Unless you have been hiding under a rock in the photographic world, you have no doubt heard about the great street photographer Vivian Meir, who’s vast amount of previously unknown work in the form of a massive treasure trove of processed negatives and slides and undeveloped rolls of film was discovered by accident 2007.  I think about this from time to time. What if John Maloof had not discovered her life’s work, and what if he didn’t dedicate himself to the herculean task of ensuring that her artistic legacy would be known?  While there were some times Meir was interested in getting her work seen, by and large she appears not to have cared. It seems that is what mattered is that she absolutely loved to photograph.

This has made me think of all the other world class photographers are out there making important images that will most likely never be seen by most of us, or get the rightful recognition they deserve. This reality was driven home when I attended PAX earlier this year. I saw some truly world class work that most will never know about, made by ultra dedicated photographers. They work primarily because of their passion and a rage to do what they love. Unlike much of what is published or shown at galleries today, and of course the incredible amount of junk uploaded to Flickr, there is true art being made everyday by incredibly dedicated photographers. Some are working at their full time jobs and eke out time on weekends, in the early mornings or during lunchtime. Others are retired and now have the time to devote to what they have always loved. Some post their work on personal websites, self-publish work for friends and family, or are completely content to display their work privately on their own walls.

I’m somewhat saddened knowing how many great images must be out there that I will never have the opportunity to see. But I am heartened and inspired just knowing they exist.