Want to find photographers who capture that same Slim Aarons-style glamour in 2025? You’re in luck!
Aarons’ legendary photos of the jet-set lifestyle, filled with sunshine, luxury, and effortless style, continue to set the standard for today’s photographers.
This article will introduce you to both classic legends and exciting new talents who are bringing that same chic, sun-soaked energy into the now. From Cecil Beaton’s royal portraits to Gray Malin’s stunning beach shots, you’ll learn how each photographer puts their own spin on the high-society moments Aarons made famous.
By the end, you’ll be totally hooked on their work and ready to explore these amazing artists for yourself.
What Makes Slim Aarons’ Photography So Iconic?
Before we dive into photographers with a similar vibe, let’s talk about what makes Slim Aarons’ work so unforgettable. His photos aren’t just pictures—they’re like stepping into an archive of glamorous moments, each one telling its own timeless story.
- Luxury, but Make It Effortless – Aarons had a knack for capturing the world’s elite living their best lives—lounging poolside in Palm Springs, sipping champagne on a yacht, or casually hanging out in a European villa. If old-school glamour had a photographer, it was him.
- Color That Pops – His use of rich colors and natural light made every shot feel warm, inviting, and straight-up dreamy. The strong compositions? They give his work that chef’s kiss perfection.
- Candid, But Make It Chic – While he photographed celebrities, aristocrats, and socialites, his shots never felt stiff or staged. Instead, they felt like an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek into a world most of us only dream of.
- Timeless Jet-Set Energy – Looking at his photos is like stepping into a golden era of luxury travel, couture fashion, and serious high society goals. No wonder they still feel fresh and inspiring today.
Obsessed with this aesthetic? You’ll love these modern and classic photographers inspired by the same effortless elegance that made Slim Aarons famous.
Keep reading to find your new favorite!
Classic Photographers Who Totally Captured Old-School Glamour
If you love Slim Aarons’ dreamy, jet-set aesthetic, you’re not alone!
But guess what?
He wasn’t the only one capturing high society goals. These classic photographers had the same eye for glamour, style, and effortless cool. Let’s meet the OGs of luxury photography.
Cecil Beaton – The Royal Portrait Pro
Picture a photographer who made anyone look like royalty—well, he actually did photograph royalty.
Cecil Beaton, a British photographer and designer, is famous for his jaw-dropping portraits of legends like Audrey Hepburn and Queen Elizabeth II.
His images are pure old Hollywood elegance, with a touch of theatrical flair.
Ormond Gigli – The King of Bold & Beautiful
Ever seen that insanely gorgeous 1960s photo of women dressed in colorful outfits, posing in open windows? That’s Girls in the Windows, Ormond Gigli’s most famous shot.
His work is all about eye-popping color, stunning fashion, and striking compositions. If you love vibrant, statement-making photography, he’s your guy.
George Hoyningen-Huene – The Fashion Pioneer
Before high fashion photography became a thing, George Hoyningen-Huene was out here inventing it. He worked with Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar in the early 20th century, creating effortlessly chic images of glamorous models and celebrities.
Think classic black-and-white portraits with perfect lighting and an air of mystery.
Louise Dahl-Wolfe – The Queen of Sun-Drenched Glam
Love those golden, glowing, vacation-ready vibes in Slim Aarons’ work? Louise Dahl-Wolfe did it first.
A pioneer of color photography, she transformed fashion photography with her gorgeous, sun-soaked images for Harper’s Bazaar.
Her work is timeless, capturing a world where elegance meets relaxation.
| Photographer | Their Signature Style & Iconic Shots | Why You’ll Love Them |
|---|---|---|
| Cecil Beaton | Royal portraits & old Hollywood elegance | Think Audrey Hepburn and Queen Elizabeth II in their prime. Total icon status. |
| Ormond Gigli | Bold colors and fashion-forward vibes | Girls in the Windows anyone? Vibrant, jaw-dropping, and totally iconic. |
| George Hoyningen-Huene | Black-and-white high fashion magic | The OG of high fashion photography. Pure glamour with a touch of mystery. |
| Louise Dahl-Wolfe | Sun-drenched, vacation-ready vibes | If you love those golden-hour shots, this is your go-to photographer. |
Modern Photographers Who Are Serving Up Timeless Elegance
Slim Aarons set the bar for capturing the glamorous, jet-setting life. But guess what? His influence is still going strong today!
