Donald Blake died last week, in Santa Fe. His unique visage was a staple at the Santa Fe Photo Workshops for many years, and there are countless portraits of him in computer files and on hard drives everywhere. The camera loved him, and he loved it right back.
We became close friends over time. He always came back, “out of retirement” for my classes. One of my fondest memories is him spinning my wife Annie and my studio manager Lynn, teaching them the two step, on the dance floor at Tiny’s, where he and his honey Mary Jo would always go on Friday nights. Out in the field, I loved the twinkle in his eye as he sipped his “coffee” which was, at least sometimes, straight Cuervo.
He was always a total pro. When he came to location, he would come with his own clothes rack and variety of suits, jackets and hats. He was invariably early, and possessed of an energy that spoke to a much younger individual. Experienced with lighting to a fault, I would often watch a workshop participant set up a light, and have Donald, with a knowing nod, quietly say, “You’re gonna wanna move that light a bit to the left.” He was always right.
We would talk of many things, which he was capable of doing quite readily, as he himself had been many things during his long life. Traveled and skilled, he could spin wonderful yarns. I suspect a great number of them were true.
What was certainly true was our friendship. I will miss him. He said to me once, “Joe, the day they put me down, all the music in the world’s gonna stop.” Well, some of the music in my heart certainly stopped when I got the news of his passing. It will resume, I know, strong and true, as I will look at clouds now and know he is there, sipping tequila, and nodding approval when I am at the camera and put the light in the right place.
More tk…..
Joe, sorry to hear about the passing of your friend.
I’m truly saddened by this news. I remember meeting Donald at one of your workshops. He truly was a remarkable character! And, as always, your prose does justice to his memory.
Sad news Joe. Pass on our commiserations to his family.
I am very sorry for your loss, Joe. I remember reading about Donald in your book Sketching Light. As you know, he was on its cover and in the chapter titled Lighting the Wind, which I just re-read this morning. As you say in that chapter, his face had “rugged, biblical . . . lines of life.” May he rest in peace.
Sounds like a real nice guy. Kind and eloquent words Joe.
I celebrate his friendship with you and the world but I am sorry for the loss of a loyal friend. I’m sorry I never met him—he sounds like a fine gent.
Amazing man, only met him once but he was the kind you never forget!
One of my favourites:
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on the snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.
“Throughout the years, this poem has appeared in many places and in many forms. The original was written in 1942 by Baltimorean Mary Frye on the back of a brown paper bag. Frye wrote the poem for a friend whose mother had died in Germany; the daughter had been unable to attend the funeral because of World War II.”
Too bad to read this man left us. Great face and great character. I have always loved his presence in your photos. And I will miss him. May he rest in piece.
That was a beautiful tribute. I’m sorry you lost your friend…
Many thanks for reading…Donald was an amazing guy…
Many thanks…
Thank you, Mike, that is lovely. And calming….
Will do, appreciate the thoughts…
Thank you Richard! I’m glad you had a chance to meet him.
R.I.P. – So sorry.
Always loved the photographic results of your relationship with one another.. and I can see that pictures were just a part of it. It seems you and Donald shared more than just an interest in photos, but in life too. Thanks for sharing the images, memories and other parts of him that rubbed off on you.
Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. A truly iconic face that will that live on through your work. May the images you shared together always keep the memories of him with you!
Thank you for posting this. He was my great uncle, my grandma Dotty’s brother. I never got to meet him. She loved even though their adult years were not spent together. Thank you for giving us the man from your words and photos
My mother, Dorothy Blake Nicholas was Jerry’s sister. She lost contact with him many years ago. She passed away in 2013. She had the same beautiful white hair. We have wondered about him for many years. We would appreciate any information you could send us about him. Thank you for the wonderful tribute to him..