Some interesting names get bandied about the photography world. There always seems to be wave after wave of “celebriity” names in the industry that are the flavor of the day. When I started, Sandy Puc was just starting with her Bellies to Babies tour. Newborn photographers were pretty popular across the board. Then, there was that young upstart, Joel Grimes and everybody went crazy on HDR and OCF (oooh words with big letters that need looked up!) Then came along Zack Arias who told everyone to get a grip while penning pretty excellent tutorials in his decisively witty way. Look around, there’s always going to be the newest, the latest, the touring-est……
But there’s also those names that occasionally we have to dust off and show off to the newer photographers. Those “fathers” of photography (and “mothers”, not trying to be sexist) sometimes get lost in the background noise. They’re not currently touring, heck, some of them aren’t even alive any more.
Photography, although considered an art, is really a science. Anyone who has gone the technical route I have will tell you that there’s more math and physics involved with photography than you might think and that it’s not all about just clicking the shutter when you see something beautiful.
Like science has Isaac Newton (yes, related by marriage), we have a long history of important figures in photography, and while some of these figures may not be who is popular or “in style” at the moment, their contributions to the craft are worth researching and learning.
One such person, and my personal photographic crush of all time, is Monte Zucker. The biggest compliment I ever received was from a student at a Super Monday who looked around my studio at my displays and said she could tell I was influenced by Monte Zucker. Seriously. All time favorite comment. I was humbled that someone saw his influence in my work. I didn’t know him, never took a class from him and I believe he passed away before I even became seriously interested in photography. But yet his knowledge and style continue to be held up as an example of fine photography. Technical excellence was woven into every portrait he created. It’s the goal for my work, and it should be woven into yours as well.
Since Monte was an incredible force in the industry, much has been said about him and I am not the person that can give him the introduction or overview that he deserves. However, I found this incredibly great resource on the web for FREE that will introduce you to Monte’s style. I urge you to download it, read it and keep it handy on your computer. Refer to it often. Make it one of your lighting bibles. Share the heck out of the link with your photography friends. OK?
You’re welcome.
DUE TO A POTENTIAL COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT, THE E BOOK LINK HAS BEEN REMOVED
My sincere apologies, apparently the “free ebook” at the link may be in violation of copyright. The book linked to is available at Amazon for purchase:
Well said.