Mojave Cloud Series #7, 1974

Master photographer, teacher, mentor and advocate for excellence in photography, Al Weber has passed away at the age of 85.

Robert Yellowlees, Lumière founder, noted, “Al was a friend to many… personally and professionally. His work was admired, his advise sought and his integrity respected.”

“No matter the subject, the color, or perspective from ground or the air… Al’s photographs always radiate his commitment to excellence in his craft… whether behind the camera or in the darkroom in his Carmel Highlands studio.”

After his studies at the University of Denver and his service as a Marine
artillery officer in Korea, he relocated on California’s Monterey Peninsula.

Al was proud to be a teacher.

A University of California catalogue in 1980 said that he had likely taught more workshops than any other living photographer. His teaching included Monterey Community College, UC Santa Cruz, the Ansel Adams Yosemite Workshops (1963-1981), Friends of Photography and as a visiting professor or artist-in-residence at a dozen universities. He, and his wife Suzie, founded and managed the Victor School (of art) in Colorado for 30 years.

Select to view a Pictorial Tribute Exhibition of Al’s work.

Lumière is pleased to announce the addition of a portfolio by photographer Al Weber, to the Collectors Edition Portfolios.

This portfolio, selected in consultation with the artist, represents work from a 2011 exhibition of his photographs at the Center for Photography Arts in Carmel California. Al Weber’s career in photography spans six decades. The subjects of his work run the gamut from aerial and architectural photography to portraits, abstracts, and imagery of the American Southwest. E-MAIL for more information.

The Center for Photographic Art
June – July 2011
Carmel California

An Exhibition featuring Aerial Photography by Al Weber was held at the Center for Photographic Art in Carmel CA (June-July 2011), published with this exhibition is a 56 page catalog. Weber’s work was featured in the 2010 Lumière exhibition Picturing the West.

Al Weber’s career in photography spans six decades and illustrates mastery of both black-and-white and color processes. The subjects of his commercial assignments and personal work run the gamut from aerial, industrial, architectural, portraiture, abstractions and imagery of the American West. His photographs have been shown in over 200 exhibitions, corporate clients include Dupont, Eastman Kodak, Polaroid and Hasselblad. Weber’s photographs are in the numerous permanent collections including The Art Institute of Chicago, M. H. de Young Museum, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

Weber work was featured in Lumière’s exhibition: Picturing The West. The program included his exceptional rock art, landscapes and aerial photography. His aerial photography is the cover story in the March/April issue of Photo Technique Magazine.

Below is an excerpt of the article.

“When I photograph from the air, I feel I must have a sense of flight in the photograph. The birds eye view. The quickness required. The ever present wind. The gentle vibration of the plane. The presence of a pilot I like and trust. The wonderful sense of isolation. Everything it takes to make an aerial photograph.”

Al Weber’s photography has been exhibited in the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Fine Arts in Kyoto, Japan, and in many regional museums. He has taught photography since 1963, as instructor for Ansel Adams in Yosemite, at his own Victor School, CO, and in workshops including those with David Vestal at the Photographers’ Formulary in Montana. He was Educational Chairman at Friends of Photography in Carmel, CA and spent many years in a varied career of commercial photography for national publications and major manufacturers. This article is a prelude to a book of Weber’s aerial photography scheduled to be published later this year.