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JOHN SEXTON PHOTOGRAPHY NEWSLETTER
- A NOTE FROM JOHN
Summer seems to be racing by, and it's fascinating (or should I say frustrating?) how time accelerates as we get older. Anne and I are excited to announce that we have finalized the dates for a large two-person exhibition at the Center for Photographic Art in Carmel, California, next June. The exhibition, featuring approximately 50 prints, will run from June 7 to August 3, 2025. We will kick things off with an opening reception on Saturday afternoon, June 7, at the CPA. Before the reception, there will be a lecture on our work, and we'll both be available afterward to answer questions. If you're nearby, or will be in the area, please put the date in your calendar. I also want to mention another event... I will be presenting a new lecture, Photographers of the Monterey Peninsula: A Personal Recollection, at the Center for Photographic Art on Saturday, September 28, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. See more details below. In May, Anne and I attended the First Day Issue ceremony for the Ansel Adams commemorative postage stamps in Yosemite. It was a wonderful event, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. I have included details of the fantastic celebration, along with some images below. I am pleased to announce that an interview with me has just been published as part of the All the King's Men series in the October 2024 issue of Black & White magazine. I was glad that my crazy schedule finally allowed me to share a lengthy conversation with David Best, who is the author of all of the articles in the series. Previous friends from Ansel's life included in the series are: Mary Alinder, Mark Citret, Bob Kolbrener, Ted Orland, Marion Patterson, and Alan Ross. Subscribers should be receiving their copies any day. All the best, John
ORIGINAL SILVER GELATIN PRINT BY JOHN As many readers of my newsletter are already aware, I LOVE photographing trees. Over the years, I have developed a particular fascination—perhaps better described as an obsession—with photographing Aspen trees. I am captivated by the way their trunks reflect light, occasionally creating the illusion that they are illuminated from within. I'm delighted to offer a handmade silver gelatin print of one of my favorite Aspen images, Aspen Forest, Dusk, near Aspen, Colorado, now available at a special reduced price at the Ventana Editions online store. I like this image so much, I chose it as the frontispiece in my book, Listen to the Trees. From now through August 31, 2024, I am offering this 11x14" print for $875–a 30% discount from the normal gallery retail price of $1,250. After that date the price returns to $1,250.
Aspen Forest, Dusk, near Aspen, Colorado To place a secure online order for this print, follow this link: Aspen Forest, Dusk was made in Maroon Creek Valley, downstream from the iconic view of the Maroon Bells, outside Aspen, Colorado. (Ansel Adams' stunning image of the Maroon Bells is included as one of the USPS Forever Stamps discussed below). This was during one of my early visits to the area, and I faced the challenge of translating the spectacular beauty surrounding me into a photograph that truly conveyed its essence. The photograph was made in September, when the Aspen groves displayed a mix of fall colors and green leaves just beginning to change. Throughout the afternoon, I set up my Linhof Technika view camera in various locations and made several exposures. Although hopeful, none of the images seemed quite right. Eventually, I realized I was 'trying too hard,' which made it challenging to find organizations that inspired me to set up the camera. After exploring the area with increasing disappointment, I decided to move to another location a short distance away. By this time, the north side of the canyon had fallen into soft light. As I headed back to the parking area to get in the car, I noticed a stand of aspens whose trunks seemed to glow in the gentle light. When I had left the car earlier, these same trees were dappled in harsh sunlight and deep shade. Now, in the soft light, the elegance of the grove was evident. Crossing the parking area, I had a clear vision of the photograph I wanted before even pulling my viewing frame from my pocket. Looking through the camera's ground glass and seeing my mental vision come to life is always exhilarating. The soft light was perfect. Interestingly, the trees closer to the camera were lighter due to the clearing of the parking lot behind me, while those in the background were darker, shaded by the canopy of leaves overhead. The further back the trees were, the darker they appeared. When sharing this photograph during workshops, I am often asked about the technique I use to lighten the foreground trees. Students are surprised to learn that I actually have to darken them very slightly to achieve the correct tonal balance. Over the decades I have found that, for me, my most successful photographs often occur when I am not consciously searching for images. My most productive time is when I am simply experiencing the place and enjoying the process. Occasionally, you receive an unexpected gift. The making of this image was such an experience. This silver gelatin, selenium toned, print is approximately 13x10-1/4", personally printed by me (as are all my prints), processed to current archival standards, signed, mounted, and matted to 16x20" on 100 percent rag museum board. Prints will begin shipping on August 5. All the remaining prints ordered will be shipped no later than October 7, 2024. All prints are carefully prepared and packaged in specially designed protective shipping boxes, and shipped fully insured via UPS ground. If you have any questions about the prints, please feel free to contact Anne at 831-659-3130, or email: info@johnsexton.com. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Pacific Time. You can see the image and place a secure online order for the print at the Ventana Editions web store:
