Studio / Portrait Photographers

Rankin

Mid-shot profiles, lots of shadow contrasts with the white of the background, adds a sense of mysteriousness.

White-grey backgrounds, fast shutter would be used to capture a jump in mid air. Lighting properly exposes, but isn't flat as there are still shadows that define clothing creases and shape. Jessie J portrait is interesting as she is shining gold. Lighting used highlights the shine and defines muscles/body shapes.

Jamie Fox portrait uses flash from right, shining onto his face. He looks up to the light giving a theme of hope, positiveness and possibly religion. A less strong light is shot from the left, creating a rim on the back of his head. Portrait of Adelle uses a wind machine to create a dramatic effect for her hair. Face is well lit with no shadows, adding to the beauty theme as its skin like a porcelain doll. 

Norman Parkinson

Black and white photo has lots of contrast between light and shadows. Car photo is well lit to show model and background/car.

Foreground is out of focus whilst background is in focus, which is usually the other way around. Makes the model seem like a doll with bright skin and red lips. Second photo focuses on models crazy hair style, using a white background helps emphasize the shapes and spikes. 

Two very elegant shots, soft lighting has been used to emphasize beauty.

Annie Leibovitz

Again two elegant shots with soft lighting used. Hathaway's portrait almost seems like a painting rather than photograph.

Britney's photo uses pink backdrop to reflect a feminine personality and light hearted shot. The shot of Depp seems more laid back and serious, but with lighting that compliments the 'bad boy' look of the photo.

Outdoor shot of Leo with a flash to the left of camera, and perhaps a weaker one to the right. Shot of queen in regal looking surroundings, seems almost like an old painting.

Yuri Yusada

A commercial photographer I found that I liked the work of, they use lots of different backdrops in their studio set up but I particularly like the ones where the models emerge from the black.