Why is it that some photographers are world famous, while others are not ?

What sets them apart from other photographers ? I'm just curious , thank you :)

Great question -- possibly THE question.

Photographers become famous because their images appeal to hundreds, thousands, millions of people.

You look at them, I look at them, a guy in Brazil and a woman in Iceland look at them and we all go "Holy S--t, that's amazing".

V

It can't be stressed enough - their photography. The, as Che says, "holy s**t" images. If you consistently produce those and put them in publication, you will be known. Word spreads fast in competitive industries.

1. The images
and
2. The contacts.
Nothing else matters.

It's all about your business skills. They meet the right people and make the right friends. It's also important to be ambitious and get experience as early as possible. Asking a professional photographer if you can shadow him on a shoot is a great way to get a feel for the industry.

1 Part great photographer - 99 parts charisma.

I all has to do with skill, creativity, good business sense, luck and great networking skills. A great photo education, membership in professional organizations and a great rep cannot be stressed enough.

ASMP and NPPA are two such organizations.

In the end, even if you have all the contacts in the world, if you cannot produce, you are just another dime-a-dozen camera operator.