In memory of Kevin Raber

[olafphoto]

Today we received the sad news that Kevin Raber has passed away.

It was impossible to be in the photographic industry and not know Kevin. Over the course of the last ten years I’ve had the chance to talk to Kevin regularly. He had an amazing zest for life, for photography and adventure. He was always telling me about his next project, idea, trip or simply what was happening in the industry. He cared deeply about the photographic community and his actions conveyed his concern.

After each conversation I felt invigorated and motivated to work harder and share more. Kevin was always selfless in his photographic endeavours. I remember when we started the Medium Format Magazine he suggested he would share the news on his website. He didn’t want anything in exchange.

The world of photography will not be the same without Kevin. Even though his camera shutter will never open and close again, the lasting portfolio of photographic friends, images, ideas, articles, interviews, workshops and camera reviews will always remain with us.

I think one way to celebrate Kevin’s life would be to pick up your camera and take one image in his memory. That is exactly what Kevin would have wanted from us.

Thank you, Kevin!

 

[GrahamWelland]

Such a nice person and so unfair. RIP Kevin - we will all remember you and celebrate you .

to shoot one for Kevin, and may it be memorable. I wanted to join one of his local workshops here close to me in WA state. I knew where he went and pretty much all of the locations, but I didn't have his connections to make his trips beyond special. I shared new locations I found with him, and he was very gracious about them.

He will be missed.

 

[Don Libby]

Very sad news.

 

[Don Libby]

I find it oddly disturbing that Kevin's passing hasn't generated more reaction than what it has.

 

[Paul Spinnler]

Could it be that not too many know him? I remember him from the old LuLa video days with Reichmann. Very instrumental figure in internet eduction for high end printing and a pioneer of high end workshops, especially arctic workshops if I remember correctly.

A real loss.

 

[Don Libby]

Guess I'm just getting old. I first began following him with LuLa as well. Never met in person then again never met Reichman in person however exchanged many emails between both of them. It's sad the younger generation of photographers don't know the foundation of modern photography they're standing on.

 

[jng]

Hi Don,

Well, those of us lucky enough are all getting old, it seems... In some weird way, I feel like I lost a good friend who I never actually met. It's taken me a few days to pull my thoughts together, so thanks for the prompt...

With Michael Reichmann and Chris Sanderson, Kevin Raber helped establish - via this thing called the internet - a global village of photographers. His passion, deep knowledge, and generous spirit influenced many photographers, including myself. Although I never met him in person, he crossed paths with many in my expanding circle. I was very much looking forward to attending a workshop he was to lead later this spring. I'm disappointed at the lost opportunity to meet and be inspired by the man in person, and reflecting in appreciation on all that I've learned from him through his large body of work. My heart goes out to his family and close friends.

Carpe diem.

John

 

[prakash]

Sorry to hear this very sad news , condolences to his family

 

[Ben730]

Oh dear, that's very sad. I learned a lot from him.
Rest in peace.

 

[shumicse]

Thanks for sharing this. Kevin was inspiring—his passion, kindness, and creativity touched many of us. We’ll all miss him!

 

[doccdiamond]

That's really a loss - I never met him in person but his responsiveness not having ever been in contact with me before to certain very specific questions was incomparable. And his joint work with Michael Reichmann in the good old Lula days brought me back to medium format photography - this time digital.

RIP