Master Photographer and Inspirational Educator John Blakemore Dies at 88
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Loading... - Caitlin Byrne
- 22 Jan 2025
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The photography world mourns the loss of John Blakemore, a celebrated British photographer and educator, who passed away at the age of 88. Renowned for his stunning landscape and nature photographs, Blakemore was particularly noted for his innovative use of long exposure techniques and multiple exposures, often capturing the essence of time in nature through his lens.
Blakemore's work has been described by the Centre for British Photography as that of “one of the leading photographers of landscape and nature in the world.” His mastery over tone and exposure set him apart, allowing him to create images that resonated deeply with viewers. Dr. Michael Pritchard from The Royal Photographic Society praised Blakemore’s work as “beautiful, meticulously executed and thoughtful,” highlighting the profound impact of his artistic vision.
Beyond his technical prowess, Blakemore was known for his engaging personality and generosity. His friend and colleague Paul Hill remarked, “John wasn’t a diva. He was an extremely engaging individual who was very generous with his time. His gentleness, his understanding, his intellect was of a very high caliber.” This warmth and approachability made him a beloved figure in the photography community.
Blakemore dedicated decades to teaching art and photography, sharing his knowledge through formal classes at Derby College of Art, workshops, and various media. In 2001, he was honored with the title of Emeritus Professor of Photography at the University of Derby, reflecting his significant contributions to education in the field.
His award-winning photography was showcased in over 25 solo exhibitions spanning six decades. Notably, he received the 1992 Fox Talbot Award for Photography and was named an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society in 1998, recognizing his outstanding achievements and influence.
Throughout his illustrious career, Blakemore published numerous books that further solidified his legacy, including Inscape (1991), Stilled Gaze (1994), John Blakemore’s Black and White Photography Workshop (2005), and John Blakemore Photographs 1955-2010 (2011). These works not only showcased his photography but also served as educational resources for aspiring photographers.
John Blakemore will be remembered not only for his incredible portfolio of nature, still life, and documentary photography but also for the lasting impact he had on generations of photographers he taught. Dr. Pritchard noted, “Through his exhibitions and books, his work reached a wide audience. His legacy is his own photography but also the students he taught and who now produce work to his exacting standards and teach in their own right.”
Reflecting on his life and career in a 2023 interview, Blakemore shared, “I’ve enjoyed it, it’s been important to me. And my personal life has been ridiculous and always for me, photography has been a sort of strand of sanity through it. And so [photography] has been very important to me and I’ve worked very hard at it and I’ve enjoyed it.” He concluded with a light-hearted remark, “But at the end of the day, there’s a lot of bits of paper in boxes. And that’s a suitable end, isn’t it?”
John Blakemore’s passing marks the end of an era for the world of photography. His artistic contributions, educational impact, and the warmth he shared with those around him will be remembered fondly. As the photography community reflects on his legacy, Blakemore’s work will continue to inspire future generations of photographers, ensuring that his influence endures long after his passing.
