Albert (Al) Normandin worked for Jay Maisel from 1982 to 1985 in the Bank Building at 190 The Bowery, NYC.
Jay had his 94th birthday on January 18, 2025.
Al Normandin had an idea, he wrote :
“I know he is not counting the years anymore and would much rather NOT be reminded.
Instead of sending Jay birthday wishes, I thought it would be nice for Jay to hear from his friends and fans of his work. Let him know how his images have touched you.
He has been a mentor to many of us and certainly inspired so very many more in the photographic and art world.
What I am asking, if you are interested, is for you to write a few words, a sentence or two, maybe a paragraph, maximum a full page.
I will compile your words, print them out and send them to Jay.
Please don’t tell Jay, his family and staff. I am hoping this will be a nice surprise for him. ” – Al Normandin
Here are today 15 of the texts Normandin received.
Happy Birthday Jay !
Jean-Jacques Naudet
Dear Jay
A collection of words and stories from fellow photographers, friends, fans and admirers of Jay Maisel. Collected by Albert Normandin
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FUCK!
So I was sitting here in my office thinking of how to write to a photographer whose work has haunted me my entire life, and I realized that I had to get in at least one “Fuck!” in the very first sentence. So far, so good.
Let’s start with the photographs you send every two weeks; no sooner have I recovered from the deep psychosis of “holy shit, look at these,” when I wake up two weeks later on Saturday and bam! there’s yet another 50 or 60 photographs that dazzle me into submission, and I’m forced to admit that damn, he’s right, it’s so hard to make a photograph without a camera, and holy mother of God, look at THIS take!
I’m feeling the weight of getting older, but it’s so much easier to live through this late stage of picture envy when I look at your life’s output. When I was first falling in love with photography, I waited on Friday in my father’s waiting room (he was a doctor), for LIFE magazine to arrive. At some point in the 1980s I waited every Sunday to open the NY Times and see your latest shots for United Technologies — a Calder mobile hovering in front of a staircase, or the Citicorp building lit up in gold against the skyline of New York. And geez, this guy was raking in money playing in his playground!
I think what we all realized at some point was that there was this kid we all knew in high school who never grew up, who was in love with light, and people, and color, and moments that escaped most of of us, but that he was the one who just had to catch all of them…because well, that’s just who he is. You have given us joy, and passion, and direction, as we watched and learned from you as you found mystery in the mundane, and the extraordinary in the empire of light, carrying on in that spirit that slapped us in the face on our first roll of Kodachrome.
You don’t live a charmed life — you have worked at it, played with it, and walked the walk; more than anything, thank you for being the character that Stephen Wilkes captured so brilliantly in his film. It’s been a lot of fun to hear you talk, and follow your life, and occasionally show you a few photographs, and just as occasionally admit that I’ve learned something from you. Bless you, and blessings to your family. Now go say ten Hail Mary’s.
Eric Meola
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Being a “Still Life” Photographer all of my life-meaning that I tell people to sit down and as you would say…FUCKING HOLD STILL!, I have always been amazed not only with what you’ve been able to capture, but how effortlessly you have always made it seem.
The irony that so often surfaces in your photographs is something that few people are able to achieve and certainly not in the manner in which you are able to do so.
Your color palette is unparalleled. What you are able to see and capture in what often seems the simplest of moments is what layers the images with the complexity that only you are able to create.
I cherish our crazy moments in the early days at the wine dinners listening to you go off while sipping on a Coca Cola! You are certainly an original and they must’ve broken the mold after you exited the womb.
I love you Jay! Miss seeing you buddy. I am always too shy to just call you up and say I am coming over for a visit. Wilkes’ movie I was fortunate enough to see the very first rough cut. I have shared that film with many friends. I might just get the balls to give you a shout next Spring when I am in NYC teaching at SVA.
Much Love to you my friend,
Greg Gorman
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I’m Nick Vedros a longtime photographer and friend of Jay. I was fortunate to meet Jay a number of decades ago in New Orleans at an ASMP event. I was always a fan of his work. We sat together and chatted it up.
Funny story, Jay came to give a lecture to the local ASMP chapter at my firehouse studio in Kansas City. I was called away last minute to fly to Boston to cover a lecture for Paul Caponigro. My staff called me and said Jay liked a couple of my photographs and wanted them. I told them to give Jay whatever he wants.
When I returned I signed and shipped the prints to Jay. A few years later I was in NYC at a huge party hosted in Jay’s studio. When I walked in with my wife Patty, Jay was on a ladder and looked down at me. He said “I know you. but I can’t place your name”. When I said Nick Vedros from Kansas City, Jay replied “Damn I owe you a couple prints” We all laughed. Jay said pick out whatever you want. My wife and I had a blast picking out two amazing images. Jay said these images will be tough to find, but he did it.
