Top Photography Influencers to Follow in 2025

Photography influencers are taking social media by storm with breathtaking visuals and engaging storytelling. From adventure travelers scaling snowy peaks to food stylists crafting mouth-watering images, these content creators inspire millions and drive trends in visual content. Many of the most impactful photographer influencers are based in the United States, though several global stars also shine. Beyond beautiful images, they foster passionate communities – and savvy brands are paying attention. In the era of e-commerce and social media, even micro influencers (those with smaller but loyal followings) can have outsized influence by producing authentic, high-engagement content. Amazon sellers and online retailers in particular are tapping into these creators for user-generated content (UGC) that showcases products in real-life settings, building trust with consumers. Whether you’re looking for epic travel landscapes, creative product shots, or delicious food photography, here are some of the top photography influencers (US-focused, with a few international icons) to follow in 2025.

1. David Christopher Lee

Location: Los Angeles, USA
Followers: ~121K on Instagram
Niche & Style: As a renowned celebrity photographer, David’s work centers on the entertainment industry and high-profile events. His Instagram feed is a glossy display of portraits and red-carpet moments – he’s photographed stars like Grammy-winner Jon Batiste and actress Bella Thorne. But David isn’t just about Hollywood glam; he also shares slices of his own life, from nature adventures to fitness milestones, often with insightful captions about wellness and “biohacking” (earning him the nickname of the photographer who drinks from the fountain of youth in jest).

Why Follow

David’s account offers a mix of masterful portraits and personal journey. One day you might see a vibrant shot of a celebrity at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, and the next, a serene landscape from his travels with a reflection on finding inner peace. This blend of entertainment photography and authentic storytelling keeps his audience of over 100k followers engaged. He’s also an entrepreneur, creating SEO-driven content campaigns, and frequently collaborates with lifestyle and fashion brands. (His recent collabs include an organic farm and luxury hospitality, showing his versatility.) If you’re interested in the intersection of celebrity culture and photography, David Christopher Lee provides a front-row seat.

2. Jamie Pelfrey

Location: Florida, USA (via @freshfacedover40)
Followers: ~10K on Instagram
Niche & Style: Jamie Pelfrey specializes in product photography – particularly in beauty and skincare – and is known for her vibrant, colorful style. As a mom over 40 breaking into the influencer scene, she’s shattering age stereotypes in the creator world. Jamie’s feed is a cheerful tapestry of cosmetics, skincare products, and fun lifestyle shots that pop with color and creativity. She often includes behind-the-scenes peeks and practical tips, making her content both beautiful and relatable.

Why Follow

Jamie brings a fresh, “you can do it at any age” energy to influencer photography. Her eye for detail in staging products has led to collaborations with numerous brands – she loves sharing discount codes and honest reviews with her followers. Fans appreciate her authenticity and positivity. If you’re a content creator or entrepreneur looking for inspiration on how to showcase products (from makeup to gadgets) in a genuine way, Jamie’s account is a goldmine of ideas. She proves that micro-influencers can deliver professional-quality content with a personal touch, and she encourages others to pursue their passions regardless of age.

3. Johan Lolos

Location: Belgium (worldwide traveler)
Followers: ~376K on Instagram
Niche & Style: Johan Lolos (often known by his handle @lebackpacker) is a documentary-style travel photographer with a passion for the outdoors and wildlife. His work takes you on a journey to some of the most breathtaking corners of the planet: from the towering sand dunes of Namibia to the erupting volcanoes of Iceland, or from lions in the South African savannah to serene Mediterranean seascapes. Basically, Johan has likely been everywhere – and his camera is always ready to capture those picture-perfect moments of natural beauty. His images have a pristine, vivid quality that often leaves viewers wondering, “How is this real?”. He’s particularly talented at wildlife shots – baby lion cubs, elephants on the move – as well as sweeping landscapes that showcase the grandeur of nature. Johan pairs his photos with thoughtful captions, sharing his reflections from each trip and often some travel tips or background stories. This personal narrative gives insight into his “outer and inner lens,” as he calls it, letting followers see not just what he witnesses, but how he feels about it.

Why Follow

Following Johan is like having National Geographic in your pocket. He amplifies the perfection of nature and makes you appreciate the planet’s wonders. Adventure enthusiasts will love his expeditions – it’s easy to get lost in his feed and suddenly find yourself planning your next vacation based on his shots. He also exemplifies how to build a strong personal brand as a photographer: Johan has authored a book (“Peaks of Europe”) and become an ambassador for Toyota’s 4×4 division, leveraging his expertise and audience into broader opportunities. For brands in travel, outdoor gear, or even automotive, Johan’s content is proof of how powerful influencer partnerships can be when the influencer truly lives the lifestyle. His followers trust his recommendations because they know he’s in the field testing gear, exploring in that Toyota truck, and genuinely using what he promotes. In a social media world full of filters, Johan’s authenticity – in both his images and his storytelling – stands out. Follow him to be inspired by Earth’s beauty and perhaps nudge yourself to step outside and explore more. As one fan told him regarding a Milky Way photo of his: “Good job – it’s not too fake like most Milky Way shots on Instagram”. In other words, Johan keeps it real, and it’s really amazing.

