10 Iconic Photographs For Any Mancave

by SCOTT PURCELL

Thanks to the ubiquity of smartphone cameras, pretty much everyone thinks they’re Ansel Adams nowadays. However, that only makes photographers who stand out from the herd all the more talented and special. These are the pros who manage to combine reality and creativity to stunning and singular effect. When paired with a tasteful décor, each of their photographs becomes as integral to the interior vibe as the furnishings and colours. When taken individually, each work is a brilliant piece of art in its own right. Check out these 10 Iconic Photographs for Any Mancave, and then check them out again because you probably missed something the first time.

#1 Annie Leibovitz

Renowned photographer to the stars, Annie Leibovitz is a formidable and unique name in her own right. Perhaps her most valuable asset is her ability to find the perfect backdrop or environment to match with her subject. She’s also a complete master when it comes to capturing the perfect pose or expression. For evidence of Leibovitz’s talent, look no further than this alluring photo of Scarlett Johansson. It’s provocative in all the right ways. Hence, we definitely recommend this one for the home and not the office!

#2 Nick Brandt

What photographers like Leibovitz do for celebrities, England’s Nick Brandt does for wild animals of the African safari. Like no one else, Brandt seems to capture his furry subjects in remarkably photogenic modes, as if the animals are aware of the camera. Providing the foundation for Brandt’s aesthetic is a sincere effort to exhibit these wonderful creatures before mankind drives them to extinction. As artwork for the home or office, Brandt’s work is quite literally the elephant in the room.

#1 Annie Leibovitz - Scarlett Johansson

#2 Nick Brandt - Elephants Walking

#3 Slim Aarons

At first glance, the photography of Slim Aarons looks like it might have taken hours to put together. However, as it turns out the 20th century master never used stylists or make up, and instead excelled at “photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places”. In other words, the natural beauty of his subject matter pretty much speaks for itself. As he progressed, Aarons became a member of the very scene he was aiming to capture. Accordingly, his work is quintessential when it comes to grasping the classic allure of a bygone era.

#4 Max Dupain

Another master of yore, Aussie photographer Max Dupain could relay the soul of a setting or person with extraordinary precision. His work has a documentary feel to it, yet that same vibe is completely elevated by his absolute control over light, shadow, framing and detail. To put it another way, Dupain is a modernist legend, and his work looks simply remarkable in a home or office setting.

#3 Slim Aarons - Penthouse Pool

#4 Max Dupain - Sydney Opera House

#5 Felix Forest

The ability to say more with less permeates the work of Felix Forest. Underlying much of his output is a haunting presence, as if he’s channelling ghosts or some elusive environmental psychology. Forest manages to find both beauty and mystery in any terrain and his photography brings with it all kinds of transfixing vibes.

#6 Seth Casteel

Like basically all of us, Seth Casteel loves dogs. He loves them so much that he’s made a name for himself by photographing them underwater. The result is a completely unique visual perspective on man’s best friend. Put his work up in your office and watch as people immediately gravitate toward it.

#5 Felix Forest - Cactus

#6 Seth Casteel - Underwater Dogs

#7 Mako Miyamoto

Many of Mako Miyamoto’s unforgettable photographs are inhabited by masked figures (most commonly Wookies) adopting various poses against rich backdrops. The Portland-based artist has an exceptional eye for colour and landscape and he designs the masks himself, making each piece far more sophisticated in execution than it might sound in concept. Should you put his work on the wall, be prepared to tell others where you got it because trust me they’ll want to know.

#8 Sarah Bahbah

Australia’s Sarah Bahbah found her calling as a photographer while riding the music festival wave and capturing the concert experience in all its wild glory. However, it was her breakout series “Sex and Takeout” that took the art world by storm. Should you go perusing her catalogue, proceed with caution because some of it is NSFW. That said, she delivers truly stunning conceptual photography time and again.

#7 Mako Miyamoto - California Dreaming

#8 Sarah Bahbah - Sex & Take Out

#9 Quam Odunsi

Quam Odunsi (aka Reserve Result) is an LA-based photographer who toys with film colour and uses everything from silkscreen to sculpture to create raw, unmistakable visuals. His subject matter is resoundingly contemporary, through often depicted through a vintage lens. Frequently relayed by Odunsi’s photographs is an overarching sense of narrative and theme. This is brilliant output that you can deconstruct for hours or take at face value.

#10 Neil Krug

Photographer Neil Krug is constantly in demand and widely known for his pulpy subject matter and epic desert vibes. His output is so palpably hot it can honestly raise the temperature in the room. It’s also dangerous, enigmatic, provocative and sexy. Here’s one of his photographs for the Bonobo album, Migration. Virtually any Krug is a guaranteed winner for the home and office.

Quam Odunsi - Untitled [Pool Ladies]

Neil Krug - Bonobo Migration

‍Scott Purcell is a Contributing Editor of Milray Park Magazine. Scott is the Co-Founder of Man of Many, a leading Australian online men’s lifestyle magazine which showcases the latest in products, culture, and style. You can follow them on their Instagram here @manofmanytastes.

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