These modern photographers are taking his signature style of luxury, leisure, and effortless elegance to new heights. Let’s check out the must-follow artists who are keeping the Aarons vibe alive.
Gray Malin – The Aerial Beach Photography King
If there was a modern-day heir to Aarons’ legacy, it’d definitely be Gray Malin. Known for his stunning aerial beach shots, Malin has this magical way of capturing the carefree vibe of leisure—whether it’s colorful umbrellas on the beach or awe-inspiring views of luxury resorts.
His photos give off the same effortless, sun-drenched vibes Aarons made famous, but with a fresh twist that’ll make you want to book your next vacation immediately.
Stuart Cantor – Mediterranean Dreaming
If you’ve ever fantasized about lounging on a Mediterranean beach or sipping wine in a sunlit villa, Stuart Cantor’s Instagram-worthy shots are for you.
His work takes cues from Aarons, showcasing stunning Mediterranean locations, sun-soaked moments, and high-society elegance. Think stunning Italian villas, dreamy beaches, and the ultimate vintage getaway feels.
Martin Parr – The Bold Luxury Documenter
Martin Parr’s style is a little more cheeky and satirical, but his fascination with the high life still makes his work super relatable to Aarons fans.
Parr’s photography uses bold colors and quirky compositions to document the world of luxury with a slight wink.
If you love a good dose of reality with your glamour shots, Parr’s work will give you that luxury-with-a-twist vibe.
Nick Knight – High Fashion Meets Artistic Photography
Nick Knight is a legend in the world of fashion photography. His work blends high-fashion glamour with creative, artistic photography that feels luxurious and a little avant-garde.
While his photos are often more edgy than Aarons’ classic shots, they still hit that sweet spot of lavish, carefully composed images that capture beauty in a fresh way.
Todd Hido – Moody, Cinematic Luxury
Todd Hido’s work might lean toward the moody side, but his use of light and cinematic framing brings a whole new level of storytelling to the world of luxury photography.
While Aarons captured the carefree elegance of high society, Hido’s more atmospheric shots give a deeper, almost cinematic vibe—think of his photos as luxury with a touch of mystery.
Alex Webb – Color, Composition, & Perfect Moments
Known for his mastery of color and composition, Alex Webb’s work brings a spontaneous yet polished edge to luxury photography.
His images capture fleeting, perfect moments—like a candid shot of people in a sunlit cafe or a beautifully framed street scene.
If you love how Aarons captured people in the middle of elegant, everyday life, Webb’s photography will feel right at home in your collection.
| Photographer | Their Signature Style & Iconic Shots | Why You’ll Love Them |
|---|---|---|
| Gray Malin | Aerial beach photography with poppin’ colors | Think Slim Aarons, but with more colorful umbrellas and jaw-dropping resort views. |
| Stuart Cantor | Mediterranean luxury and dreamy escapes | Sun-soaked villas, chic beaches—this is the ultimate Mediterranean daydream. |
| Martin Parr | Bold, cheeky luxury moments | A little quirky, a little satirical, but still all about that luxe life. |
| Nick Knight | High fashion with an artsy, avant-garde twist | Edgy, luxurious, and always pushing the creative limits of photography. |
| Todd Hido | Moody, cinematic luxury vibes | Dark, cinematic, and full of mystery—perfect if you like your glamour with a twist. |
| Alex Webb | Spontaneous, color-rich moments that capture “perfect” chaos | Think beautiful chaos—capturing real, fleeting moments in the middle of glamour. |
The Takeaway
Slim Aarons? Still setting the standard for luxury photography. His signature style of capturing glamorous people in stunning places is the blueprint for today’s top photographers.
From newbies to OG collectors, Aarons’ legacy lives on in the work of photographers who know how to capture the essence of glam. Whether you’re into Cecil Beaton’s classic vibes or Gray Malin’s vibrant pops of color, there’s no shortage of artists out here doing the damn thing.
And honestly? As 2025 rolls in, this whole vibe is not going anywhere. If anything, it’s only getting stronger.
Whether you’re looking to buy your next fine art piece or just want to admire some beautiful, jaw-dropping photos, these photographers are here to give you all the inspo. You’re welcome.
Note: This article has undergone peer review and adheres to the highest editorial standards.