At WPPI 2020 last week, fashion and portrait photographer Lindsay Adler had the surprise of a lifetime when she was named Rangefinder‘s Icon of the Year at the conference’s annual awards ceremony.

What does Icon of the Year mean, exactly? Here at Rangefinder, an icon is someone who is super creative and has extraordinary talent, is a problem solver, an educator, an influencer, a role model and someone who can continue to evolve and redefine themselves without losing their core. Lindsay Adler epitomizes all of this and is truly an icon to her peers and mentors alike. 

Our WPPI and Photo Group Content Director Arlene Evans worked on the sly with Lindsay’s boyfriend (photographer Chris Knight) and her mom, to ensure she would be at the ceremony. After all the pomp and circumstance, I had a quick chat with Lindsay to find out what the award meant to her.

Jacqueline Tobin: First off, were you truly surprised?

Lindsay Adler: I had absolutely no idea I would be receiving this award. I love my photo community, but had no idea I would be honored in this way. Thank goodness that the intro video played for a couple of minutes or I would have been completely speechless!  

JT: As the video of your accomplishments were playing and you started realizing it was you, what was going through your mind?

LA: The second you began to describe the winner, I knew it was me. I am lucky enough to have a close relationship with people like you and Arlene and I remember how and when you and I met…as you began to describe our early interactions, I knew!  

JT: What does being an icon in this industry mean to you?

LA: Photography is my life, and to be recognized by the industry in this way is somewhat surreal. I’m proud of the life I’ve been able to build for myself, and it is in no small part thanks to my passion for photography and this wonderful photographic industry that I’m honored to be a part of. My love of creating and sharing are probably the two more defining factors in my life. In my acceptance speech I mentioned that I am truly the happiest I’ve ever been. Photography and this amazing community is an essential part of the joy and success that I have found. I am so honored, and still a bit in disbelief to be honest! 

JT: Why is also being an educator and sharing with the next generation of photographers so important to you?

LA: Others have encouraged me, educated me, inspired me and supported my success; now I aim to do the same for others! I hope that in any small way the education and inspiration I share helps another photographer to conquer their fears, become a master of their craft, or simply to find more joy—all of these things would thrill me.  

JT: What was your favorite part of WPPI this year beyond receiving the Icon award?

LA: It is always an honor to speak on the Canon Stage as a Canon Explorer of Light. I’ve been attending photography trade shows since I was a teenager. Year after year, I would sit in the audience at the Canon booth, eager to absorb as much information I could from the Explorers of Light on stage. Now, as I educate as an Explorer of Light myself, I take my job to educate and inspire very seriously. I love shows like WPPI where we all come together to learn, energize and exchange ideas. 

JT: I am guessing you will be back next year, as WPPI moves to the Mirage in Las Vegas [March 7-11, 2021]…

LA: I wouldn’t miss it. I look forward to WPPI every year because, honestly, it’s exciting. It’s exciting to look at the award-winning prints. It’s exciting to learn about new gear. It’s exciting to see talented friends and meet new people. The entire event is a pick-me-up, emotionally and creatively.  

 JT: We ran your image on our December cover and at that point you were promoting your gels tutorials. What are you working on next?

LA: I’m always working on something new to share, educate and create. I am currently writing my sixth book, on fine-art nude photography. I am also in the early stages of putting together a tutorial on color grading. In addition, I just launched posing cards to help photographers as references on their shoots. I am always working on something, and sharing my knowledge with other photographers. It’s what keeps me creative, motivated and energized year after year.