“Our autobiography is written in our contact sheets, and our opinion of the world in our selects”
"Never ever confuse sharp with good, or you will end up shaving with an ice cream cone and licking a razor
blade."
Bill Pierce is one of the most successful Leica photographers and authors
ever. I initially "met" Bill in the wonderful 1973 15th edition Leica
Manual (the one with the M5 on the cover). I kept reading and re-reading his
four chapters, continually amazed at his knoweldge and ability, thinking
"if I only knew a small part of what this guy knows... wow." I
looked foward to his monthly columns in Camera 35 and devoured them like a
starving man. Bill has worked as a photojournalist for 25 years,
keyword: WORK. Many photogs dream of the professional photographer's
life that Bill has earned and enjoyed. Probably Bill's most famous pic is
Nixon departing the White House for the last time, victory signs still
waving.
Bill has been published in many major magazines, including Time, Life, Newsweek, U.S. News, The New York Times
Sunday Magazine, New York Magazine, Stern, L'Express and Paris Match. :His
published books include The Leica Manual, War Torn, Survivors and Victims in
the Late 20th Century, Homeless in America, Human Rights in China, Children of War. Add
to that numerous exhibitions at major galleries and museums. Magazine
contributions include Popular Photography, Camera 35, Leica Manual,
Photo District News, the Encyclopedia of Brittanica, the Digital Journalist,
and now RFF. Major awards include Leica Medal of Excellence, Overseas Press Club's Oliver Rebbot
Award for Best Photojournalism from Abroad, and the World Press Photo's Budapest Award.
Perhaps an ever bigger award
is Tom Abrahamsson's comment: "If you want to know Rodinal, ask Bill."
I met Bill in person through our mutual friend Tom Abrahamsson. In
person his insight and comments are every bit as interesting and engaging as his
writing. He is a great guy who really KNOWS photography. I am happy
to say he
has generously agreed to host this forum at RFF From time to time Bill
will bring up topics, but you are also invited to ask questions. Sit down
and enjoy the ride!
