Herman Leonard (1923–2010)

Autographed copy of a book of absolutely stunning portraits by the world's première jazz photographer. Is there anyone who hasn't seen his photo of Dexter Gordon, sax in lap, cigarette in hand, smoke rising?

One of his photographs was my lesson in getting what you want when you see it. Lady Day, all the anguish in her life in one stark photograph. Gorgeous. When I first saw it, I said, HOW much for a photograph!!! Didn't get it. Several years later, still mad for it, I paid a lot more! Worth every penny.

Sadly, many of Leonard's prints were lost in Hurricane Katrina, though the negatives were saved. Since Leonard's work relies as much on darkroom technique as shooting techniques, much will be irretrievable. There's only so much an 82-year-old man can do to recreate the work of decades.… (mer)