There are some things that you never forget. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, as an aspiring photographer, I remember with great anticipation following the results of the National Press Photographers monthly clip contest. At that time, a small newspaper in Ithaca, New York was making a big name for itself in the world of photojournalism. With a handful of exceptional talent the Ithaca Journal consistently produced some of the most memorable images of this rural upstate New York community.
John Metzger came to the Ithaca Journal and inspired a generation of young photojournalists to make compassionate, engaging and meaningful images, especially of people. During his career John won 7 regional "Photographer of the Year" awards from the NPPA.
John died Wednesday of a heart attack while on vacation in Hawaii to visit his son. He was 56 years old.
Since 1993, John had been director of photography at the Santa Rosa Press Democrat and I will always regret never having made a trip north to finally meet him in person.