Ken's slideshows struck a very nostalgic and sentimental chord for me. My grandfather also exhibited slideshows throughout my entire childhood. He loved to travel and loved photography. He'd get his film back from the lab after returning from his adventures, slave for days over a slideshow exhibition and then sit the entire family down and show off the incredible treasures he collected during his travels.
Ken's slideshows were full of images from all the great photographers to walk before us. He showed Cartier-Bresson, Bassman, Winogrand, Eggleston, L'Artigue, Halsman, Moon, Carter, Cameron....the list goes on.
Every Thursday afternoon, the lights would go dim, the projector motor on and Ken would speak about extraordinary artists. It was always the highlight of the week for me and the day I looked forward to most. I would find inspiration, of course, but most importantly, and with Ken's help, I would remember that any challenge I was facing with my own work had already been someone else's problem. I was humbled and motivated with every advancing frame. And that one little detail I was agonizing over for my shoot that weekend? Problem solved, agony gone, enter excitement and anticipation, gimme that camera!
So now here we are, I have a blog to write and it's Thursday. What better way to honor my mentor and inspire my audience than to post a slideshow of my favorite photographers every Thursday. Stay tuned for next Thursday. It's gonna be a good one!
Who are some of your favorite historical photographers? Who would you like to see in a slideshow?
