Bill Jay

jgjbowen

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This is so sad. Bill Jay's end notes were one of the highlights of Lenswork. He will be greatly missed.
 

David A. Goldfarb

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I always enjoyed his take on things.
 

Michael W

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I first heard of him via the excellent book 'On Being a Photographer' that he co-wrote with David Hurn. It's an excellent read, mostly about documentary projects. I didn't agree with everything they said but I thought they covered all the important points & staked out the territory very well. I suspect I'd be more in agreement with them if I read it again. I recall that Bill was very dismissive of his own photography & deferred a lot to David Hurn as the expert. Then a few years later I saw some of Bill's own photos from his series on photographers and they were very good.
 

Shawn Rahman

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So very sad.

Over the last few years, I have managed to put together the entire LensWork collection with the hopes of enjoying them throughout the rest of my adulthood & retirement. Bill's EndNotes was always the first thing I read in the newer issues. He will be sorely missed.
 

papagene

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Many years ago as a grad student at Arizona State University I took Bill Jay's classes on the history of photography. They were some of my favorite courses in my college career. Bill was a great teacher, always so very informative and knowledgeable... and so very entertaining.
His voice will be sorely missed. Thank you Bill and Rest in Peace.

gene
 

nsurit

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Lunch is one of the times I get to read. I don't usually carry Lenswork with me for fear of getting a bit of soup or grease on it. Today Lenswork and Bill Jay went with me. Bill is always such a joy to read and re-read. Bill will be missed and I'll still be able to revisit him in the work he has writtten over the years.He is such a clear communicator. His contribution to photography will live on. Thank you, Bill, for being who you are. Bill Barber
 

Mike Crawford

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Very saddened to hear of Bill Jay's death. Have always found his books very inspirational, especially Occam's Razor and Cyanide and Spirits. I recentley attended a talk by David Hurn who entertained us with his and Bill's adventures from London in the 60s and onwards. He will be greatly missed and I do hope his archive finds a good home as he played a very important part in photography for over 40 years.
 
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jovo

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Rats! I loved reading nearly everything he wrote, including his account of his career in LensWork some time ago. His End Notes were always the first things I read when I got hold of a new issue of the magazine. He will be sorely missed!
 

colrehogan

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I'm sorry to hear about that too. I also enjoyed his columns in Lens Work.
 

mfophotos

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I think Bill Jay's essays have to be some of the most honest and enjoyable writings about photography. I really loved the end notes in Lenswork, and his essays online are deserving of being downloaded for one to read again and again. I understand he passed away in his sleep -- an envious way to go.
 

Jim Noel

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Another great friend gone. Dinners with you were always memorable occasions. Go with God!
 

mjs

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Darn. I really liked his columns and in correspondence he was humorous, energetic, and generous. Miss you already, Bill!
 

Kimberly Anderson

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I just put down the May/Jun 09 issue and logged onto APUG. Seeing the news is very sad indeed. After hearing how highly regarded he has been by everyone I will go back and re-read the end notes and pay closer attention.
 
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