the lenses have eyes

Behind every top model is a great photographer.

Their eyes are the ones behind the lenses of the camera and capturing the vision the editor seeks, the subject poses for, the image that stops you in your tracks.

A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart, leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective. - Irving Penn

The elite professionals who have changed the industry as we see it:

Irving Penn (the grand-father)

The first infamous Vogue fashion photographer recently passed this year at 92, but his work will forever be the groundwork that put Vogue on the map for its cutting edge editorials. Penn used his love for women to capture all their little details that may not be seen as beautiful to the regular eye. In fact, he even married his favorite model in 1950. His numerous compilations will continue to inspire many in the quest to take that great shot.

Juergen Teller (Mr. Marc Jacobs Collection)

His faithful clients Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Westwood are only a few of the names who prefer his more titillating approach. "He photographed Angela Lindvall with a mound of white Champagne foam coming out of her crotch and named it New York, Paris, Milan I'm Coming."

Mario Testino (the innovator)

It seems all the V's in the industry can't get enough of him, from Vanity Fair to Vogue magazine. He knows everyone and what everyone wants. His photos somehow impeccably capture the time they were taken, but still transcend throughout the years.

Annie Leibovitz ( the rogue naturalist)

From natural beauties to controversy, Annie has got all her boxes checked and a portfolio that expands from touches of glamour to a variety of celebrities across the board. The American photographer is the leading celebrity fashion photographer of today.

Steven Meisel (the cover story)

He has shot over 317 Vogue Italia's and now American Vogue tries to snatch up whatever the Europeans don't want. Meisel knows how look beyond action packed events donning haute couture and capture the surreal . He's reshaped the campaigns of everyone from Louis Vuitton to Mulberry and nothings stopping him. MEISEL 2012

Emma Summerton (the it girl)

In 2008, the leading cover photographer for i-D Magazine was pinpointed as the "One to Watch" and boy have we watched her take off. She's here to stay and making that known with abstract approaches and huge ad campaigns for huge clients like Topshop and Jeager.