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On July 7, 2007 one the most important voices in photography,died. John Szarkowski photographer, curator, writer, influencer passed away after a stroke.

As the photography curator of the Museum of Modern Art for 29 years, he brought the fine art of photography to the forefront of the general masses. After being hand picked to succeed Edward Steichen, ( of the Family of Man exhibit) as curator of the department, his influence in the photography world will be felt forever.

Two of his books on how to look and write about photographs, The Photographer’s Eye(recently republished) and Looking At Photographs currently out of print ) have been on my bookshelf since they were first required reading for my studies. And one was a gift from my first mentor, Steve Nichols. Always good to listen to your teachers.

In recent years, he began to show his own work which had been kept in the background so as not to appear self aggrandizing. His retrospective at MOMA, and SFMOMA, last year showed what had been hidden.

By turning you on to the man’s work and life, we hope that you can take a bit home to your heart and honor his memory.

In addition, we will send a copy of The Photographer’s Eye to the 1st person to email us with a shipping address, your name and “John” in the subject line. Send email to [email protected].

It may make a difference in your photographic life. It truly did in mine.

With thanks and respect to Mr. Szarkowski.