We admit to being huge fans of Scott Schuman (a.k.a. The Sartorialist), and make sure to check his street-style blog daily. If you flip through other blogs and magazines — or even take a walk down the street in New York and Toronto — it’s clear how many other people have been influenced by his portraits — and choices of who to photograph. Schuman’s idea of what makes someone “cool” and what makes for good fashion and good design have become guideposts for photographers, stylists and everyday fashion lovers alike. Now we get a chance to hear about some of the people — and books — that have influenced his own career, and personal style.

Schuman’s latest blog is titled “Influencers.” The people on his list: August Sander (book shown above), Steve McCurry, Arthur Elgort and Bruce Weber (whose pre-Abercrombie work is cited by Schuman for his “personal character studies”). The word that comes up most often in Schuman’s explanation of his influences: “dignity,” as he writes about “the quiet dignity of the everyday people in Sander’s images” and the “connection that you feel with his subjects.” Schuman also talks about how each of these photographers were able to let the subject fill the space with his or her own story, as opposed to imposing the photographer’s vision into the frame. It’s clear he’s learned a few things from his personal heroes. Read Scott Schuman’s full blog HERE.

- TC