Some Thoughts From Photographer Jay Maisel (1931-2026); One Of The 20th Century’s Best Who Hated New Cameras!

Jay Maisel (1931-2026). Photograph by Randy Duchaine (Fair Use)Noted photographer Jay Maisel died on August 20, 2026. He was 95 years old. The photography world lost a giant. As one would expect, there have been many tributes and accolades about his work and life. I have been an admirer of his work for decades. Recently, I read as well as watched some interviews with him and feel as though some of the things he said about photography, his philosophy and how he worked would be of interest to some of you. I think they are worth reading. I think we can certainly learn from him.Jay was very prolific and famous as a photographer, especially with his use of color. Like just a few other photographers of the 1960s era, he shot color when only black & white photography was accepted by the art world. In fact he was one of the most prolific and successful photographers of the second half of the 20th century and well into the 21st. century. Interestingly enough, by his own admission, he knew very…