When I first got into photography, it was partly because of Ansel Adams work. I think it was less his photography and more his work ethic. As I have begun to learn more about photography and explore more and more, I've encountered many other photographers work.

This question is difficult to answer as there are a variety of major kinds of photography. You have nature photography, portraits, architectural, abstract, and possibly a few other kinds. I have not really formulated a particular favorite artist for all of these. However, given that Nature photography is my own past time, I have encountered some phenomenal artists who's work and style I absolutely love:

• Andy Mumford
  • A very talented photographer, his work is particularly inspiring. He has an understanding of nature and landscape composition that has taught me a lot.
• John Parminter
  • Phenomenal skill for finding amazing, intriguing light. His work is amazingly crisp and clear, and always of something stunning.

I'll probably update this answer with more photographers in other areas, as I am continually finding new people with such phenomenal talent.