It’s only January and another one of photography’s giants is gone. I was sad to learn that George Tice passed away on January 16th.  I own a number of his books, including his last one, the recently published spectacular George Tice: Lifework – Photographs 1953 – 2013. I was lucky enough to meet George several times and got a chance to talk with him for a while at a book signing event.  I could have talked to him all night, but I looked at my watch and then at those waiting patiently for their turn and decided it was time to wrap things up. I spent much more time talking with him than I expected so I was grateful for that. I will always cherish that conversation and my signed copy of Lifework!

George had a remarkable career and life.  One of my favorite photographs, Petit’s Mobil Station, Cherry Hill was made by George. It appears on jacket  of George Tice, Urban Landscapes. It’s a picture of something you’ve seen a million times in your life … a gas station almost empty of customers at night with a few lights on and lone car parked outside. Nothing special … right? Actually it is pretty special, as are many of the other photographs he made of scenes others would pass by without a thought.

Not everyone got his work.  Some thought it boring and mundane.  They just didn’t make the time to take a good deep look. Just like those that completely overlooked the scenes he captured so beautifully in his exquisite images. Sad and their loss.

If you’re not familiar with George Tice’s work, you need to be!  Get a few of his books and be glad there was someone to memorialize what so many had missed.

Stay well,

Michael