ansel adams

We can all appreciate the beloved Ansel Adams. He was one of the greats. His story is inspiring, fascinating and enduring. The man worked as a custodian in Yosemite National Park in order to live in the beauty he so much appreciated and desired to record. He seemed a harmonious blend of romantic artist and master technician. He devoted his life to the pursuit of what he loved. As a darkroom junkie myself, the first time I saw an Ansel print in person, printed by his own hands, I admit that a tear, (yes, a tear) fell down my face. The sheer craftsmanship of his prints was surprisingly moving. I am not here to dispute the fact that Ansel Adams was one of America’s greatest and seminal landscape photographers. I am here, however, to challenge you to find another one. After Ansel, who is your favorite photographer?

"Norsigian, who is 64, still works for the Fresno school system, but he may retire this year."          — Alan Duke, CNN

About 10 years ago, Rick Norsigian, a commercial painter employed by the Fresno California School System, purchased two boxes of old glass plate negatives at a garage sale for $45 after haggling down the original asking price of $70 (hey, it's a garage sale... right?).