In history, we know events and we know the photographs that were taken of these events. Some of these photographs challenge social norms, some bring us to tears, some bring us elation, some document and others are art, and some art iconic. But how many of the photographers behind the lenses of these recognizable photographs do we know?

Here are 11, of the many talented, American photographers you need to know:

1. Gordon Parks (1912 - 2006)

Gordon Parks is one of the most prolific and celebrated photographers of the the twentieth century. Parks was born into poverty and segregation in Kansas so from the beginning of his life, social issues were important to him. Parks bought a camera and although he did not have much professional training and he was mostly self-taught, he found work with the Farmers Security Administration. Parks is cited as the only African American photographer to work for the FSA. Gordon Parks was able to draw interest to African Americans’ struggle during a Depression-era time that was a struggle for everyone.

2. Gertrude Käsebier (1852-1934)

Käsebier is known for her images of motherhood and of Native Americans. She was also a very big proponent of photography as a career for women.

3. Pete Souza (1954 - today)

Pete Souza is the current Chief White House Official Photographer. His photography is very distinct among other White House Official Photographers for Souza's ability to capture President Obama in more relaxed settings.

The White House has a Flickr account with hundreds of Souza's photos that you can access here.

4. Ansel Adams (1902-1984)

Adams was an American photographer best known for his photography of the American West, including Yosemite National Park. Adams was also an environmentalist. His photographs have been reproduced numerous times.

5. Richard Avedon (1923-2004)

Avedon was an American photographer whose interest was in fashion and in large-scale portrait photography. His large-scale portraits were very revealing of his subjects.

6. Diane Arbus (1923 - 1971)

Arbus was an American photographer and writer who is known for her photographs of marginalized people, including dwarfs, giants, circus performers, and transgender peoples. Her photographs showed the world the beauty of these people.

7. Mathew Brady

Brady was on of the first American photographers. He is best known for his photographs of Civil War scenes.

8. Dawoud Bey (1953 - today)

Bey is known for his color photographs of young people and those who are marginalized.

9. James Van Der Zee (1886 - 1983)

Van Der Zee is an African American photographer best known for his portraits of Harlem New Yorkers. He was a key player in photography and for African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance.

10. Joan E. Biren (1944 - today)

Biren's work is recognized internationally. Her photography has chronicled the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people for more than 30 years, bringing them a new visibility.

11. Renée Cox (1960 - today)

Cox is a Jamaican-American artist. She is a photographer and activist. Her work is considered a part of the feminist movement in the United States.