Suzanne Driscoll

How does an out of work, amateur photographer manage to acquire a following of 18 million people and publish two best-selling books? “Through a lot of hard work and a refusal to fail,” Brandon Stanton says. Known internationally for his groundbreaking books, Humans of New York and Humans of New York: Stories, Stanton took the simple concept of taking photos of everyday people on the streets of New York City and is now using his popularity to bring attention to the daily struggles of people throughout the world.

To say that Art Wolfe is not your typical portrait photographer is quite the understatement. With a career spanning 40 years, Wolfe brings his travels from every corner of the earth to create stunning portraits in his Human Canvas collection, honoring the traditions of Ethiopian tribal culture.

This interview with Mary Ellen Mark took place before her death on May 25, 2015, at the age of 75. Considered to be the ultimate “humanist” photographer, she will always be remembered for the honesty, compassion, and empathy she gave to everyone.

“What happens to a dream deferred?” asks Langston Hughes in his famous poem. Photographer Robert Weingarten found a way to fulfill his dream, even though it happened much later in life. In high school, a guidance counselor advised he would have to choose between a career in photography and working in the finance world if he wanted to make some decent money. “I grew up in a tenement in Brooklyn, New York, and hated being poor,” Weingarten recalls. “But I always had a passion for photography and loved taking and developing pictures.”