When the new developing website herpphoto.com asked me to write a review of John Williams work for an upcoming article highlighting the outstanding and monumental figures in our field, needless to say I was a bit daunted. How could I put into words the influence that someone as important as John has had not only on he… Read more

When the new developing website herpphoto.com asked me to write a review of John Williams work for an upcoming article highlighting the outstanding and monumental figures in our field, needless to say I was a bit daunted. How could I put into words the influence that someone as important as John has had not only on herpetology and photography, but my own personal life and growth as well. So I sat down listening to inspirational music and let my pen start flowing. I first met John on a crisp January morning as we prepared to set out to look for breeding Ambystomatids. His hand sought mine like a laser beam and from that first firm, commanding handshake I knew I was in the presence of greatness. I watched him throughout the weekend and was amazed by his herping prowess. He knew exactly which areas to target, which logs to flip. And as the shutter of his camera cried out time and time again, I was filled with excitement, like a kid on Christmas, barely able to wait to see the results of his hard photographic work. And the next day when I opened Flickr, I was not disappointed. Lighting - Check. Depth of Field - Check. Pose - Check. Sharpness - Check. Composition - Check. Substrate - Check. I just could not believe that each and every aspect of his photos were executed to perfection. So I spent days browsing his photostream. Each photo was better than the next, and by the end of it all I was left with tears in my eyes and awe in my heart. Over the years our friendship grew. And not only did he come to mentor my photographic pursuits, but he helped me through several personal struggles as well. Through every trial, and every tribulation, I knew I could count on John. Whether it was what ISO to use to photograph an uncooperative Central newt, to how to handle the difficulties of a long distance relationship with my fiancee, John was there. So here I pay tribute to this man and his impeccable body of work. To all who are fortunate enough to stumble across the photostream, consider yourselves lucky. For nowhere else on Flickr, nor this planet will you find a place so educational, moving, and breathtaking. You will cry, you will laugh, but at the end of the day you will be filled with the comforting feeling that men like John Williams still exist in this world. Thank you John. For everything.