Tosh Lives On
Hey, Peter. It was just awesome learning photography from you
over Columbus Day weekend. It meant more to me than I could
ever show. Being my father's (Peter Tosh) youngest child, I
have very few memories of him. My mom also has very few pictures
of my Dad, so when I think of my father, often times it are
your iconic photos that pop into my head. You and Ronni have
a wonderfully warm spirit, and I am very grateful for you giving
me this experience. Keep In Touch, Niambe
Les Leland on Dyke Bridge
History's Chroniclers
As a beginning photographer, I am beyond elated with my whole
experience of coming to your workshop. I guess I didn't realize
that you would be sweeping us into your life like you did, allowing
us to participate with you as a famous photographer, and getting
to really know you as a person. When I learned that we were
going to take photos of Les Leland for the promotion of his
new book, Left To Die, I was ecstatic! Meeting the foreman of
the Grand Jury from the Kennedy-Chappaquiddick case, being at
the bridge, and then having it all sent off to the Boston Globe
and printed the next day was so fascinating and forever memorable.
It was also deepened by the experience by having the chance
to talk with Les and hear his story first hand, as though we
were his neighbors.
And if that was not enough, having Niambe Tosh join us as a
student, the daughter of Peter Tosh-- the great reggae musician
- was just over the top. What an honor it was to meet her, get
to know her, and photograph her! This was the first trip I have
made in over two years, as I have been sick with a health condition
known as systemic candida, which is caused by the over prescribing
of antibiotics. This was my first adventure away from home as
I begin to recover, and it propelled me back to life, with engaging
conversations with other students, the enjoyment of nature and
the great outdoors on Martha's Vineyard, and it sparked my creativity
which has been in hiding for some time. Friends and family are
already admiring my photographs from my trip, and want me to
give them tips! Thank you so much, Peter Simon. You are a very
special and gifted gentleman.
- Kathy Kalaf
A Shooting
Experience I had a friend over last night (we watched the wonderful
"The Impassioned Eye" DVD about Cartier-Bresson
- it was a fabulous homage). I was telling him about your
workshop and about you and how charming and congenial your
are - and it struck me that I'd forgotten to write and thank
you for the wonderful and memorable experience I had at this
fall workshop of yours on the Vineyard.
It may have been basic and covering the
fundamentals, but I hope more experienced photography buffs
don't let that stop them from attending your workshops because,
not only are the fundamentals important, but there's always
something to be learned and it's nice to have everyone, no
matter their experience, on the same page from the start.
And you didn't dwell too long on them. You soon danced us
off to a dizzying and thrillingly comprehensive shooting experience
covering everything from landscape to still-life, from portraiture
to journalistic photography. It was also a learning experience
watching how you worked the subject of your photography, whether
with people or with objects or landscapes. It was also tons
of fun!
Thank you so much! ~ Nancy Eaton
A Vineyard
Adventure! We all felt your photography workshop was just outstanding.
You managed to juggle the various skill levels of your students
so well that we all came away feeling greatly improved as
photographers. You made it fun as well as a great Vineyard
adventure. You are an excellent (and patient) teacher. Like
any fine teacher, you found something to praise in
each student’s work. We loved those gold stars! We all
thank you for your time and patience. Seeing your work so
regularly in the gallery and the Gazette makes me very happy
to be living on this special island, and sharing its beauty
along with you.
Gratefully, Jan Peakes
Telling Our
Individual Stories Seldom do things exceed my expectations. Your workshop
did that.
Starting Thursday night as a true beginner,
the learning process began. Each photography concept you wished
to share with us unfolded in a warm, cheerful and amusing
climate.
You overcame some uncooperative weather
and still managed to make us better photographers. I know
we all feel much better equipped to tell our individual stories
though the lens of the camera.
Thanks for sharing your years of experience
with us.
Paul Pohl
Making Connections The course was great. You were very generous with your
time and knowledge, and packed so many experiences into our
class. We really appreciate it.
I learned far more than I ever expected in a beginning photography
course. I learned that photography is not just about the photos,
but about the person behind the camera, and his relationship
to other people, and his environment. The field trips taught
us how to connect with both the natural landscape, as well as
with the Vineyard community as we observed your interaction
with them.
The fact that you shared your 50 year history in photography
with us by showing your work the first evening, was an exiting
intro to the course.
Class size (5) was ideal. We got a lot of individual instruction
and help in setting up shots and using our cameras.
