Renowned photographer and multifaceted artist, Lewis Tanner, has passed away at the age of 72 due to septic shock in Burbank, California, marking the end of an era in the world of traditional film photography and leaving behind a legacy celebrated for its profound understanding of light, mood, and the essence of American landscapes. Born in Brooklyn and having spent significant years in Philadelphia, Tanner’s work spanned various domains, including portrait, architectural, and landscape photography, earning him accolades and a revered place in publications and books on architects like Frank Furness.

From Brooklyn to Burbank: Tanner’s Artistic Journey

Lewis Tanner’s journey into photography began after his move to Philadelphia in the 1970s, where his initial dream of working on movie sets transitioned into a passionate exploration of still photography. His work, known for capturing the intricate play of light and shadows, found its way into numerous esteemed publications, including The Inquirer, and collaborations with notable figures like architectural historian George E. Thomas. Tanner’s commitment to film photography in an age of digital transformation underscored his belief in the tactile, intimate experience of the darkroom, a sentiment echoed by his family and colleagues who remember him as a cowboy at heart with an undying passion for the visual arts.

Legacy in Light and Composition

Tanner’s artistic contributions extended beyond his photography, encompassing his roles as a musician, writer, and a connoisseur of the cowboy lifestyle, deeply influenced by his college years in California. His ability to infuse his photographs with a sense of composition, form, and atmospheric mood garnered praise and recognition, making his work a staple in discussions on architectural and landscape photography. Despite the digital age, Tanner’s dedication to film and darkroom techniques remained unwavering, a testament to his philosophy of engaging deeply with his craft and the subjects he portrayed.

A Cowboy’s Soul: Remembering Lewis Tanner

Remembered by his family and peers not just for his photographic genius but also for his eclectic lifestyle and deep appreciation for the cowboy ethos, Tanner’s legacy is multifaceted. His son Elias, who worked alongside him, and stepson Gabriel, who shared in the darkroom experience, recall Tanner’s profound connection with his surroundings and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, whether through the lens or in his personal pursuits. Tanner’s life story, a tapestry of artistic brilliance, personal passions, and a commitment to traditional photography, continues to inspire and resonate within the photography community and beyond.

The passing of Lewis Tanner marks not just the loss of a distinguished artist but also the end of an era characterized by a deep, personal engagement with the art of photography. As the photography world continues to evolve, Tanner’s legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring power of visual storytelling and the importance of preserving the human touch in every shot. His work, celebrated for its depth, aesthetic sensibility, and meticulous attention to detail, will continue to influence and inspire future generations of photographers.

The Council for Older Adults in Niagara County invites all county residents over age 55 to enter the COA Amateur Photography contest. Prizes include two tickets to the Riviera Theatre Friday night series and a $25 gift card from Tops markets.

The contest theme is “Niagara: Nostalgia or History Today.” Photo subjects should be things of old that are still with us today.

Each entrant is encouraged to submit three digital photos based on the theme; paper photographs will not be accepted. For entry forms, call Heather Culverwell at 716-285-8224, extension 215. An entry form must be attached with each photo; submit entries to coa@hanci.com up until 3 p.m. March 15.

All entries will be posted on the Health Association of Niagara County, Inc. – HANCI Facebook page and online voting for the winners will take place from March 18 through April 1.

The HANCI page can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/The-Health-Association-of-Niagara-County-Inc-HANCI.

Images of a rhino in captivity, a Slovakian spa facility and a German finger wrestling champion are among the finalists and shortlisted entries in the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards 2024.

A total of 30 finalists were chosen across the competition’s 10 professional categories, which span portraiture, sport, landscape and the environment, with a further three to seven photographers shortlisted in each category.

The winners will be announced in April and an exhibition of the photos is set to go on display at London’s Somerset House.

The World Photography Awards organizes several different competitions each year, including youth and student prizes, with its national and regional winners unveiled last month. This year’s program attracted over 395,000 images, according to a press release. A representative for the World Photography Organization declined to tell CNN how many of those photos were eligible for the professional contest, but said that they had received the highest number of entries in the competition’s 17-year history.

In a press statement, jury chair Monica Allende lauded the “diverse, high-quality and creative spectrum” of this year’s selection. “The jury was captivated by the passionate storytelling; capturing both the joys and the challenges of human existence across our planet,” she added.

Although Yelp is perhaps best known for its crowd-sourced reviews of restaurants, the website also allows its users to review a wide range of businesses — including professional photographers. As wedding season ramps up, Yelp has revealed its list of America’s top 100 wedding photographers in 2024.

Yelp explains that January through March is the busiest time for Americans to plan their weddings. Accordingly, during those three months, users search for wedding photographers at a significantly higher rate than the rest of the year. Picking the perfect photographer is crucial as couples seek to preserve the best and most beautiful moments from their wedding, so it’s no surprise that one way to do that is to scour the internet for reviews and opinions.

Yelp’s top 100 list has been built using multiple factors, and it’s not simply the top 100 highest-rated wedding photographers across the United States. Ensuring a level of geographic diversity played a role, as photography businesses in nearly every state — sorry, Alaska and the Dakotas — are on the list.

The crowd-sourcing site also considered the total volume of reviews over multiple years, ranging from January 2019 through December 2023. To dial in the final list, Yelp worked alongside its “community experts.”

The number one wedding photographer of the year, per Yelp, is IMF Visions in Honolulu, Hawaii. The company has 119 reviews, with all but one rating the business five stars.

Nearly every company on the list has a five-star average rating, with the rest sporting 4.5 stars.

Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer

Couples should look beyond just ratings when choosing a wedding photographer, of course, as they also need to ensure that the overall aesthetic they want is something a business can deliver. For couples, the most important thing is finding the best wedding photographer for them, not necessarily the “best overall.”

Deciding if they want photos or photos and videos is also a key factor. Not every wedding photographer offers video services, and it may be that the best solution is to hire photo and video businesses separately.

For a bit of extra inspiration, looking at the winners of wedding photography contests is a surefire way to find exceptionally talented people. Wedding photography is undoubtedly a specialized skillset, and it is well worth spending the time and effort to locate the perfect match for one’s budget and preferences.

Image credits: Header photo licensed via Depositphotos.