Three photographers added to my list

[kswatapug]

I've just returned from Shooting the West in Winnemucca where I had the pleasure of meeting and seeing the work of three fine photographers: Charles Guildner (http://www.guildner-photo.com/), Richard Menzies (http://www.rdmenzies.com) and Mark Citret (http://www.mcitret.com/), each of whom approaches their art with a generous heart.

I've known of Mark as a fellow instructor at the Ansel Adams Gallery for years, but never had a chance to meet him. His work is gentle and introspective, perfectly reflecting the soul that created it.

Charles "Chuck" Guildner's life mission for over a decaded has been documenting traditional rural lifestyles. His records of the subtle beauty of the simple truths of rural America are recorded in the finest detail in black and white with an 8x10.

Richard Menzies is best known for his historic image of Burt Monroe, the crusty Kiwi whose journey to test his 1930s Indian motorcycle mettle on the Bonneville Salt Flats was recently celebrated in the film "The World's Fastest Indian" starring Sir Anthony Hopkins. In spirit, that image is consistent with all of Richard's work, which celebrates the most quirky components of the human condition. His images are telling, and the stories that accompany them at once lighthearted and compelling.

Wow.

 

[papagene]

I know of Chuck's work from when I used to hang around the Ilfopro site (before it was almost destroyed by a certain person) and swapping e-mails for a time. His work is stunning. He posted photos from several different formats, but some of his photos using Ilford 3200 and a Fuji 6x9 rangefinder were just amazing.
I am glad to see he is getting some notice.

gene

 

[jp80874]

Here is a piece from AntiqueMotorcycle.Org with another photo by Richard Menzies of Burt Monroe as well as more information about Burt. Loved the movie.

http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/TheMagazine/burt_monro.html

John Powers

 

[kswatapug]

What impressed me most with these three was not only the quality of their work, but their humble nature and genuine warmth. They are all eloquent communicators in every respect. After it all, I came home with one of Chuck's prints and a copy of both Mark's (Along the Way) and Richard's (Passing Through) books.

Chuck displayed a wide variety of prints, from this 8x10 portraits to circuit camera panoramas.

Richard has to be one of the most entertaining and understated speakers and writers I've ever encountered. It is only fitting that he have interacted with one the greatest characters of all time. That link to Munro's letter is fabulous. Thanks for sharing John.