Rangefinder Magazine and WPPI 2002

In July 2002 I had the honor of becoming president of Rangefinder Publishing. This was the last magazine before a new team started to build a bigger and better publication, although Bill Hurter was always the driving force. (He's missed by so many of us today.) At the time my responsibilities included WPPI and Rangefinder Magazine. The magazine grew to a record-breaking 350+ pages over the next seven years.

Although my career on the professional side of the business started in 1987 at Hasselblad USA, joining RF/WPPI created some of my career's strongest friendships. Even this page sharing the work of the four winners on this 2002 recap from the magazine has four old friends, Joe Buissink, "Sklooty," Frank Cava and Joe Photo. 

Five years later Joe and I wrote a book together. I still catch up to him and "Sklooty" at various shows, and Joe Photo and I connected on Facebook not too long ago. Joe Photo and Michele Celentano co-hosted the WPPI awards program for several years. I didn't know Frank Cava as well as his brother Anthony, but I certainly knew his work and together their images were regular winners in WPPI competition.

And the fact that this scan is from the 2002 print competition is even more fun for me. I've written a lot about print comp - the judging event is one of the most valuable programs you can attend! For WPPI it's always before the trade show. The reason it's so helpful is all about your education. You've got multiple judges in each category and the opportunity to listen to their critique of every print. It's an incredible experience.

I had a lot of fun going through this old issue, and it's all thanks to Throwback Thursday. Take the time today and pick up a photographic magazine ten years or older. You'll be amazed at the changes in style, technology and even the ads are fun to review. It will also give you a better appreciation for all the creative tools you have today, and just how much the styles and technology have changed!

Happy Throwback Thursday!