Annie Leibovitz is at the top of this list for one simple reason: she is my favourite photographer. She is arguably the world’s most famous living photographer, and her work is routinely used in some of the biggest publications in the world. Currently she is known for the work she produces for Vanity Magazine, but she also had a long association with Rolling Stone. Both these publications gave her incredible access to the world’s A-List actors, singers, politicians and public figures. Leibovitz’s work is produced both in the studio and on location: the location work is characterised by ambitious settings, a fantasy feel and a lot of Photoshop! Her studio work features an incredible soft light, an industrial feel (you can see the light stands, backdrops and other things that are often hidden from view in the final images) and a liberal use of a wind machine.—- DAVID LACHAPELLE