On Saturday, October 23, our industry lost a great man. Photographer Dave Paek died at the age of 48, of a heart attack while working and doing the thing he loved most—photography. In the outpouring of messages that have appeared on social media in the last few days, the same themes surface again and again—that Dave was an enormously talented photographer and a great friend who was extremely patient, kind, humble and encouraging.

“I will always remember him as one of the kindest, most caring and friendliest souls,” says photographer Jashim Jalal. “He taught me to be a better photographer and husband. Some of my wildest revelations in life came from our deep conversations about family and the value of our work. His mentorship and friendship is unparalleled and I will miss him dearly as a friend.”

[Read: In Memoriam: Anesha Collins, Photographer, Cinematographer & WPPi Educator]

Says Andrew “Fundy” Funderburg: “He was a beautiful soul who helped me see the world in different and beautiful ways. He was a bright light in this world.”

Erin Chrisman of Chrisman Studios wrote on FB that, “Dave’s positivity, enthusiasm and optimism (and yes, his big big love) are things I will carry with me forever. He had a huge influence on me in that way.” 

A glance at the photographer’s Info page on his website sums up how photography and his family was photographer Dave Paek’s whole life:

“I’m a native New Yorker who grew up in Greenwich Village during the late 70’s and early 80’s.  My first camera was an old 35mm Nikkormat and I was fascinated with B&W street photography (mostly about the dangerous NYC subways) at an early age.  My mother was an artist who raised two kids on her own.  I spent 14 years on Wall Street and I never felt more alive since leaving and finding photography as my true calling.  I love different genres of photography, from Steve McCurry and David Alan Harvey to portrait photographers such as Richard Avedon and Dan Winters. I am blessed to have a beautiful wife, two beautiful kids and a King Charles Cavalier. Photography is my life.“

Some of Dave’s photographic accomplishments and awards include the following:

Winner of the PHOTOPLUS Perspectives Contest in 2017 under the category Professional: Street Photography, for the series, “The Rich Colors of Korea”. Captured for a personal project, this series depicts various moments and glimpses of life in Seoul and Gyeongju, South Korea. 

(Other past awards include being named a winner in the PDN Faces Portrait Photography Contest, in ISPWP’s Top Photographers in the World, in the Rangefinder Magazine Photo Annual Winner 2016, in a Fearless Photographers competition (Best Engagement Photography of 2015) and more.

The Dave Paek Memorial Fund has been organized by Kit Loo on behalf of Helena Paek and as of Nov. 3 has raised $19,503. To donate, click HERE.