4. Jack Harries

Location: London, UK (global citizen)
Followers: 2M on Instagram; 3.9M on YouTube
Niche & Style: Jack Harries first rose to fame through YouTube, but over the years he has transformed from a travel vlogger into a prominent documentary filmmaker and climate activist. His content focus is unique among this list – it’s not just pretty pictures (though he does share stunning photography too); it’s purposeful storytelling about the issues facing our planet. Jack’s Instagram and films highlight environmental issues like climate change, conservation, and social justice. One post might show him at a climate march or interviewing an environmental scientist, while another features a beautiful but endangered ecosystem he’s visiting. He uses his platforms to educate and inspire action, often collaborating with organizations like WWF. Notably, Jack was involved in the Netflix documentary series “Our Planet” and has even appeared on CNN with Christiane Amanpour to discuss his activism. Visually, his style is a blend of personal and professional – you’ll see both candid shots from his life (he’s an aspiring gardener and proud duck dad, as he humorously notes) and high-quality imagery from his documentary projects.

Why Follow

Jack Harries is proof that influencers can use their voice for something greater. Follow him if you want substance with your style. His posts often come with insightful captions or calls to action, whether it’s encouraging tree planting or explaining a sustainability concept. Despite tackling heavy topics, Jack’s approach is hopeful and solutions-oriented – he’s all about raising awareness and highlighting what can be done. His massive following (over 1 million) and media presence show that he’s struck a chord; as a result, he’s worked on campaigns for things like launching an all-electric car (promoting sustainable choices) and other global initiative. Brands or nonprofits looking to engage younger audiences on social or environmental campaigns often look to partner with voices like Jack’s for authenticity. Even if you’re not an activist, following Jack will broaden your perspective on how photography and storytelling can drive positive change. And of course, you’ll also catch some beautiful travel shots in the mix – he is a talented photographer – but with Jack, the caption will likely make you think a bit more about the world behind the image. It’s inspiring stuff that proves social media can be a force for good.

5. Simone Bramante

Location: Bologna, Italy
Followers: 938K on Instagram
Niche & Style: Simone Bramante (known as @brahmino online) is often hailed as one of Instagram’s most creative photographers – a true visual storyteller for whom nature is a constant inspiration. His imagery has a dreamy, narrative quality. Scrolling through Simone’s feed is like reading a beautifully illustrated storybook without words: each photo stands on its own as art, yet together they weave a cohesive tale. He might post a whimsical shot of a lone tree blooming in a field, followed by a romantic scene on an Italian street, then a surreal composition of a person floating with balloons. The diversity is astounding – countryside landscapes, charming European architecture, imaginative portraits – but all share a refined, cinematic style that is unmistakably his. His captions often read like mini poetic reflections, adding depth to the visuals (e.g., “On a fall day, I meet a beautiful dreamy face to care for. Her name is Rome.”).

Why Follow

Simone is a must-follow for anyone who loves photography as art. He’s not just snapping pictures; he’s creating worlds. It’s no surprise Forbes named him one of the top Instagram photographers, noting his whimsical images and storytelling approach. With nearly a million followers, Simone has major influence, yet he maintains an intimate, inspiring tone in his posts. Photographers can draw inspiration from his composition and conceptual creativity – he often plays with perspectives and scales that make you do a double-take. Brands have eagerly collaborated with Simone for his visionary touch: he’s worked with the likes of OPPO Mobile (blending tech and nature in a campaign) and even promoted an electric car launch by framing it in a captivating travel narrative. Following Simone Bramante feels like traveling the world through art. It will spark your imagination, and you’ll likely find yourself looking at everyday scenes with a more creative eye after seeing how Simone might transform them into something unbelievably beautiful.

6. Ragen D.

Location: Alaska, USA
Followers: (Micro-influencer)
Niche & Style: Ragen (known on Instagram as @thefrozennuggett) is a self-taught adventure photographer who calls the wild landscapes of Alaska home. Her playground is the Last Frontier: rugged mountains, icy glaciers, and the dancing northern lights. Ragen’s photography captures the extreme beauty of cold climates – think tents pitched on a mountainside under a starry sky, or a frozen lake trek that makes you shiver just looking at it. She has a knack for making you feel the awe of her experiences, often with captions that invite you into her adventurous world (and sometimes humorous takes on how she survives those sub-zero camping nights!). The color palette of her feed is cool and crisp – lots of whites, blues, and the neon glow of auroras. It’s not your typical beach vacation influencer content; it’s something rarer and more exhilarating.

