Monte Zucker

MONTE ZUCKER

Since Monte Zucker was my very first mentor and also influenced me throughout my whole career, I will start the story of The Early Pioneer Greats of Wedding Photography with Monte Zucker.

I first heard of and met Monte back in 1974. I was building my wedding photography business and went to a Seminar he was having in NJ. This was my first seminar/workshop on photography and I was inspired in so many ways that I never forgot that Seminar.

Even back then he elevated the profession to a new level. Offering his style of elegance in photography from everything from perception to delivering the final album and product.

Even to this day his influence can be seen in many of today's top photographers. I would have to include Monte in the top circle of photographer greats along with Rocky Gunn, Bill Stockwell and a few others who pioneered and raised the standards in wedding and portrait photography.

Monte Zucker taught all over the world and probably had more students than anyone else in the business. Some of his accolades included the 2002 Photographer of the Year Award from the United Nations, master of photography and photographic craftsman degrees from the Professional Photographers of America, the Westcott Award for Achievement, fellowship in the American Society of Photographers, membership in the elite Camera Craftsmen of America and distinction as a Canon Explorer of Light.

I was fortunate to have studied with Monte on several occasions. I always believed investing in education is a wise choice and will get you there quicker and save you not only money in trial and error but a lot of time. I especially believed in studying with artists who are actually walking the walk and not just talking the talk.

The last time I studied with Monte was at the Triangle Institute of Photography in Pittsburgh. One of the most amazing things I remember was toward the end of the class some of us students were asked to pose a bride and groom. There were exceptional photographers there as well. After they were finished posing, Monte would step in and offer his suggestions as to adding the finishing touches. Little things like a slight tilt or turn of the head or hands or paying more attention to some minor detail would transform that portrait into a masterpiece.

Although his traditional methods of posing and lighting sometimes met criticism as being too static as the technology changed, Mr. Zucker nevertheless commanded the respect of generations of photographers who learned from him how to light and pose a bride to perfection. Classic Portraiture the way Monte photographed it never went out of style. You can see much of his influence in some of the top wedding and portrait photographers today.

Monte Zucker, who passed away March 15, 2007, was not only a gifted photographer, Lecturer, teacher, mentor, print competition judge and chairman and author, but also a kind hearted human being who will be missed by his friends and peers. But his Photographic Works of Art will live on for generations to enjoy.

Left to Right - Monte Zucker, Rocky Gunn and Bill Stockwell when Bill and Monte competed in a heavily touted battle in the boxing ring at Caesar�s Palace in 1981. With Rocky Gunn as the referee.

Special thanks to Bill Stockwell of http://www.mauiweddingphotographer.com/ for the use of photo