moments from the animal world in the most touching manner. His pictures are raw, realistic, and saturating with technical expertise that very few people have.
Joann Pai
Joann Pai is a food and travel photographer who is currently based in Paris. An adventurous, wandering soul- she documents intricate moments of her life as she journeys all across the world. Her Instagram profile will serve the world to you on a beautiful platter with sights from India, Lisbon, Ireland, and countless other places.
We are sure that once you go through her posts and the stories she tells with them, you will want to get on the next plane to wherever so you may see and feel the wonders of the world yourself. With her editorial style of photography, Joann Pai can teach anyone how to see through their hearts.
Brooke Shaden
Brooke Shaden describes herself as an artist and a speaker. When you go through her Instagram page, you might be led to believe that every picture you see is actually a vintage painting brushed down by an unknown legend during the French Renaissance. However, these are actually clicked snaps that Brooke tweaks digitally to give them a different air.
Easily one of the most unique fine arts photographers on Instagram- her page is definitely worth following. Her photos always combine elements of dark moods and ethereal beauty, the likes of which can’t be found anywhere else. If you are into creative photography and would like to curate some amazing Instagram art, then this is the perfect account for you.
Mario Testino
If you are even slightly interested in top-class fashion and everything that revolves around it- then you must have heard of Mario Testino. He is among the most renowned and sought-after portrait and fashion photographers in the world today. He has worked with some of the most important figures in Hollywood including Robert Downey Jr., Brad Pitt, Emma Stone, and Penelope Cruz.
You might think this is all but the man has also collaborated with legendary sportsmen, musicians, and many other figures who have defined the present pop culture. His pictures are very humane and far from sensational- so if you want a rare glimpse into the starry world, then do follow him.
Michael Yamashita
Another one of our most important mentions in this list- Michael Yamashita is definitely one of the most defining photographers, thinkers, and authors of our age. Among other titles, Michael is also known as an extraordinary keynote speaker and workshop leader. He often shoots for National Geographic and maintains his personal photography account on Instagram.
The photos he clicks are marked with vivid colors and naturalistic qualities that present an unfiltered world to you. His photography is very intellectual in nature and always has a message to send out to the world. Of course, it always retains its beautiful and attractive quality.
Peter McKinnon
Back in 2019, Peter McKinnon won the shorty award for the breakout YouTuber of the Year. He primarily posted content related to photography and his own journey as a photographer- a trend he has continued to date. Peter hails from Canada and dabbles in various sports, arts, and activities, always making sure that people are able to see the world through his lens.
McKinnon is also an acclaimed videographer and you can view his content on YouTube. He often offers various editing tutorials and offers various tips and tricks to help aspiring photographers. If you are looking to learn photography via Instagram- then make sure you follow him.
Murad Osmann
Murad Ossman has over 3 million Instagram followers and is definitely one of the cleanest photographers on the app today. His snaps might appear ordinary at face value, but wait until you hear the story behind them. He is most widely known for his ‘follow me’ photography, where he takes people to different countries and cities that he visits and presents different snaps from the same.
If you are looking for some of the most scenic pictures from across the globe- then Osmann should definitely be on your list. Moreover, the man has a gift for turning the most ordinary scenes into visually memorable art pieces that make him a class apart.
Jared Polin
Now Jared Polin, unlike many others we have mentioned on this list- is not a solo show. He works with an extensive team of technicians, photographers, editors, and directors of photography to bring to you the real world of professional photographers. When you check out his Instagram page, you will find that it is markedly different than everything we have mentioned so far.
However, just go through his posts and captions and you will find that there is not a single snap in his profile that doesn’t explain something about photography and its world. He is among the most sought-after photographers in the world today- and he tells you what you can do to reach a similar position.
Kai W
Kai W has one of the most followed YouTube channels and Instagram profiles. His followers mainly consist of young photographers and beginners in the field of photography. His posts are filled with informative content on camera gears, and technical equipment, as well as information on settings, editing, etc.
Other than this insightful material, you will also find many amazing snaps that the experienced man has clicked himself. All of them have a unique quality and a story of their own. Very passionate about his vocation, Kai can really teach you a lot not only about photography but about passion and devotion.
James Popsys
Just quickly open up James’s Instagram page and you will know why this amazing artist is on our list here. A personal favorite of mine, this photographer captures the world in a very subtle and mild manner- bringing profound tranquility and stillness to every scene he captures. He keeps a very calculated contrast in all his photos and brings out playful, cheerful colors to what otherwise might seem gloomy.
There is no hint of extremity in his photos and yet they leave a deep impression on your mind. If you want to learn how to capture soulful moments with such effortlessness, then you can also view his amazing YouTube tutorials.
Adam Gibbs
Another mastermind in the field of photography- you simply cannot miss out on the learnings and showcasing of Adam Gibbs. His pictures have an eerie and haunted quality that is quite unique in itself. However, every snap you come across is irresistible and you will find yourself clicking the like button way too often.
The best part about him is that he is very particular about handing down his legacy and learnings to anyone interested. His YouTube tutorials are very detailed and can help any photographer- beginner or expert. Perhaps, if you have liked the aesthetic quality of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, then this is the man to look upon.
Eric Rossi
Eric Rossi, often recognized as “the guy with an eye” is a five-time Emmy award winner. He specializes particularly in street photography and is a highly creative wedding photographer. He has worked for many big productions including Shark Tank, The Apprentice, and so on. You can find his personality all over his photos and videos.
Very individualistic about his work- he brings an unseen X-factor into everything he does. On his YouTube channel, he will often give you a glimpse of behind-the-scenes of big events and photoshoots. You can also view his work on his official website- which has perhaps the biggest masterpieces he has ever clicked.