My gorgeous prints arrived a few weeks later.
While most photographers were specializing, Jay specialized in having a gifted eye and being able to find amazing photographs anywhere he looked.
Please give Jay my best and tell him he is a living legend.
Kind regards,
Nick Vedros
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Dear Jay,
Happy Birthday! Your work has always been a profound source of inspiration, reminding us all of the beauty in the everyday. Your ability to see color, light, and humanity with such clarity has influenced not only my journey but countless others. Thank you for showing the world how to look deeper. Wishing you joy, health, and endless moments of discovery.
Warm regards,
Steve McCurry
* * * * *
The first time I was in the vicinity of Jay Maisel I was teaching at Maine media. We were both staying in the same house, and on the first morning at about 5:30, I was pulled out of my deep sleep by the sound of somebody clumping down the stairs and out the front door. I looked out my window and there was Jay getting into his car. His class didn’t meet for another 3 1/2 hours, and there he was heading off with camera in hand to see what he could find.
Next morning same thing… and the next and the next.
And that was the first time I learned something from Jay. There have been many times since, and they were always that oblique. The lesson was always in what he did, not in what he said… although, come to think of it, he said some wonderful things. I take that back, I learned a lot from just listening and talking with him.
Thank you, Jay
Sean Kernan
* * * * *
Our paths first crossed during the collaborative “Day in the Life of Canada” book project, which was a remarkable experience in itself.
Jay came to my studio, and we spent an enjoyable day exploring the town together, immersing ourselves in the sights and sounds that make Toronto so unique. What struck me most was his fascination with my secretary; it seemed he didn’t want to leave!
The next time we met was in New York, where I visited his bank. He graciously offered me a thorough tour of the establishment, which left a lasting impression on me—not only because of the impressive architecture but also due to the warm and welcoming environment he cultivated there.
Our final encounter was during my art opening in New York, a moment that I cherish deeply. Jay was there, sitting in the front row, adorned with an array of Nikon cameras slung over his shoulders, ready to capture the essence of the evening. I expressed my gratitude for his presence, to which he replied warmly, “I would not miss it for the world.”
Jay you are truly a remarkable man, an incredible photographer, and a dear friend. I look forward to catching up with you soon!
Best,
Yuri Dojc
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The Classic Jay Critique
I always remember the story of Jay critiquing a gentleman who kept showing picture after picture of slot canyons. Jay was nodding in relatively appreciative fashion throughout, but did speak up at one point and say, “You know, I don’t think you’re challenging yourself because I’ve never seen anybody shoot a bad picture of a slot canyon.” The individual nodded.
And then showed another picture of a slot canyon. Jay remarked, “On second thought….”
I took Jay’s workshop at the bank. I was so in need of another voice in my head about pictures and what I was doing, or not doing. He called me after I signed up and said, “You know I love you, but no discounts.” I said I knew and kept sending him bits and pieces of the fee over time. He called again and said, “I knew you were gonna be a pain in the ass!”
I showed up at the bank and was pulling out my stuff and he comes over and says, “What’s all this shit?” I was like, “Well, it’s my gear, Jay.”
“Uh, uh. For you, this week, one camera, one lens, no lights.”
He handed me my ass a couple times that week. But it freed me up so very much. I count that week at the bank as one of the most important of my career. Jay is a pathfinder.
Joe McNally
* * * * *
Every time I see Jay, at best, I get a “How are you?” Usually, he dives right and stirs the pot with a question, “Do you take or make a photograph?”
Jay loves to look at looking, and when he’s not, he likes to talk about it. And I like to talk with a man who likes to talk about art. With Jay, sometimes that’s photography, more often than not it’s not. We both studied painting at Yale and frequently speak about Albers’ color theory. You can see 10,000 modernist moves in his photography. That influence is so thoroughly digested you might miss it at first glance, but once you see it, it’s unforgettable.
Talking with Jay is like shooting with him, trolling punctuated by rapid-fire bursts. His observations are always succinct and spring-loaded, ready for the next. He’s got more pithy zingers and one-liners than Yogi Berra. One astute observation after another about how the eye works doesn’t need a sense of destination; not all who wander are lost; in fact, one may need to wander to be found.
One afternoon during a conference, I needed a break. I was going to see an exhibit of Hokusai and invited Jay to join me. Through our brief banter, I saw Hokusai through his eyes. He was looking at human interactions. I was looking at space. Our mouths were moving, but it was a conversation between eyes. With Jay there, I not only saw more, but I also saw myself.
