I first learned of phtographer
Ernst Haas in one of my earliest classes while attending the
Art Institute of Ft Lauderdale. I remember my instructor,
Diane Blazy talking about how Haas was a photo-journalist for Life Magazine who was never really given assignments but was allowed to travel and send back his work for publication. If you see his images, you'll immediately know why. For example, the "Snow Lovers" image below was one of the first to capture my attention:

I feel the beauty is in the art of seeing the image in the frst place. Take a look at this image as well, another one of my favorites for it's abstract perfection, a black and white image entitled, "New Mexico":

There are so many more if you'd like to explore his work further at
this website.
What is most intriguing is that along with Haas's photos, it seems to me that his philosophies are of great depth as well. His quotes have been especially inspirational as well which leads me to believe that much more in his artistic vision. Here are just a few of the quotes I have used in my journey as an artist;
"Photography is a bridge between science and art. It brings to science what it needs most,the artistic sence, and to art the proof that nothing can be imagined which cannot be matched in the counterpoints of nature."
"The camera doesn't make a bit of difference. All of them can record what you are seeing. But, you have to SEE."
"There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are."