John Sexton.com - Recent Events

JOHN SEXTON
CELEBRATING THE BLACK AND WHITE PRINT
EPSON VIDEO PRESENTATION

In this video presentation, produced by Epson, I discuss my passion for the black and white traditional silver gelatin print. I am very pleased with the way the video interview turned out. If you have a few moments, you may want to check it out. I hope you enjoy the entire presentation. I was honored to be included in this video production and have the opportunities to share my thoughts and images with viewers.

"To many, the black and white print is the very definition of photography," said Dan (Dano) Steinhardt, marketing manager, Epson America, Inc. "We wanted to capture what Black-and-White has meant emotionally for generations of photographers as we celebrate the Black-and-White print, be it traditional or digital."

CHASING LIGHT VIDEO
JOHN FOLLOWS IN ANSEL'S FOOTSTEPS ACROSS CALIFORNIA

The automobile manufacturer Lexus produced this beautiful video released in late 2013. "Chasing Light" is the story of two photographers - John Sexton and Brian Vance - and a film crew setting off on a journey to discover, and rediscover, the spirit of Ansel Adams. They explore and photograph in Death Valley, the eastern Sierra Nevada, and Yosemite. Lexus' dedication to innovation, craft, and design mirrors Ansel Adams' dedication to the same qualities, creating the ideal partnership for this endeavor.

When you set out to engineer some of the world's most innovative vehicles, you appreciate inspiration. That is why Lexus, with the cooperation of The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust, hit the road to explore some of California's most breathtaking vistas. Lexus takes you on an adventure inspired by the iconic photography of Ansel Adams, and in return, hopes to inspire others to appreciate the beauty of nature.

I hope you enjoy the video, and I am sure you will learn a thing or two about Ansel that you might not already know through the insightful comments of William Turnage, the Managing Trustee of the Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust.

Sculpted Leaf

Sculpted Leaf
Hawaii
©1979 Brett Weston. All rights reserved.

Watch the recently released video: Remembering Brett Weston with Randy Efros, John Sexton, and Kim Weston. Gain insights into the man, and the photographer, Brett Weston, and learn about his passion for photography and for life.

ONE OF JOHN'S ORIGINAL POLAROID PRINTS
INCLUDED IN UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL TRAVELING EXHIBITION AND BOOK

A few months ago I received an unexpected email from the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography stating that one of my original Polaroid Land Instant color prints had been chosen for inclusion in The Polaroid Project international traveling exhibition and catalog. I suspect some eNews subscribers did not know that I even did color photography. I have included the image below.

Lamp and Painted Wall
Santa Cruz, California
Polaroid Land Type 59 Polacolor Instant Print
©1979 John Sexton. All rights reserved.

Needless to say, I was thrilled by this news, and am honored to be included in the The Polaroid Project: Art and Technology exhibition and book. The exhibition is curated by William Ewing, Barbara Hitchcock, Gary Van Zante, Deborah G. Douglas, and Rebekka Reuter. Their concept was to produce a wide-ranging exhibition encompassing all aspects of Polaroid photography, including the technology that made it possible, and to simultaneously publish a serious study of Polaroid photography that will contribute to the understanding of Edwin Land's amazing invention of instant photography. Several hundred pieces are included illustrating the full range of Polaroid materials covering the art production from the 1940s to the present.

The exhibition will be on display in both the US and Europe at the following venues:

Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth TX
June 3-September 3, 2017

WestLicht Museum for Photography, Vienna
November 2017-March 2018

C/O Berlin, Berlin
March 16- May 27, 2018

MIT Museum, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Early 2019

The project is organized by the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography along with the MIT Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as well as the WestLicht Museum for Photography in Vienna, Austria.

I have been fascinated with Polaroid Land Instant photography since 1973, when I attended my first Ansel Adams workshop, where we had the opportunity to use Polaroid Type 52 and Type 55 instant films. I found Polaroid to be a wonderful material to learn about the magic of light as an essential part of the photographic process. In 1977, at the age of twenty-four, I was invited to become a participating photographer in the Polaroid Collection. It was a tremendous honor to be included in a group that incorporated some of the best-known photographers working at that time.