MY FIRST DAY WORKING FOR ANSEL ADAMS
It is hard for me to believe that 45 years have passed since one of the most significant changes in my life. This change involved leaving my home in Southern California, with my newlywed wife of two weeks, along with all our possessions to move to Monterey, California. The reason for this move was my employment status had changed. On Monday, July 23, 1979, I started a new job as Ansel Adams' Technical Assistant. I was both excited, and a bit nervous, when I pulled into Ansel and Virginia's driveway that morning. I had no idea how our friendship and working relationship would evolve, and we had never discussed how long my tenure might be in this position. I could never have imagined the profound impact it would have on me as a photographer and on every aspect of my life. I certainly anticipated learning a great deal about the craft and aesthetics of photography, which I did, but I learned so much more. In addition to his amazing talent as a photographer and printmaker, Ansel was a charismatic character. He was a dedicated, ethical, honest to a fault, and extremely hardworking. He strove for perfection in his photography and tolerated excellence. Ansel seamlessly combined his commitment for preserving the planet with his passion for photography. He used his photographic skills to convey his close relationship with, and respect for, the natural environment and the irreplaceable value of the wilderness experience. Ansel's photographs came from his heart, and his mastery of photography came from a keen mind and decades of practice. These qualities together created a compelling legacy of images that still inspire legions of people today, more than 42 years after his passing. My job included a variety of tasks, from putting out the trash on Thursday evenings to assisting Ansel on the largest printing project of his life, The Museum Set, and conducting technical research and testing for the revision of Ansel's books, The Negative and The Print. Just over three months after I began working for Ansel full-time, I had the honor of assisting him when he made the official portraits of President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Mondale. We worked with both his 4x5" view camera and the massive 20x24" Polaroid camera. In 1980, Ansel asked me to take over the directorship of his annual Yosemite workshops and to also be an instructor. This was a great honor, as my initial learning experience with Ansel was attending his 1973 workshop as a student—just seven years before and that experience had changed my life. I am comfortable saying that Ansel and I had a wonderful friendship and working relationship. We spent countless hours together in the darkroom, and I had the opportunity to travel with him on many of his trips, helping with lectures, attending exhibitions, and assisting during book signings. At Brentano's bookstore in New York City in September 1979 the line was so long it snaked around the block! A few weeks after I began, David Hume Kennerly's iconic portrait of Ansel appeared on the cover of Time magazine—the only time a photographer has appeared on the cover of Time! His reputation then expanded to an even larger audience. From time-to-time people have asked me what the qualifications were for being asked by Ansel to be his assistant. (I did NOT apply for the position!). Well, based on this Polaroid SX-70 it would appear that I satisfactorily met the following criteria:
Ansel and John at Workshop Party in Yosemite Despite his fame, Ansel's name and phone number were always listed in the phone book. Almost every day, a photographer would arrive at 5 p.m. with their portfolio nervously in hand, hoping to share it with Ansel and seek his honest comments. I remember the first time I visited Ansel at his home in September 1973. It was an amazing experience, and I tried to visit three or four times a year with new work as the years passed and our friendship grew. Ansel was a wonderful and generous mentor. He had no secrets and loved to share and encourage others in their photography. He believed in my abilities as a teacher so much that he proposed I work a four-day week. If I worked five days a week, I would accumulate a week off every month. He wanted me to continue teaching my own workshop programs and those offered by the Friends of Photography, in addition to his own workshops. One of the joys of the job was laughing and telling jokes with Ansel. Everyone who knew him well agrees that Ansel loved to laugh. It may have been a type of release valve for the intensity with which he approached his photography, environmental activism, writing, teaching, and many other things. Ansel often said his least favorite day of the week was Sunday–as he didn't have anyone around to help him, so he couldn't get as much done that day! When I arrived at Ansel's that first morning, I found a one-page letter on my desk outlining my new responsibilities. This humorous and cherished note served as my 'job description.' One excerpt reads, It will be a Godsend if things are put in their Right Places and so listed. I have all the "stock" to open a Flea Market!! The image was made as we gathered Ansel's photographic equipment in preparation for our departure to his annual Yosemite Workshops, and might offer evidence to support his statement.
