“I can still recall the excitement of seeing the visualization “come true” when I removed the plate from the fixing bath for examination. The desired values were all there in their beautiful negative interpretation. This was one of the most exciting moments of my photographic career.”
~ Ansel Adams
(1902-1984)
It seems only appropriate that we celebrate the 1000th edition of “The Power of Photography” with this epic and break-through image taken by one of the most important photographers in the history of the medium, Ansel Adams.
Back in the dark days of the beginning of the COVID epidemic in March 2020 to keep myself somewhat sane I thought I would send out an image that I loved together with a brief memory of the photographer who had taken it and why it had moved me. I thought I would do it for five days and then pack it in because no one would really care apart from myself. To my complete surprise I was told that people were moved by it and that they had forwarded it on to family and friends who in turn forwarded on to their family and friends and voilá. It took off!
I even heard from one of my clients who works at the World Bank that she forwarded it to a European Prime Minister who had told her that it was the only e-mail they looked forward to receiving each day. I was totally humbled by this reaction and realized that the Photo Gods had fortunately smiled down on me - and a thousand days later here we are still at it.
I feel truly blessed by the wonderful support I receive from our extraordinary clients and friends of the gallery and the privilege of working with so many gifted photographers and the estates of those who have passed who have entrusted me with their work. I am so lucky to work with such a great group of colleagues at the gallery, Antonia, Matthew, Kate, Ryan, Hannah, Felipe, and Celia who help me in innumerable ways to keep it all together. Thank you to everyone.
Here’s to the continuation of the dream!
Peace and love,
Peter
