We were extremely saddened to learn that our friend and photographer Bob Sadler had died this past week. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife Sharon and to his family and to all of his friends.
We met Bob when he and Jerry attended a Weston Workshop back in 2011. Bob really impressed us with hard work and interest in getting things done. Bob went home as he lived locally and printed up 6 of the nicest images one could imagine for the next day of class review.
We followed Bob’s work as he focused his efforts on his Inherent Worth and Dignity Project. His work was important. It drove home the old expression,”but for a twist of fate or bad luck, that could be me”. It gave people a chance to see themselves how they could be again. He made sure that with his photographs that the people in his portraits where seen.
Bob understood that fortune does not shine equally on all people. He had a big heart and this body of work really showed the type of man he was. He photographed with empathy.
Bob was very inclusive and open with people. We know that all who had dealings with Bob were better for the experience. May he rest in peace. We will miss him.
Thank you Bob
Jerry and Connie Rosenthal
Rfotofolio
“I heard her approaching from behind…the sound of the soft mist lifting her body as massive wings slowly pushed her just a little above Crespi Pond. I was facing the ocean, the wrong direction, looking for her in the grey tide pools…wanting another visitation from this creature, who had the power to take my breath away. I whirled around and even in the dim dawn her snowy prowess lit me up and warmed my damp face. Through a 200mm piece of glass, I met her discerning eye and we danced until I matched her passing speed, and, when I released the shutter, we became one.” Bob Sadler
Please click on image to see a different view.
“Years ago, I was standing at the rocks near Asilomar quietly considering the land, water and light with a camera in my hands. I was weak from the chemo, radiation, and surgery that was an all out attack on esophageal cancer. Photography along the ocean was my rehabilitation therapy. I was distracted from my condition by a Great White Egret that was standing on kelp about 200 yards out in the bay. He lifted and began his flight back to shore and was coming toward me. I had about 30 seconds to set my camera to a accommodate the bright white feathers just in case he came close. I was still so he didn’t see me. He came right at me. It’s as if he wanted the same rock I was standing on. When he was about 20 feet from me, I raised my camera to my face and he was startled and made a quick turn. Click.
When I processed the image, I was disappointed. Everything was a dull grey without depth. Gone was the brilliance of an angel. Gone was the sense of a visitation from the spiritual world. Gone was the rush of air from the wings. I almost tossed it out in disgust.
A week later, I looked at it again and the image was still without life, but I was not without life. I had a week’s worth of new health. I was healing and apparently cancer free. I took the image to the digital darkroom, converted it to black and white and began dodging and burning as the old masters would have done. Gradually, step by step, the spirit of this animal came alive. I saw the depth, brilliance, the spirit, emerging. I could hear the rush of air from the sudden turn. A transformational moment in my life…preserved.” Bob Sadler
Inherent Worth and Dignity Project
To learn more about the work ofBob Sadler please visit his page by clicking on his name.
Featured Comments
“Thank you for this gorgeous and moving tribute to the man I was fortunate enough to call Dad. His art brought him so much joy.”
“Thank you for your kind words about Bob. He was a wonderful man with a big heart. He will be dearly missed.” Jacqui Turner
“Mr Sadler’s heron work is calming in a profound way and his writing has such grace. Sorrow for all who knew and loved him.”Robynne Limoges
“I am so very sorry to hear – my condolences to all who knew him, and I’m grateful for his beautiful work.” Ruthy Dick
“I’m so saddened to hear Bob Sadler passed away this week. I met him at Depth of Field exhibit we were in, in Carmel.” Lynda Faye Braun
“Thank you for this feature. You’ve captured Bob’s spirit much as he captured the spirit of the people and the seabirds. A loss for us all.”Yvette Meltzer
Thank you for your kind words about Bob. He was a wonderful man with a big heart. He will be dearly missed.
Thank you for this feature. You’ve captured Bob’s spirit much as he captured the spirit of the people and the seabirds. A loss for us all.
Thank you for this. I am sorry to hear of this news. He was so kind and helpful. His photography is beautiful.
Thank you for this gorgeous and moving tribute to the man I was fortunate enough to call Dad. His art brought him so much joy.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.