Thomas Heaton
When you look at the world through the eyes of Thomas Heaton, you will never want to take off that lens again. Traditionally, he is a landscape photographer- but he dabbles in various other genres as well. He has over 500 thousand followers on Instagram, but honestly, he deserves so many more.
His pictures combine many emotions together- loud colors, dark moods, chaos, and stillness- all come together in one tiny frame. I personally love his vlogs where he shares his journey and the shooting of many of his pictures. He can help you grow as an artist, a person, and a thinker-so do-follow.
Joe Allam
Born in London and based in Tokyo- Joe Allan is another man who has a rare, unfound way of seeing settings within this world. He is a street photographer and runs a very successful YouTube channel. Looking at his Instagram account, one begins to think that they are perhaps in a Neo-Noir movie.
He captures neon lights and signs, candid photos of people sharing moments, crowded streets, and tall inhumane buildings. On his YouTube channel, he consistently updates content related to photography instruction. A traveler by heart, his Instagram is filled with scenes from London, Malaysia, Malta, the USA, Japan, Hong Kong, and many other places.
Brendan Van Son
Brendan Van Son is a landscape photographer, but of course, he doesn’t stick to any one label. His Instagram account is one of the richest photography accounts that I have come across. With over 2400 posts- there is so much he has left for us here to discover. A travel photographer as well, Brendan rarely puts down his camera when he is out discovering the world.
He has a great YouTube channel with playlists from every place that he visits. He has it divided into sections- where some give photography advice, others are his personal vlogs, and others just capture the world!
Jason Vong
Of course, Jason Vong is a great photographer! But, cutting to the chase, he is the best photography instructor that you will find online. He does share the snaps he clicks, but his page is more of a photography newsletter. He will give you updates on the trendy, cutting-edge, and revolutionary gears and equipment that are creating waves in the photography world.
Hence, if you want someone who not only shares their art but really guides you through the process- then Jason Vong is your guy.
Christopher Burress
I really like Christopher Burress because of his bold experimentation with photography and its traditional styles. A technical expert- he often fiddles with and mixes different lenses, gimbals, and mounts to create photographs that suit his unique style.
From cheap CCTV lenses to the most advanced launches- he shares what he experiences through his experimentation via his social media posts. You can follow his amazing YouTube channel for his personal adventures and interesting photography style.
Julia Trotti
Julia Trotti is one of the best portrait photographers on Instagram and YouTube. She often talks a lot about fashion, the beauty of portrait-style photography, as well as the nuanced editing involved in the same. She distinguishes her style and brings out the little details one has to take care of when dealing with scenes, faces, textures, colors, and moods.
Dan Watson
Dan’s page on Instagram is called learning cameras. As is obvious, he is a photography instructor and a great professional who has earned great admiration from his fans. Ironically enough, you will find a lot of snaps of his own cameras in his profile! Gadgets, cars, and machines- the man captures a very rarely talked about topic in his photos.
Micael Widell
Micael Widell will be of particular interest to anyone who simply cannot view the world without thinking of how it would look like a printed photograph. He is the man who carries his camera wherever he goes and clicks everything that catches his fancy. He is not a landscape or portrait photographer.
Micael Widell has his unique style of photography, called ‘macro photography’ that might remind you of old postcards or pictorial stamp cards. Usually, he captures single items- a bird, a flower, a honeybee, a flowing tap, or a moth. Sounds interesting? Well, you might want to check his YouTube channel, if you wish to follow up on his style.
Laura Zalenga
Laura Zalenga is another important creative photographer that you will find on this list. She is a very unique and rare individual, and her thoughts always have an ethereal and dreamlike quality. Her photography is similar in nature- always very mild, serene, and tranquil, but quietly implying underlying violence that the eyes can’t see but the heart can feel.
You can find her speaking on varied subjects on her YouTube channel, maintaining her seemingly unreachable aura throughout. If you are looking for something extraordinary, out of the world, and quaintly beautiful- then be sure to check her out.
Kael Rebick
Kael Rebick is another famous landscape photographer on Instagram that you should consider following. Mostly her click consists of pictures of various cities and towns- particularly architectural landscapes. She often captures places during the most defining times and moments of different seasons to mix in natural elements with urban ones.
Her Instagram highlights are also divided according to various seasons as well as the different cities that she captured. She also runs an online ‘print shop’ that you can find mentioned on her Instagram bio. Her main purpose has always been to capture the essence of a time and place, and there is so much we can learn from her in terms of photography.
Steve McCurry
Steve McCurry is not just one of the most famous photographers on Instagram. McCurry is one of the most legendary figures in his field and perhaps the most experienced and learned name we have mentioned so far. Considered one of the best photographers we have today- his Instagram account reaches with cultural, political, social, and immensely moving pictures.
Every place, every face, and every scene he captures contains a deep story that resonates with you merely through colors, contrasts, and innocent expressions. McCurry states in his bio that he deals with ancient traditions, conflicts, and culture with a kind human touch. Of course, he is one of the top Instagram photographers we have, but he’s also a highly thoughtful and learned personality.
Conclusion
Photography can be immensely liberating and therapeutic for many people. It is an art form that has taken over the world today. Moreover, it is a very liberal and subtle form of expression and communication that captures our senses and imagination like nothing else. In this list, we have mentioned some highly reputed and very diverse photographers that might catch your fancy.
From portrait and landscape photographers to macro, wildlife, and street photographers- there is a lot to be learned from the list above. Make sure that you are thorough with it- and if you feel we’ve missed out on something important, please do leave a comment below. Happy Snapping!
