Insight

December 01, 2011 — I’m sure as you read this you’re all getting ready to celebrate (or survive) the holiday season. For better or worse, you can’t say 2011 hasn’t been one hell of a year—the ups and (mostly) downs of the economy, ongoing wars and the lingering aftermath of number of disasters throughout 2010 including the DeepWater Oil Spill and Haiti earthquake. The temptation is to assume that maybe the Mayans were correct and we’re running full speed into that giant brick wall called 2012.  But if you take a look at the images in this issue—Ben Lowy’s (pg.112) images from Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan; the Pulitzer prize (pg. 14) photos of The Washington Post’s Carol Guzy, Nikki Kahn and Ricky Carioti or Barbara Davidson’s series for the Los Angeles Times; the hard-hitting photojournalism from the WHNPA (pg. 28); the otherworldy images from Nikon Small World (pg. 88); or even the wildly creative images from Canon AIPP (pg. 40)—a different sort of idea begins to emerge. Though tragedy may strike, as a people, we are still here. And whether it is in the gorgeous landscapes captured for the Epson Pano Awards (pg. 52) or the deadly streets of Juarez  as captured by W. Eugene Smith Fellowship winner Dominic Bracco (pg. 96), there will always be a human spirit, and talented shooters like yourselves, to capture it.

This month we’re also beginning a new series—Photographers You Should Know. Each month we’ll be highlighting a photographer who is among the best and most innovative/creative at what they do. To kick things off we’re featuring Michael Muller (pg. 62). If you don’t know the name you most certainly know his work—especially if you’ve been to a movie in the last decade or so. Muller is one of only 12 working photographers in Los Angeles shooting movie posters as a steady gig. He shares his insights managing such a 
demanding career.

This month’s cover is courtesy of Tracie Taylor, the winner of Rangefinder’s first annual Take Your Best Shot Contest (pg. 102). In addition to seeing her image live in infamy as a Rangefinder cover—Tracie will also receive a slew of other prizes, including free registration to WPPI! Tracie and all of the winners are definitely names we should keep our eyes out for in the future. It might not be long before we see them among the WPPI 16 x 20 winners (pg. 80) as well.

Here’s wishing you Happy Holidays from all of us at Rangefinder and WPPI.  May the coming year bring you many more triumphs than tragedies!

Chris Wiltz, Features Editor

On The Cover
photographer: Tracie Taylor
camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark ll
lens: Canon 50mm f/1.2
exposure: 1/500
subject:  Courtney Avila
location: The Mission of San Juan Capistrano, CA
comments:  Courtney’s  brother has Mitochondrial Disease, resulting in involuntary body movements that often cause physical pain. Courtney explains how she stares into her brother’s eyes until his body calms and she sees the moments of repose which allow for the welcomed moments of a loving physical connection between siblings without fear of pain. She searches his soul.