Contemporary masters

Best is a dangerous word. Using it you immediately discard the rest. Rarely does a photographer burst into the industry and hit the top. Being one of the best takes variety, dedication and time. Researching for this article, I discovered many of the photographers considered and included didn’t start out as professional photographers, finding their way from careers as diverse as Architectural Technologist and Skier. To be the best you increasingly have to do more than just take photographs. You have to embed yourself in your subject, to understand and live in complete harmony alongside it. Here are our suggestions for some of the best contemporary British photographers working in their field of expertise.

Kirsty Mackay

Documentary

Born in Glasgow, Kirsty Mackay studied photography in the city before a short stint in New York. Then several years assisting in London before completing an MA in documentary photography at the University of South Wales. Great documentary photography should be honest, raise questions, engage debate and if possible, affect change. Kirsty’s compelling and critical visual language does, shining a light on underreported issues that matter widely and to her personally. Her reportage, My Favourite Colour Was Yellow, challenges stereotypes. Driven by 1980s consumerism,