John Paul Caponigro
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I met Jay at the Santa Fe Workshops many moons ago. At that time instructors gave a short presentation of their photography, half on Monday night and the rest on Wednesday night. I was surprised, and touched, that he came to every single presentation (most instructors did not). I was a fledgling instructor and was very nervous. When I realized that Jay was watching, I admit to being terrified. Afterwards Jay came up to me and said, “I like your color”. I was stunned, relieved, and deeply grateful. Those words meant more to me than he could possibly know.
His photography had inspired me to understand the importance of color in an image, and its role in, not only, conveying mood and emotion, but in basic composition. I have continued to learn from his images as they come gliding into my email every few weeks. Thank you for being an significant muse in my art.
Nevada Weir
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I have many great memories of Jay’s remarkable photography, and playing basketball against Jay at 190 The Bowery. Jay changed the face of photography with his great composition, colors, and lighting. He also took the greatest picture of Cheryl Tiegs on a hammock, for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
Best regards,
Walter Iooss
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Happy Birthday Jay!
I know what you’re thinking…
“Oh god, WHAT NOW?!” Just hold that thought 🙂
Everything you’ve shared with me about photography and life remains indelible in the way I live, the way I work, and the way I see.
You’ve challenged me relentlessly in how I view the world. Sometimes your words stung, but they’ve helped shape me and taught me a certain level of toughness and, as you like to say, arrogance…
To create art that’s for me… and not give a shit about what anyone else says or thinks, even you, my friend!
How lucky am I to get so much shit, for 46 years, from someone like you.
I love you and hope that you are feeling better, and able to continue your editing.
Wishing you good health, joy & laughter in this New Year. Keep inspiring…one day at a time.
Love,
Stephen Wilkes
* * * * *
Dear Jay,
I first discovered your awe-inspiring photographs while studying photography in my native Germany. Inspired by my professor, you quickly became one of my photographic heroes.
I don’t think I ever told you this, but when I first met you in New York in the 1980s, I actually reached out and casually touched you—just to confirm it was real!
Spending time with you and our mutual photography friends, specifically Douglas and Françoise Kirkland, is unforgettable. Your sharp wit, warmth, and kindness made every moment special.
Now that I’m living in Los Angeles, I don’t get to see you as often as I’d like, but I often think of you with great fondness. Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
Warm regards,
Gerd Ludwig
* * * * *
“To be given the gift of a basically ongoing one man exhibition, spanning decades of work, is something that every other Saturday is like another event, to be included in this is an extension of what Jay has given to me for the last 60 some odd years we have known each other. and that is an exquisite lesson in seeing, color, gesture, graphic design, humor, passion and perhaps the greatest gift of all, a dear, life long friendship….
Love you Jay!”
Paul Potash
* * * * *
I remember in a lecture you gave, you shared a story about taking a photograph of a woman on the street. When she turned to you and asked, “Why?” you responded, “Because you are beautiful.” I cherish you and your work deeply because you find beauty in city streets, shadows, light, color, and everyday people. Listening to you has taught me how to truly see.
Though I am not a photographer, I’ve learned to observe the world with intention——to seek the quiet beauty of a November landscape and find joy in a colorful reflection.
I love you,
Lauren Wendle
* * * *
Jay… What can I say that hasn’t already been said?
Professionally, you’ve long been considered one of the most important color photographers of the past seven decades.
Your influence has crossed over generations of photographers.
Always one to voice your opinions, you continually have been a major voice for photographers and their rights.
And, your generosity of knowledge is exemplified in your countless lectures and workshops.
But, it is your childlike sense of curiosity as well as your love affair with light, color and gesture that is legendary and created one of the most prolific bodies of work by any photographer or artist.
Please, keep the photographs coming for the joy and inspiration they give all of us!
On the personal side of things, I feel very fortunate and happy that our friendship is now going on almost 50 years.
And while you have continuously inspired me, I’ve always felt like you were the older brother I never had.
Conversations, constant teasing, occasional complaining, critiquing each others photographs, sharing meals, smoking great cigars, and laughing (always laughing) has made the relationship what it is… a classic!
So, in the words of Bob Hope’s signature song, “Thanks for the Memories”… let me finish by saying that I’m looking forward to many, many more… memories and photographs!
Love and hugs,
Arthur Meyerson
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Jay Maisel Collections
I am sure most of you know how prolific Jay has been over these many years. He continues to work on this massive archive showing us his incredible vision.
Some of you may already be signed up to his bi-weekly emails of his photographic collections.
Now up to #158, which can be seen here:
https://www.jaymaisel.com/
If you are not signed up, you can join the list on this page:
https://www.jaymaisel.com/pages/contact
When I call Jay, we talk about his past collections and he is excited to tell me about the collections coming up.
Albert Normandin