Packing for Ansel's annual Yosemite Workshops After 45 years, I remain grateful for the wonderful experience I had serving as his assistant from 1979 until late 1982. When we decided it was time for me to go out on my own, and for Chris Rainier to take over as Photographic Assistant, Ansel proposed creating a new position for me as his Technical Consultant. Ansel and I continued to work on projects together, from time to time I processed film for him, and I tried to help him in every possible way while pursuing my own photography. I remained his consultant until he passed away April 22, 1984. Over the years, I have also served as Special Projects Consultant to The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust. Reflecting on the experiences I've had since receiving the unexpected job offer from Ansel early in the morning of March 15, 1979, I realize how fortunate I have been. This opportunity, combined with the privilege of pursuing my own photographic career and teaching photography for over half a century, makes me feel incredibly lucky. As Ansel often said, The harder you work, the luckier you get!
ANSEL ADAMS POSTAGE STAMPS Anne and I had a wonderful time during our few days in Yosemite this past May. Our trip's primary purpose was to attend the First Day Issue ceremony for the new Ansel Adams United States Postal Service commemorative postage stamps on May 15th, 2024. Arriving a couple of days early, we enjoyed exploring Yosemite and making photographs, and we stayed a few days after the ceremony as well. The ceremony was a grand celebration, held outdoors just a few hundred feet from The Ansel Adams Gallery and attended by more than 400 people. Neither Anne nor I had attended such an event before and were unsure of what to expect. Despite the stifling heat and limited shade in the seating area, the event exceeded all our expectations. We hope that this brief article, along with the images below, are able to convey a bit of how memorable this celebratory day was. The ceremony began with a welcome from Cicely Muldoon, Superintendent of Yosemite National Park, followed by the grand entrance of the Park's four-horse Mounted Color Guard. Daniel Tangherlini, a member of the USPS Board of Governors, gave a thoughtful presentation. This was followed by our friend Alan Ross, who was teaching a workshop at The Ansel Adams Gallery at the time, sharing memories of his experiences with Ansel. Next was a moving original poem by Shelton Johnson, a National Park Service Ranger in Yosemite. Matthew Adams, Ansel's grandson, and president of The Ansel Adams Gallery, gave a touching closing commentary, urging attendees to use the newly released Ansel Adams stamps to write letters and effect change, as Ansel would have done. Anne and I were so moved by Matthew's words that we asked his permission to include them in our newsletter, and an excerpt from his presentation can be found below.
Daniel Tangherlini speaks about the USPS Ansel Adam Stamps The ceremony concluded with a dramatic reveal of a HUGE enlargement of the pane of 16 different stamps. Following the official ceremony, attendees were treated to cake in front of The Ansel Adams Gallery. The cakes, topped with photographs of Ansel by Alan Ross, were excellent, both in taste and appearance. Attendees enjoyed themselves visiting, making selfies, and purchasing stamps and other special Ansel Adams-related USPS materials. When we learned about the release of the stamps and the special ceremony in Yosemite, Anne and I immediately decided we wanted to be there. I made some AA First Day Issue pins based on the 'AA' monogram used for the First Day Issue postmarks–inspired by Ansel's letterhead designed by his friend and noted graphic designer, Adrian Wilson. While working on the pins I noticed the supplier also offered coasters. Ansel enjoyed refreshing beverages, so why not make a few of those for special friends as well? We distributed more than 200 pins, and 100 coasters, which were a big hit. In the days following the ceremony, we continued to wear our pins, and several people asked if they could buy them from the Post Office. Unfortunately, they were not for sale, but we were pleased to give away the few we had left. It was a fun surprise to occasionally see someone on a trail wearing an AA First Day Issue pin!
Ansel Adams USPS Postage Stamps and Related Items After the ceremony, The Ansel Adams Gallery hosted a small 'after party' for invited family and friends. This was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Nearly all of Ansel and Virginia's direct family attended, including a great-grandchild! It was very special to see my friends and fellow photographic assistants for Ansel. The last time the four of us—Ted Orland, Alan Ross, Chris Rainier, and I—were together was in 2002 for an event in Yosemite marking Ansel's centennial. We had a lot of fun, with many people taking photographs of the four of us. It was also great to meet individuals close to Ansel whom I had never met before. The afternoon was filled with celebration, storytelling (some of which were actually true!), and much laughter. Anne and I both believe Ansel and Virginia would have been pleased by the festivities and the warmth of fellowship during these few hours.
Matthew Adams, Ansel's grandson,addresses attendees at the event As mentioned earlier, I want to share Matthew Adams' wonderfully written and beautifully delivered words, hoping you will follow his admonitions.
JOHN TO PRESENT NEW IN-PERSON LECTURE I hope readers in the area will join me for what I hope will be an educational, informative, and entertaining audio-visual presentation. During this in-person event I will be sharing my personal memories and insights from my photographic career which spans more than five decades. In this new presentation—offered to the public for the first time at the Center for Photographic Art in Carmel, California—I will discuss the life-changing inspiration I received in 1973 when I attended the photographic exhibition Master Photographers: Ansel Adams, Wynn Bullock, and Edward Weston. I will detail the profound impact these three icons of photography had on my work.
