He made me what I am today

I belatedly note the passing of Leigh Stocker, a friend and photographer I knew during my formative years (artistically speaking) in Long Beach in the late 1970s. I began painting during that time, and when I left Long Beach to move in with my girlfriend (now wife), Leigh predicted an end to my painting. He was right for a few years, but I always remembered his comment, and have been trying to prove him wrong ever since.

Take a look at his work here. If you do, be sure to read his biography for some essential context. In a person's life, there are perhaps one or two people who have a profound influence. Leigh was one of those, for me and a lot of others.