The tension between strength and softness in Emma Summerton’s work ultimately results in dramatic, often cinematic images. With a background in painting, her application of highlights and shadows in broad-reaching palette contributes to palpable narratives in her images.
Name: Emma Summerton
Location: London
Instagram: @emmasummerton
Current Agency: CLM Worldwide
Pictured: (L): W magazine; (R): Heroine magazine
Yelena Yemchuk frames her photographs with a darkness that often serves as a counterpoint to the whimsical, dreamy subjects. Born in Kiev, then moved to New York, there’s perhaps an underlying nostalgia or homesickness detectable in Yemchuck’s photos that cultivate tangible emotions in the viewer. Yemchuk has been tapped by Allure, Another magazine, and Vogue Italia among others to capture editorials and covers for the publications. Yemchuk has shot numerous ad campaigns including Ulla Johnson, Orla Kiely, and Honor.
Name: Yelena Yemchuk
Location: New York
Instagram: @yemchuk
Current Agency: 2b Management
Pictured: (L) Vogue China; (R): Another magazine
Italian-born, German-bred photographer Julia Noni is a master at merging colors and textures to produce images that vibrate off the page. Noni has shot for publications such as U.S. Vogue, W, and Harper’s Bazaar. She has captured photos for ad campaign clients including Kenzo, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier among others.
Name: Julia Noni
Location: New York
Instagram: @julia_noni
Current Agency: Chris Boals Artists (CBA)
Pictured: (L): Office Magazine (formerly Fat Magazine); (R): Teen Vogue
Cass Bird asserted herself early with her playful, fully feminine photographs exploring the depths of girlishness with a discerning eye. This isn’t to say that her photos are flowery. Quite the opposite – the Los Angeles native’s images suggest new perspectives on vulnerability, often depicting her subjects contrasting wonderfully with their surroundings. Bird has photographed editorials and covers for magazines such as i-D, WSJ magazine, and Vogue. Her advertising clients include H&M, Jimmy Choo, and Calvin Klein fragrance.
Name: Cass Bird
Location: New York
Instagram: @cassblackbird
Current Agency: Art + Commerce
Pictured: (L): Porter magazine cover; (R): Porter magazine
An Ellen von Unwerth photograph is an explosion of over-the-top playfullness, oozing with naive seduction. The German photographer’s use of bold colors (and subjects) has earned her covers and editorials in a range of magazines from Vanity Fair to Vogue Paris to Vs. Her first big break came in the form of a Guess campaign featuring then-budding model, Claudia Schiffer. Since then she has gone on to shoot campaigns for Reebok, G-Star Raw, and Dior to name a few.
Name: Ellen von Unwerth
Location: Paris
Instagram: @ellenvonunwerth
Current Agency: 2bmanagement
Pictured: (L): Vogue Russia; (R): Happy Socks ad campaign
Zoe Ghertner is one of fashion photography’s bright young somethings – she’s earned the label. Less is more for Ghertner, her pared-down approach highlights true-to-form textures and an accessible beauty even in the most unexpected of scenes. Ghertner’s work has appeared in magazine editorials and covers such as Dazed, the Gentlewoman, and Vogue U.K.. to name a few. Her advertising clients span from Proenza Schouler to Céline to Hermes among others.
Name: Zoe Ghertner
Location: California
Instagram: @zoeghertner
Current Agency: Art Partner
Pictured: (L): Céline Pre-Fall 2016; (R): Vogue U.K.
Leading the charge on the nextgen of fashion photography is wunderkind Petra Collins. Epitomizing the aesthetic of the moment, Collins’ images feature sucrine, vintage-inspired graininess that spotlights often real-girl subjects. This isn’t to say her images are juvenile or amateur – quite the opposite. Collins’ work has already caught the attention of CR Fashion Book, i-D, and Vogue for editorials and covers. Her advertising clients include the likes of Urban Outfitters and Levi’s.
Name: Petra Collins
Location: New York
Instagram: @petrafcollins
Current Agency: Lighthouse Management & Media
Pictured: (L): Personal editorial work; (R): Jalouse magazine cover
Versatility might be Paola Kudacki’s strongest suit. The Argentinian can easily swing from shooting a flawless celebrity portrait to ingratiating herself in a gritty New York City scene. Kudacki is understandably in high demand, her work appears in publications such as ELLE, Paper, and W Korea among others. Ad clients of Kudacki include Via Spiga, Puma, and CoverGirl to name several.
Name: Paola Kudacki
Location: New York
Instagram: @paolakudacki
Current Agency: CLM
Pictured: (L): ELLE magazine; (R): Beauty Papers