Little did I know that six years later, I would move to the Monterey Peninsula at the invitation of Ansel Adams to become his Photographic and Technical Assistant. I discovered a vibrant and welcoming photographic community, forming close personal and professional relationships with many local photographers. I have chosen to discuss the personalities and provide 'behind-the-scenes' insights into the work of my closest friends at the time: Ansel Adams, Robert Byers, Henry Gilpin, Morley Baer, Richard Garrod, Al Weber, and Brett Weston. In this lively presentation—guaranteed to make you laugh more than once!—I will share images and anecdotes that illuminate the unique energy of the talented and influential photographic community of the late 1970s and early 1980s. This legacy continues to thrive on the Monterey Peninsula, having evolved over the decades. I hope that attendees will gain both information and inspiration from this presentation. Following the presentation and Q&A, the Center for Photographic Art will welcome attendees to a reception in the CPA gallery. This will be wonderful opportunity to enjoy CPA's annual 8x10 Fundraising Exhibition, showcasing prints by 120 photographers, including Anne and me Tickets can be purchased online through the Center for Photographic Art web site. The event is free for CPA members, and the cost is $10 for non-members. This might be an excellent time to become a member of the Center for Photographic Art! Center for Photographic Art Saturday, September 28, 2024
Ansel Adams and John Sexton at Point Lobos
Morley Baer Photographing with His 8x10 View Camera
BY POPULAR DEMAND... A STORY BY BOOTS! Boots wants to thank all of you for taking the time to read the excerpts from his diary, which were posted in our May 2023 eNewsletter. Boots received a number of nice notes, and many encouraged him to share more of his writing. Below is a story he wrote about how he came to live with us.
Boots Overseeing His Dominion in the Rain
For a number of years, I lived under my mom and dad's house. I didn't know them at the time, and they didn't know me. They seemed like nice people. I would keep my distance, observe them, but I would not let them get too close to me. Over time I learned that their names were Anne and John. One day, John started calling me Boots. I am not sure why, but it had a nice ring to it. They would talk to me, but I would not have anything to do with them. You just don't know about strangers. Then one day John brought me a bowl of food. He left it under the house. I wasn't going to taste it, but boy did it smell good. I thought it would be a shame to let food go to waist, so I ate it all–really fast. The next morning, I waited outside their front door. Maybe they had more of that good tasting food. When they came out, I greeted them with a big "meow," and spun my tail up their legs. They liked that! I got lots of petting. Oh my, did that feel good! The next thing I knew their neighbor came over. His name is Jerry. They started discussing whether I was a boy or a girl. I looked at them in astonishment "I am a boy!" Why would they even ask? It is so obvious that I am a boy! They kept trying to look at my behind. It was so annoying and embarrassing! "I am a boy!" I kept saying but they were not listening. "Enough!" I said and sat my butt down firmly! I was sitting looking up at them as they continued discussing whether I was a boy or girl. Seriously, all I wanted was more of that good tasting food! The next day, they took me to what I later learned was called a vet. I was not happy. I was scared. The doctor examined my ears, my eyes, my teeth, felt my stomach, and listened to my heart. Anne asked, "Is it a boy or a girl?" The doctor replied, "It is a boy." I looked at Anne and John," I told you so!" Before we left, the doctor gave me 2 injections. I was mad at everyone! Why did they have to take me to the vet just to find out whether I was a boy or a girl? I had already told them. People never listen! Not long after that they invited me into their house. I was a little concerned. I agreed with one condition. The front door had to be wide open at all times. It was a hard negotiation. It was 42 degrees outside and raining, but they finally accepted my terms, and we all cozy up next to each other. Later we made the arrangement that I could come and go as I pleased. They made a special door just for me, so they did not have to leave the front door open at all times. I had never had my own entrance before! As a token of gratitude, I would bring them mice and rats. Sometimes I left the gift on the doormat, but they seemed especially excited when I brought the critters inside. Now I call Anne and John my mom and dad. We have lived together for over 14 years. I run the house. It's a lot of work! Every morning I have to make sure that they get up on time. We would have a late breakfast if it weren't for me. During the day I check on them to make sure everything is going well. I do it gladly, but it does interrupt my sleep. I love the evenings. I get to lie on my mom's lap. When it is nighttime, mom kisses me good night. I wait for dad to get ready, and we go up the stairs together. He gives me yummy treats and wishes me sweet kitty dreams. I curl up by their feet and we all go to sleep. Life is good! Boots
Boots in his Catnip
IMPORTANT, AND TIMELY, WORDS FROM ANSEL ADAMS
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