We lost a good one.
It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Kevin Raber, whose passion for photography and generous spirit touched countless lives within our community and beyond.
When the news reached me through one of our members, I felt a deep shock. In so many ways, Kevin has been a mentor to us all. His enthusiasm fueled not just his own photography but inspired us to explore the world and, as he would always emphasize, make prints of what we capture. That tangible connection to our art was something he championed throughout his career.
A Legacy of Leadership and Generosity
Chris Sanderson shared these moving words about Kevin’s passing (https://photopxl.com/):
“Our community lost a champion today. Following a series of strokes over the past 48 hours, Kevin has passed away in Indianapolis. As I look at the letters ‘RIP’ that are placed over his photograph, I realize of course that the last thing Kevin would do is rest. Kevin was a man of boundless energy and enthusiasm with a true passion – combined in a soul uniquely joyous and tender.
He leaves his wife Debra, sister Christine and sons Kevin, Bobby & Scott, his step-son and -daughter Maxwell & Claire and granddaughters Mia, Ellie & Frances – and so many friends & colleagues. Lastly his beloved dog Maggie and the cats Ansel, Jupiter & Nova.
I will create a ‘virtual’ Book of Remembrance on the PhotoPXL forum for friends and readers to share their memories of Kevin.
In sorrow, Chris Sanderson”
When we took over Luminous Landscape, the transition felt surreal, particularly because of the profound joy that Kevin and Michael had created together. The pain Kevin felt when separated from this community was evident, which makes me all the more grateful for the many conversations we shared about LuLa afterward.
Together, they built something that influenced so many of us in profound ways.
A Helping Hand During Transition
Kevin was a principled person who extended extraordinary kindness during our transition. He helped set things straight with LuLa, teaching me fundamentals like how to write posts and manage links. Did he have to help us at all? No. But his love for this community – for you – drove him to ensure the legacy would continue. His kindness in those moments revealed his character.
Once we completed the purchase of LuLa and cleared past ownership issues, Kevin’s support proved invaluable. Our many discussions covered not just photography and cameras, but websites, postings, and YouTube production – areas where I had much to learn. His generosity with knowledge was matched only by his inspiring approach to teaching. I hope to extend the same grace and kindness to others that he showed to me.
Personal Touches
Just a couple of months ago, Kevin asked for our address and sent a “LuLa” care package filled with treasures he had preserved over the years. I drink from the coffee mug he sent every morning and wear the t-shirt often. These tangible connections to his legacy remind me daily of his commitment to this community.
His writing, videos, and desire to teach others how to create will continue to inspire photographers around the world. His recent challenge to make a print every day (https://photopxl.com/making-a-print-a-day-for-the-whole-year/) demonstrates his lifelong commitment to the craft – always encouraging others to create tangible expressions of their vision.
Antarctic Adventures and Worldwide Exploration
Kevin often spoke fondly of his Antarctic expeditions – trips that seemed to capture his adventurous spirit and love for photography in challenging environments. These journeys, along with his many global excursions, opened windows to remote corners of the world for photographers who followed his work and teachings.
His passion for exploration and creating images in these remarkable locations showed his dedication to pushing boundaries – both geographical and creative. Kevin understood that great photography often requires stepping outside your comfort zone, a philosophy he lived by and encouraged in others.
Honoring His Memory
Kevin Raber, you’ll be missed, sir. Thank you for everything you’ve given to the photography community and to Luminous Landscape.
I feel honored to be part of the legacy that Kevin and Michael created. Their camaraderie and love of photography and adventure are values I hope to carry forward here at LuLa.
In some ways, I feel I’m stepping into the footsteps of photographic giants. Thank you to this wonderful community that has welcomed me, and thank you, Kevin, for your kindness, wisdom, and generous spirit.
Share Your Memories
We invite our community to share stories, words, or photographs about Kevin and his impact on your photographic journey. Please send an email to [email protected] with your thoughts or memories. We plan to gather these tributes and publish them in the coming weeks to celebrate Kevin’s life and contributions to our community.
The light Kevin brought to the photography world will continue to shine through all those he taught and inspired. Stay luminous, indeed.
Some memorable LuLa contributions:
- Rules, Disciplines, and Other Talk
URL: https://swindyfilms.wop-lab.company/rules-disciplines-and-other-talk/
Highlight: A reflective piece on the importance of understanding and breaking photographic rules, encouraging creativity and personal expression in photography. - Is Good, Good Enough?
URL: https://swindyfilms.wop-lab.company/is-good-good-enough/
Highlight: A deep discussion on the balance between technical perfection and artistic expression in photography, sparking debate among photographers. - Antarctica 2020 Expedition With Art Wolfe and Kevin Raber
URL: https://swindyfilms.wop-lab.company/antarctica-2020-expedition-with-art-wolfe-and-kevin-raber/
Highlight: An extraordinary look into an expedition to one of the most remote places on Earth, filled with stunning visuals and expert insights. - The Leica Story – The Finale
URL: https://swindyfilms.wop-lab.company/the-leica-story-the-finale/
Highlight: A personal reflection on Leica cameras and their impact on photography, providing valuable insights into the brand’s legacy. - Having Fun With Panoramas
URL: https://swindyfilms.wop-lab.company/having-fun-with-panoramas/
Highlight: A creative exploration of panoramic photography, offering practical tips and inspiring examples. - Masters: William Neill
URL: https://swindyfilms.wop-lab.company/videos/masters-william-neill/
Highlight: A deep dive into the work of landscape photographer William Neill, exploring his artistic approach and vision. - Interview – Masters Series: Don Burrell
URL: https://swindyfilms.wop-lab.company/videos/interview-masters-series-don-burrell/
Highlight: A fascinating conversation with Don Burrell, discussing his contributions to photography and the art of capturing compelling images. - Interview: Edward Burtynsky
URL: https://swindyfilms.wop-lab.company/videos/interviews-edward-burtynsky/
Highlight: An engaging discussion with renowned photographer Edward Burtynsky about his large-scale environmental photography. - Back to The Print
URL: https://swindyfilms.wop-lab.company/videos/back-to-the-print/
Highlight: A valuable tutorial focusing on the importance of printing in the digital age, with expert techniques for high-quality prints.
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