The opportunity to work with Polaroid Land Instant films transformed the way I made photographs. The ability to see a print as the integral part of the creative photographic process gave me a greater appreciation of how essential light is to making a successful photographic image. I continue to strive for a luminous quality of light in my photographs. The intimate, jewel-like beauty of an original Polaroid print is something I still find unique and beyond my ability to describe in words. Only when viewing the print can the full meaning of the photograph be experienced. Over the years I had the opportunity to work with a number of different 4x5 and 8x10 inch films when I served as a consultant to Polaroid Corporation, and the distinct honor to make the first ever black and white 20x24 Polaroid print made outside of the laboratory.

I have included two of my 20x24 Polaroid Land Instant prints, in my new 2017-2018 John Sexton Photography Workshops brochure as the front and rear cover images.

If you would like more information about the upcoming exhibition and book, please visit the following link:
http://www.fep-photo.org/exhibition/polaroid/

Remembering Ray McSavaney

Photographer, Educator, Author, and Friend

December 18, 1938 – July 2, 2014

Read more about Ray McSavaney.

My dear friend of forty years, photographer Ray McSavaney passed away on July 2, 2014. I have prepared a tribute to my fallen friend. I hope you will take a look and let me tell you about an amazing photographer, and loyal friend.

John's Photographs Included in exhibition at the National Art Museum of China, Beijing, China
November and December 2014

It is a great honor to have twelve of my prints included in the new exhibition Journey of the Heart: Exhibition of Straight Photography Original Print 1839-2014 on display at the National Art Museum of China through December 10, 2014. This large exhibition looks at the entire history of photography. I am further honored to have some of my prints added to NAMOC's permanent collection. I am thrilled to have my work on the walls with such legends as Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, William Henry Fox Talbot, Imogen Cunningham, and many others! There is a bit more information on the exhibition here.

John and Anne's photographs included in the Sun to Moon Gallery 13th Anniversary Exhibition
November 20, 2014 through January 15, 2015

Anne and I are honored to have photographs included in the current 13th Anniversary exhibition at the Sun to Moon Gallery in Dallas, Texas. We wish we could attend the celebration, and see the show, but unfortunately our schedule will not allow us to do so.

John's photographs included in the "Power of the Image" exhibition in Beijing, China - April and May 2014
John is a recipient of the inaugural "Power of the Image - George Eastman Medal"

I had twelve photographs included in the "Power of the Image" exhibition on display during April and May 2014 at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China. Along with my images, the exhibition features more than 200 photographs by 20 internationally-renowned professional photographers, including Pep Bonet, Michael Crouser, Lauren Greenfield, Peter Guttman, Jocelyn Bain Hogg, Nadav Kander, Frederic LaGrange, Yann Layma, Roman Loranc, Gerd Ludwig, Steve McCurry, Eric Meola, Sylvia Plachy, Matthew Jordan Smith, Eddie Soloway, Art Streiber, Joyce Tenneson, Art Wolfe and Qin Yuhai. The photographers included in the exhibition were each awarded the inaugural Power of the Image - George Eastman Medal.

Camera Craftsmen of America Annual Meeting - April 2014
John presents Keynote Address
John inducted as first Honorary Member since Wynn Bullock in 1970

In April I was invited to present the Keynote Address at the annual meeting of the Camera Craftsmen of America in beautiful Napa, California. Anne and I had a wonderful few days with the members of this historic organization, which was founded in 1905. I was stunned when I was invited to become an Honorary Member of the CCA during the introduction for my lecture by longtime friend, and talented photographer, Tony Corbell. I was informed that I had been selected for the honor by a unanimous vote of the attending members. Needless to say I gladly, and graciously, accepted the honor. The last time that an Honorary Member had been invited to join the CCA was when Wynn Bullock (whom I studied with, and revere) was inducted in 1970!

Imaging USA - Phoenix, Arizona - January 2014
John Receives 2014 American Society of Photographers International Award
John Presents "Inspirations: A Life In Photography" Lecture
I was honored, and humbled, to receive the International Award from the American Society of Photographers during the Professional Photographers of America 2014 Imaging USA conference in 2014. This award is the highest honor that the ASP bestows to non-members. The beautiful crystal trophy reads, "For contributions to professional photography as an art and a science." Needless to say this was an unexpected, and greatly appreciate honor.

A few hours before the black tie ASP awards ceremony I presented a lecture, Inspirations: A Life in Photography to a packed house of over 600 enthusiastic photographers. I was astounded when I received an extended standing ovation from the audience at the conclusion of my talk. The beginning of my lecture was also a special experience. My longtime friend, and former student - the legendary entertainer Kenny Rogers - was receiving the PPA's highest honor, an honorary "Master of Photography" degree during the conference. Kenny was kind enough to fly in a day early to attend my lecture and award ceremony, and he generously offered to introduce me at my lecture. I am certain that this will be the only time in my life that I will have Kenny Rogers as my "opening act!"