Why Follow

For anyone stuck in a city or a warm climate, following Ragen is like a virtual trip to a winter wonderland. Her passion for the outdoors is infectious, and she proves you don’t need a massive follower count to inspire people – you just need dedication and a unique perspective. Ragen’s authenticity shines in how she shares both triumphs (reaching a summit) and struggles (like thawing out her camera batteries in her socks!). She’s also great at engaging fellow outdoor enthusiasts, swapping trail tips and camping hacks with her followers. Brands in the outdoor gear and travel space have started to partner with Ragen, recognizing that her tight-knit audience trusts her recommendations for that perfect tent or camera backpack. If you’re an Amazon seller in the adventure niche, for instance, a micro-influencer like Ragen can create stunning UGC with your product in dramatic settings that stock photos could never match. Follow Ragen D. to get inspired to step outside your comfort zone – and maybe plan that Alaska trip you’ve been dreaming of.

7. Linda Lomelino

Location: Sweden
Followers: 751K on Instagram
Niche & Style: Linda Lomelino is a food photographer and stylist who elevates baking to a fine art. Also a cookbook author and blogger (of “Call Me Cupcake” fame), Linda has been sharing her confectionery creations for years, and her experience shines in every post. Her style is distinctly magical and atmospheric: imagine a vintage gingerbread village dusted with powdered sugar snow, or a close-up of a berry-topped cake that practically lets you smell the frosting. She often uses rustic props – antique plates, weathered wood tables, wildflowers – to create a cozy, storybook mood in her shots. Each photo tells a tale of comfort and sweetness, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a woodland cottage where something delicious is always in the oven.

Why Follow

For anyone into baking, food styling, or photography, Linda’s Instagram is pure inspiration. Her creativity in the kitchen is matched by her skill behind the camera. Followers frequently comment things like “What beautiful shots” and express how her imagery warms their hearts. It’s not just about drool-worthy food; it’s about the feeling her images evoke – often nostalgia or seasonal joy. Linda also shares snippets of her process and sometimes recipes, generously inviting her audience to try creating the magic themselves. She’s collaborated with food and lifestyle brands (recently including a crispbread company and a coffee maker) that align with her aesthetic – showing that even sponsored content can feel like a natural part of her fairy-tale world. If you’re a brand, take note: influencers like Linda prove that partnering with a skilled content creator can make your product look irresistibly charming. And if you’re a fan, following Linda Lomelino will fill your feed with beauty and likely motivate you to bake something sweet on the weekend. Just be warned: you will get dessert cravings!

Tips for Brands: Working with Photography Influencers

• Think Micro for Authenticity

Bigger isn’t always better. While top influencers with millions of followers have wide reach, micro-influencers (even those with 5k–50k followers) often boast higher engagement and trust with their audience. Their recommendations feel like advice from a friend, which can lead to higher conversion rates. For example, a niche food photographer with 8k followers might drive more enthusiastic trial of a new kitchen gadget than a mega influencer would – simply because their followers are a tight-knit, relevant community. Don’t overlook these “smaller” creators; their impact per follower can punch above their weight.

• Leverage UGC for E-Commerce

Influencer content isn’t just for social media posts – it can become valuable user-generated content (UGC) for your brand. Photographers often produce gorgeous product shots or lifestyle images that you can repurpose (with permission) on your website, Amazon product listings, or ads. Real photos from real creators add authenticity to your product pages and build consumer trust. Many Amazon sellers are doing this by sending products to influencers and getting a gallery of UGC in return – a strategy that can boost conversion, since 90% of consumers say authenticity is important in deciding which brands they support.

• Use the Right Platforms

Identify where the influencer shines. Some photographers also have popular blogs or YouTube channels. If you’re an e-commerce brand looking for a product review, a long-form blog post or YouTube video from the creator (with plenty of photos) might provide more value than an Instagram post alone. On the flip side, an Instagram Story takeover might be fantastic for a travel tourism board partnership, as the influencer can “bring” followers along in real time. Match the medium to the message.

• Measure and Build Relationships

Track the results of your influencer campaigns (use affiliate links, UTM codes, or promo codes to gauge engagement and sales). But beyond one-off numbers, look at the bigger picture: building ongoing relationships with talented photographer influencers can continually supply your brand with fresh content and authentic promotion. Many of the influencers above have repeat brand partners – indicating successful collaborations. When you find a creator who truly “gets” your brand, consider an ambassador program or long-term deal.

Finally, if you’re not sure where to start in finding the right influencer, consider using an influencer marketing platform or agency. Stack Influence, for example, specializes in connecting e-commerce brands (including Amazon sellers) with vetted micro-influencers and content creators for campaigns at scale. Leveraging a service like that can save you time and ensure you partner with creators who are a great fit for your niche and objectives. Whether you go DIY or use a platform, tapping into the creativity of these photography influencers can elevate your brand’s content game – and maybe even land your product in one of those stunning Instagram shots that everyone can’t stop talking about!

Conclusion to Top Photography Influencers

From celebrity portraits to food styling, pet photography, and adventure landscapes, these photography influencers show the wide range of creativity driving today’s content world. Whether they have millions of followers or just a few thousand, their authentic storytelling, unique perspectives, and stunning visuals prove the power of micro influencers, UGC, and content creators in shaping e-commerce and helping Amazon sellers stand out. For brands, collaborating with these photographers isn’t just about beautiful pictures—it’s about building trust, sparking engagement, and creating lasting connections with audiences.