2012 ends with on a high note! Reflections on the Aperture Book Party

Here I am surrounded by a few of my former students who came to cheer me on! It doesn't get any better than this! — Here I am surrounded by a few of my former students who came to cheer me on! It doesn’t get any better than this!

First of all – Happy New Year to all my friends, family and fans out there! If 2013 is anything like the year that just passed, then I simply won’t have enough fingers, toes or hairs on my head to count all my blessings. As I look back on 2012 I give thanks for so many things, but among them are these: the publication of my new book Harold Feinstein: A Retrospective (Nazraeli, 2013), a great retrospective show at Panopticon Gallery in Boston, an installation of 52 of my large format color botanicals at Stanford University’s new state of the art concert hall, and the truly joyous book party at Aperture a few weeks ago!

There were so many wonderful things about my book party at Aperture on December 17th that I hardly know where to begin!

So many people showed up on a rainy night close to Christmas and helped fill the gallery with warmth and general merriment. Sean Corcoran, photography curator for the Museum of the City of New York, moderated the opening conversation that included longtime friend, A.D. Coleman. We showed a short film from my teachings tapes, which are in the process of being edited by my wife, Judith, and later on friends in the audience were invited to ask a few questions and share comments and thoughts. The most memorable part of the evening for me was how many of my former students came – spanning from 1958 to 2004. While my again braing doesn’t remember all the names, I can never forget the enrichment I’ve received from each of my students. At nearly 82, I spend a lot of time reflecting on the things that matter the most in life, and I would have to put my relationship with my students right up there near the top.

Aperture sold out of the books on hand and a number of framed prints and other posters were sold to benefit the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts sponsored by North Star Fund and Coney Island Recovers. The benefit continues on-line, so please take a look and do what you can to support the on-going needs for hurricane recovery!

Since every photographer knows the truth to the saying “a picture speaks a thousand words”, I will let this small photo album share the rest of the story. Many thanks to my longtime friend and former student, Peter Angelo Simon, for providing these photos!

The evening began with a five minute video from my teaching tapes

A friendly chat together with A.D. Coleman and Sean Corcoran — Sean Corcoran asked some lively questions to get us rolling.

The secret to a long life is having a sense of humor! Looks like Judith and Allan also enjoyed my wit!

Former students are asked to raise their hands! — Judith asked former students to raise their hands!

Judith asked students to share what they had learned from my classes that most effected their path as a photographer. Here Tony Passera offers his thoughts on this.

Herbert Randall studied with me in 1958! He went on to co-found The Kamoigne Workshop for African American photographers in Harlem. We hadn't seen each other in five decades! I'm so glad he came! — Herbert Randall studied with me in 1958! He went on to co-found The Kamoigne Workshop for African American photographers in Harlem. We hadn’t seen each other in five decades! I’m so glad he came!

The papparazzi! — The papparazzi follow me wherever I go. What can I say?

I hadn't seen Bob Gill since I was a boy! He is one of the pioneer graphic artists in the world. I mentioned him during my talk when Sean asked me about my time living in the famous "Jazz Loft" at 821 6th Ave. Right after I moved in I called Bob and said: "Is this really music?" to which he replied "Yes Harold". — I hadn’t seen Bob Gill since I was a boy! He is one of the pioneer graphic artists in the world and an old Brooklyn friend. I mentioned him during my talk when Sean asked me about my time living in the famous “Jazz Loft” at 821 6th Ave. Right after I moved in there I called Bob and said: “Is this really music?” to which he simply replied “Yes Harold”. Standing behind me is another former student, Donna Gray.

One of my dear friends and student, Rachel Cowan

And more beautiful women -- Priscilla Kavanaugh and Beth Rigler — And more beautiful women — Priscilla Kavanaugh and Beth Rigler

And beautiful men too! Peter Angelo Simon and I share a warm and fuzzy moment!

While I enjoy his amazing wife, Anna Lung!

Judith catches up with our dear friend and former student Mariette Pathy Allen

My studio manager Cherie Burton helps out while I sign posters and books

Judith, Cherie and I relax at the end of a long and happy night!

Good friend and web designer David Brabyn looks on while I give his wife Katherine a hug!

Our super special publicist, Andrea Smith, stays late into the evening and leaves with a framed print to support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts! Thank you Andrea!

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7 comments

January 9, 2013
Barbara Bullock-Wilson

Thank you for sharing so many pictures! We were sorry we couldn’t attend the celebration and seeing these wonderful images gives us a joyful sense of the evening. Wishing you and Judith and Cherie a splendid 2013 – with lots of love, Barbara & Gene

Reply
- January 10, 2013
  Harold Feinstein
  
  Thanks Barbara! And we’re wishing you both a great 2013 too. Let us know if you come east this year. Would love to see you again!
  
  Reply
January 9, 2013
charles rotmil

soory I missed you this time around. But I was so happy to see you in the Boston show. You are by far the best teacher I ever had in anything. I remember well when on the first class you took us out for a walk in the neighborhood. Without a camera! We saw the reflection of the Flat Iron building in a puddle of water. You were teaching us how to see with our own eyes and mind and heart. And then you gave us the assignment of shooting without looking through rangefinder, and also to prefocus. So that the camera became an extension of the eye. I took photos of people crossing the street in bright sunlight. It was pure theater. I will never forget these classes.
I am so glad that you are emerging now and recognized as a major force in photography.
Thank you Harold for sticking around. Stay a while longer.
Charles Rotmil

Reply
- January 10, 2013
  Harold Feinstein
  
  Thank you Charles. You’re reminding me of so many wonderful times! Life is still pure theater and I’m glad to still be in the play! Wishing you the best in 2013. Come for a visit sometime…and keep taking pictures!
  
  Reply
January 25, 2013
Toba Tucker

Dear Harold & Judith –

Although I was geographically unable to attend this momentous event, I felt a part of it by way of these photographs and enjoyed the spirit of adulation and appreciation. It was indeed a Celebration!

Sending you both my love,

Toba

Reply
- January 27, 2013
  Harold Feinstein
  
  Toba: You were missed, but we’re grateful we were able to see you at our home several months earlier. Hope we have a repeat of that visit next year!
  
  Reply
January 29, 2013
Ed

Dear Harold, Your work is an absolute treasure and I am still upset I missed this evening. It would have been wonderful to attend but alas work and my commute from Long Island meant I could not make it on the day. i fist came across your photographs during the exhibit “The Radical Camera: New York’s Photo League, 1936-1951” put on at the Jewish Museum of New York a year or so ago. Your photographs stuck out to me there. By coincidence I studied with my neighbor in Brooklyn Peter Angelo Simon one day a week forr eight weeks in the summer of 2010. He was the one who notified me of this event, and as I say I sorely wished I could have been there. It would have been great to meet and converse with you, even if only for a moment. Maybe we can do so another time.

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