The Current Ansel Adams Story

[LenDog]

I'm curious to hear everyone's take on the current news regarding the alledged "lost" Ansel Adams negatives, purchased for $45 USD at a garage sale but purportedly worth $200M USD.

The NPR version is here: Ansel Adams Or Not? The Answer's Worth Millions : NPR

I think this will add to Ansel Adam's popularity, from a photopgraphy standpoint a good thing, whether the negatives prove true or false. Yet... wouldn't it be "sweet" if there were more of Ansel Adam's photos to see than we've seen before?

However, I kind of think of Ansel Adams as the "Lightroom of the Darkroom", and can't see another developer doing justice to his work.

Your thoughts?

[Eastree]

Apparently there's a claim that they're not actually Ansel Adams' work.

It’s Not Ansel Adams, It’s Uncle Earl — ANIMAL

I don't know exactly how trustworthy that news site is, so I'm waiting for more confirmation.

[Kat Landreth]

Adam's former assistant, Alan Ross, still develops negatives using the same tools and techniques Adams himself used. He's the one who makes Yosemite prints for anseladams.com

If these negs turn out to be real it would be cool to see what Ross could do with them. Next best thing to the man himself!

[Digidave]

Well, if they are Uncle Earl's photos, what does that say about his skills as a photographer. To be compared to Ansel Adams & all. Or, does it mean that Ansel Adams was an average photographer. I know, that's kind of strong language there, but think about it. Why wasn't Uncle Earl as famous as Ansel. Better PR maybe?

I know! I got it figured out now!!
Uncle Earl must of had one of those cameras that can't take a bad snap. It's your classic, "Your camera takes really good pictures", line.

[NicoleScraps]

I think that it would be very cool if these were Ansel Adams. But whether they are or not, the Adams Trust representatives are coming off like a bunch of jerks. Every article that I have read, they are either denying it as possible, fighting it, or threatening to sue. Why are they so opposed to even considering that these could have belonged to Ansel Adams? I truely do not understand.

[ZannieGirl49]

Originally Posted by Eastree

Apparently there's a claim that they're not actually Ansel Adams' work.

It’s Not Ansel Adams, It’s Uncle Earl — ANIMAL

I don't know exactly how trustworthy that news site is, so I'm waiting for more confirmation.

Yes, the story is trustworthy and the claim has been made. I saw Uncle Earl's niece being interviewed on the local news (as an exclusive). It'll be pretty interesting to see how the experts land on this one.

[LenDog]

Originally Posted by NicoleScraps

I think that it would be very cool if these were Ansel Adams. But whether they are or not, the Adams Trust representatives are coming off like a bunch of jerks. Every article that I have read, they are either denying it as possible, fighting it, or threatening to sue. Why are they so opposed to even considering that these could have belonged to Ansel Adams? I truely do not understand.

I got the same impression, and haven't heard any details on the Adams Trust evaluating the negatives, so I'm wondering what they're basing their denials on.

[LeeR]

You have to remember that Adams took many thousands of images and yet is only remembered for a handful. I have seen some images from his very early career and, trust me, we have seen much better here on DPS. Even by his own admission, one or two great shots in a year was considered productive. However, there are those shots where everything came together, the lighting, the scene and his rather prodigious technical skills, to make something truly awe inspiring.
I also suspect there are a number of Zone Systems devotees out there who would love to have a shot at making a print with one of these plates and I suspect some could do them justice.