Kenny received his prestigious award the following evening at a gala event. He invited me to join him on stage at the Phoenix Symphony Hall for his photographic presentation Places I've Been, Things I've Seen. We had a great time reminiscing about photographic adventures we shared together over the past thirty years. The one-hour on stage flew by for us, and based upon the feedback of photographers in the audience (as well as Anne) it was an enjoyable experience for all.

Kenny Rogers and John Sexton PPA Imaging USA 2014

JOHN SEXTON EXHIBITION
REFLECTIONS ON NATURE IN BLACK AND WHITE
SFO MUSEUM
SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
DECEMBER 2013 - FEBRUARY 2014

TERMNAL 2
Departures - Level 2 - Pre-Security

SFO banner

I am pleased to announce an exhibition of my photographs at the SFO Museum at San Francisco International Airport. The exhibition, Reflections On Nature in Black and White, consists of twelve 16x20 silver gelatin prints, and was curated by Ramekon O'Arwisters of the SFO Museum.The prints will be on display through February 28, 2014.

More information

ANNOUNCING A NEW BOOK AND COMPANION iOS APP
LOOKING AT ANSEL ADAMS: THE PHOTOGRAPHS AND THE MAN
BY ANDREA G. STILLMAN

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE RECENTLY RELEASED BOOK AND APP
CLICK HERE

JOHN AND ANNE EXHIBITION
SUN TO MOON GALLERY
DALLAS, TEXAS
Exhibition Dates: September 5 - October 12, 2013
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 7, 2013 - 5:00 to 8:00 pm
All Day Seminar: Friday, September 6, 2013 - Sun to Moon Gallery
Free Public Lecture, Saturday, September 7, 2013 - 1:00 pm - Richland College

www.suntomoon.com

Anne and I are very busy preparing for our upcoming two-person exhibition at the Sun to Moon Gallery in Dallas, Texas. The show will run from September 5 through October 12, 2013. There will be an opening reception on Saturday, September 7 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm

In addition we are planning a one-day seminar on Friday, September 6 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are hoping we can provide an interesting, and informative day that will provide both information and inspiration to participants.

The seminar fee is $179 - which includes lunch. I have included information that Sun to Moon Gallery recently published on the seminar below, along with their contact information. For additional information about the seminar, please visit the Sun to Moon Gallery web site.

There are only 20 spaces available, and similar events at Sun to Moon Gallery have filled quickly, so if you are interested contact the gallery soon.

I am pleased to announce that Richland College is hosting a public lecture on Saturday, September 7 at 1:00 pm. The event if open to the public, and the admission is free. There will be a poster sale and signing following the lecture. The event will be held in the Fanning Performance Hall, F102, at Richland College. Richland College has hosted some great photography lectures in the past, and I am honored to be a part of their photography lecture series. I will also be spending some time with the Richland photography students, which I am really looking forward to. For further information about the lecture contact photography professor Wayne Loucas loucas@dcccd.edu.

If you are able to attend the lecture, be sure to stick around for the opening reception that evening. Richland College is about a 30 minute drive from the Sun to Moon Gallery. We are looking forward to seeing a bunch of our photography friends from Texas.

CREATIVE DIGITAL TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE MONTEREY PENINSULA
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY MONTEREY BAY
COURSE DATES: July 15 - 28, 2013
JOHN'S PUBLIC LECTURE: July 16, 2013 - 7:00 pm
JOHN'S CLASSES AS PART OF THE WORKSHOP: July 16 and 17, 2013

http://www.csusummerarts.org/courses2013/VA-Digital_Travel_Photography.shtml

I am pleased to be involved with the 2013 Summer Arts program at nearby California State University Monterey Bay. The faculty, that includes well-known photographers and instructors Rick Sammon and Nevada Wier, along with Michael Jones from West Coast Imaging and Professor Mark Larson, will provide excellent information and inspiration for those attending the session. I will be spending two days with participants, and presenting an evening lecture that is open to the public. Workshop participants will have an opportunity to learn creative seeing and photography techniques, along with insights into photography careers. In addition, participants will develop Photoshop skills for fine-art inkjet printing and print two large fine-art images for the public culmination exhibit.

