Fond Farewells

In Memoriam: Herbert Keppler, 1925–2008

By Jason Schneider, Popular Photography

It is with profound sadness that we note the passing of Herbert Keppler, whose extraordinary brilliance and uncommon devotion in his lifelong work as an editor, publisher, mentor, and true and generous friend made him one of the most revered, respected, and beloved members of the photographic community.

To state that Keppler was a positive force who helped advance the industry he loved so deeply, that he was a tireless advocate and thought-provoking guide for millions of amateur photographers all over the world, and that he was a practical camera design and marketing genius whose advice was eagerly sought and implemented by countless photographic manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, is merely to scratch the surface of his remarkable achievements. Knowing him was a privilege, and working with him an honor. He was a magnificent human being, not only in what he did, but also in who he was. We will sorely miss his puckish sense of humor, his joie de vivre, his unfailing loyalty, his kindness, and his staunch integrity. But most of all we will miss him—because we know we will not see his like again....

READ ON at popphoto.com

UPDATE: See also Mason Resnick's tribute at the Adorama News Desk.

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Oscar Peterson, 1925–2007

By MJ

We lost Oscar Peterson over the holidays, who one pundit not unreasonably called "the greatest pianist since Liszt." Friends of the Luminous-Landscape know that Oscar was also a dedicated longtime photographer. You may have seen this already, but if you haven't, here's an absolutely delightful little movie MR recorded with Oscar in Toronto. Not crucial viewing for photographic content, but as I say, a delight. What a great guy—and what an honor that he was one of us where photography is concerned (he had many friends but few peers in music).

(Thanks to Mark Myers)

ADDENDUM: If you don't know Oscar Peterson's music, I envy you, because you've got a treat ahead of you. There are well over a hundred to choose from, but here is one of my own favorite Oscar Peterson albums. The sense of occasion in this life-affirming 2-disk live recording is infectious.

You can't go too far wrong no matter what you choose (unless, like one of my friends, you're allergic to string bands, in which case you'll have to avoid those). But there are many standouts. Paul Butzi reminded me that perhaps Peterson's best work were the albums he did with Count Basie—both on piano, no big band—the two men's polar opposite styles playing off each other amidst the obvious warmth and camraderie they felt for each other as friends. Those albums include:

Satch and Josh

Satch and Josh......Again

Night Rider

The Timekeepers

Yessir, That's My Baby

Highly pleasurable and warmly musical, these titles show Oscar Peterson's ebullient good cheer, love of life, and scintillating musical virtuosity.  Truly "desert island discs" that can be enjoyed again and again and again.

All of these are also available on emusic.com. and the Peterson/Basie albums are available on iTunes. —MJ

 

Comments

[John Roberts]

I became a fan of Mr. Keppler in the early 1980's when he was writing for Modern Photography magazine. His personality came through in every article and made me feel like he was just another guy like me who enjoyed photography. He had a unique style of writing that wasn't over my head when I was brand new to photography, but could still keep me interested as I got more knowledgeable. I will certainly miss him whenever I flip through a copy of Pop Photo.

[Jon Fitch]

Herbert Keppler's column was always the first thing I turned to in Pop Photo. It was always interesting. His column and those lens tests are the only reason I've been subscribing the last couple of years.

He'll be missed.

[Damon Schreiber]

Sad news about Herbert (and Oscar as well of course). It was just on Friday that a co-worker was showing me a copy of Pop Photo and I wondered how long Herb had been writing for them - I remembered reading his columns for as long as I can remember.

He was a great man who really helped move the industry forward and always made professional results seem accessible to ordinary people.

[Rick Wilcox]

Like many other readers, I grew up reading the columns of Herbert Keppler in both Modern Photography and Pop Photo. He championed good equipment reviews. More importantly, he stressed learning the craft of photography and to just go out and photograph. Others have said it since, but he stated more than once that even the simplest camera was capable of taking great photographs. I will sincerely miss him.

[Will]

Wonderful tributes to two fine men. Thank you so much.

[Julian]

I remember when I was a child seeing Oscar Peterson hosting a chat show on the BBC. He was an entertaining host and always managed to work some of his music into the proceedings. It was the first time I'd heard jazz and it sparked off a lifelong interest.

A great man indeed.

[Jeremy]

Do not, under any circumstances, miss the Oscar Peterson and Lester Young album. A true gem. so is "We get requests".

[Ken Tanaka]

Burt Keppler was the first photographic writer I can recall reading. When my interest in photography began in the early 1970's I would occasionally grab a copy of Popular Photography just to read Herb's column and peruse the voluminous ads.

It's my impression that he had a pretty good life. Thank you, Burt!

[andres]

My god. I will miss OP a lot -- the best of my childhood...
Thanks for posting this info, seems that on my area nobody cares about one of best jazz pianists ever. Mike, Your site IS a GEM. This mix of art, music and wizdom is very well mixed together. And reading this site, I understand that photography is art -- You may dont believe, but this was a problem here in Estonia at 80-s (-;

[Chuck Fry]

Wow, two personal heroes gone to the great beyond. I got my start in photography in the '80s, and read Modern Photography cover to cover. I still have Keppler's column in my browser favorites! And of course, as a jazz fan since the '70s, Peterson's flying fingers on the keys were and are a big source of grins. Both will be missed.

One could argue that the current generation of photo gear "measurebators" got their start from Keppler's lab's reviews, and some may complain that Oscar's sound was too busy... but on the whole the world is a better place because these men did what they did.

[Lourdes Delgado]

thanks for your great blog and for the wonderful interview with Oscar Peterson.

Is there any site with some of his pictures? I would love to see them. I wonder if he has off stage pictures of musicians, It could be very interesting, an insider view. like Milt Hilton work.

Thanks again for sharing so much with all us out there.

lourdes