371: Alan Ross - The Legacy of Ansel Adams

F-Stop Collaborate and Listen

In this enriching episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," we delve into the remarkable legacy of Ansel Adams through the eyes of his former assistant and esteemed photographer, Alan Ross. Ross shares captivating anecdotes and insights from his time with Adams, reflecting on Ansel's people skills, his comfort with technology, and his humble approach to photography that embraced imperfections and learning from mistakes. Ross discusses his own varied career, from textbook photography to continuing Adams' tradition of special edition prints, and his personal philosophy of seeing photography as an expressive language that goes beyond mere documentation. Listeners are treated to a deep dive into photographic artistry, learning to appreciate the emotional conveyance in images, the importance of self-discovery, and the impactful advice to slow down and engage meaningfully with one's subject. Guest recommendations and a nod to the broader community of photographers round out an episode that's as much a tribute to an icon as it is a masterclass in the craft of photography.
Resources Mentioned:

• Mary Street Alinder's Ansel Adams Biography
• Ansel Adams Yosemite Special Edition Prints
• Support the podcast on Patreon and engage in conversation on today's episode

Photographer's Mentioned:

• David Kennerly

• Michael Kirchoff

• Dan Burkholder