For more information about the course contact Professor Mark Larson at mark.larson@humboldt.edu or 707-826-5925.

PETER SPENCE NIKONIANS NORTHERN EXPOSURE PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH JOHN - JUNE 2013

http://blog.nikonians.org/archives/2013/06/nikonian-northern-exposure-10-2.html

During the 2013 Photo Moncton International photographic conference in New Brunswick, Canada, I joined my colleague Peter Spence for an insightful interview that is engaging for photo enthusiasts whether you are a professional or an amateur. Peter is a professional photographer in Halifax, Canada and he promotes photography with a radio show for Nikon called Northern Exposure. Our interview shares my insights around my career that reveal the choices in equipment, my relationship with Nikon, and the approaches that have been part of my photography over the years. Peter and I explore my inspirations, which have contributed, to my love affair with black and white photography and led to the preferences in equipment that have accompanied my passion in photography.

A CONVERSATION WITH JOHN SEXTON AT PHOTO VISION
Thomas Harrop, editor of PhotoVision magazine, conducts an in depth interview with John. John discusses his ongoing excitement and passion for photography and the magic of the black and white print.

KODAK PROFESSIONAL LEGENDS ONLINE JOHN SEXTON WEBSITE

Please visit the Kodak Professional/Photo District News Legends Online web site featuring John Sexton. Here you can see many of John's images, and watch him commenting about them with streaming video clips.

Kodak Professional: Legends Online: John Sexton

EXHIBITION

ANNE LARSEN AND JOHN SEXTON: LIGHT AND FORM

THE ANSEL ADAMS GALLERY
YOSEMITE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

APRIL 18 THROUGH MAY 29, 2013

I am thrilled to have been invited to be a part of the Adobe Distinguished Lecture Series. I will be presenting a brand new lecture Ansel Adams: An Inspiration on Thursday, June 24 at 4:00 pm at Adobe’s Park Auditorium at their headquarters in San Jose.

This lecture will focus primarily on Ansel’s photography, and explore the nuances of his renowned photographic vision. During this audio-visual presentation Ansel’s images will be transformed on the screen from the negative to the final print - progressing through various phases in the evolution of a finely crafted expressive print. In addition, I will be showing a number of my own images and discussing the inspiration and influence that Ansel has had on my photography, as well as his effect on other photographers and photography in general.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Directions to the facility can be found here. A book signing will follow the lecture, for those that are interested. I look forward to seeing some newsletter subscribers at this event.

APRIL 6-29, 2009
Reception: April 6, 6:00 P.M.
Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
Fairbanks Gallery

Lecture and book signing: April 6, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
Lasells Stewart Center
Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon

AN EVENING WITH MASTER PHOTOGRAPHER
JOHN SEXTON
Sponsored by Viewpoint Photographic Art Center

Lecture and book signing The Recital Hall at Cosumnes River College, 8401 Center Parkway, Sacramento, California 95823

I am honored to be presenting a lecture for the Spectrum Art Gallery in Fresno, California on Thursday evening, October 23, 2008 at 7:00 pm. The talk will be held at the Bonner Auditorium at the Fresno Art Museum. This presentation is part of Spectrum Art Gallery’s grand reopening celebration for their new location in Fresno’s Tower Arts District. This event will kick off their annual print auction weekend. Admission to the lecture will be $10.00. My talk will include images that span my thirty-five year career in photography.

In addition, a portion of the talk will incorporate examples and anecdotes drawn from my close working relationship with Ansel Adams. Images will be transformed on the screen from the negative to the final print, progressing through various creative steps in the evolution of an expressive photographic print. I will be available after the lecture to sign copies of my most recent book, Recollections. I’m looking forward to seeing a number of my photographic friends from the Fresno and Central Valley area, as well as making new friends.

Sea of Aspen, Dolores River Canyon, Colorado

As an added bonus, each attendee at my presentation will be issued a drawing ticket. There will be a drawing at the Spectrum Art Gallery Auction on Saturday night, October 25, 2008. One lucky attendee will win an 11x14" print of my image Sea of Aspen. The ticket holder must be present at the auction to be eligible to win the special drawing. In addition, I am pleased that I will have an additional image, Frost Covered Boulders, included in the fund-raising auction.

JOHN SEXTON TO APPEAR AT PHOTOPLUS 2007 IN NEW YORK CITY OCTOBER 18 - 20, 2007.