I highly recommend the course. We had the finest instructor
and the perfect Vineyard experience all rolled up in one.
Thanks, Cathy Bellino ( the tall dark haired one with the Don
King hair-do and neon yellow sweater)
Weddings,
Portraits, and Family Photos
An Intimate Reminder
We just brought home "Timeless Moment" from the framer
and are overwhelmed by what an intimate and powerful reminder
of our wedding you captured. It is such a pleasure to be able
to relive all of the varied emotions of our wedding with all
these amazing photos.
Thank you for this priceless gift of your time and talent. We
will extremely lucky to have had you, a photographer of such
prominence, capture our glorious day forever.
Becky & Josh
Times of the Days
Our family savors many happy memories captured in photographs
by Peter Simon over the years. Peter took photographs at our
wedding, family portraits through the years, headshots for my
daughter, and larger, extended family portraits. Each time,
he has taken care to set up the shots with a careful eye to
many details, including the time of day for lighting, and the
composition of everyone together in the scene.
Peter also takes lovely spontaneous pictures, such as at our
wedding, when he captured friends and family laughing and dancing.
Peter’s style is really nice, good-humored and relaxed, which
I find special and unique in a photographer, especially at those
times when we are trying to get an extended family photograph,
with children running around! My husband and I are reassured
to know that we can count on Peter to get great shots.
The Days
Decades and Generations
Peter has been photographing our family on an annual basis
since he mid 80's. He has somehow never failed to out
do himself each year. He is so careful to choose just
the perfect place, the right light, and has an uncanny
ability to pose us in such a way that we all seem informal
relaxed, even if we aren't! His charismatic personality
matched with his amazing technical skill, and immaculate
attention to details, make his documentations of our family
really special. We now have a virtual treasure trove of
timeless images and memories that will last for many generations
to come.
The Sullivans
A Philbin Family
Peter, we wanted you to know how special that photo shoot was
at Philbin Beach - a great spot. The pictures were amazing -
as usual. We treasure all of the photos you have taken of our
family over the past 16 years. We have a number of them framed
around the house. Each time we use one on a holiday card, we
receive a lot of positive comments.Thanks for capturing the
warmth and character of our family so successfully. You are
the best! With affection,
Sally and Peter Mead
Happiness via USPS
Hi Peter,
Just wanted to let you know we received our disk and photos
today in the mail. And we LOVED THEM! They are truly beautiful!
We all look so happy and relaxed. We also are unable to see
Ben's cast. Thank you! You did a fabulous job and we are not
surprised! You are truly a gifted photographer and we feel so
lucky that are path's in life crossed and you were able to capture
the happiest days of our lives.
Till next time, Cathy, Jim, John, Michael and Ben Mazzara
Novel Ease
It's easier for me to write novels than to be photographed!
I've always been stiff and self-conscious in front of the camera.
Then I had the clever inspiration to ask Peter Simon to take
my author photographs. I love his brilliantly artistic eye,
his sense of composition, his experience and ease, and his inimitable
way of making me comfortable while he works. I don't trust anyone
but Peter to do my professional shoots, as well as cherished
photographs of Vineyard days with family and friends. He's simply
the best.
Linda Fairstein, Novelist
Children of the Beach
Peter - I would like to thank you for the fabulous job that
you did capturing the spirit of my grandchildren... the pictures
of Connor and Fiona are wonderful ... you brought so much life
to the photos ...I will always remember that sunset and beautiful
beach... we will definitely do this again...
Pat Horgan
The Jazz of Light
I am SO pleased with the photos! Everyone who has seen them
think that they are fabulous. The tree photo (I've been referencing
it to my friends as 'the money shot'- it's so good, it's priceless)
is simply stunning. My colleagues are blown away by it. I can't
believe how good you made me look in both shoots. The shot will
add a lot of substance and intrigue to my CD project!
Mark Gionfriddo, Director, Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College
High Lights
I have been looking through the pictures that you did for us
last week. I cannot express to you my emotions when I look at
these photos. I feel as if this vacation will always be with
us and the memories have been somehow captured. Thank you, thank
you for sharing your gift. I know I will always have these pictures
with me.
Chris is so excited to have shared conversation with someone
who traveled with the Grateful Dead. Forget that you are a world
class photographer. He loved speaking with you and is absolutely
sky high after talking to you about his favorite music. You
were so kind to give him the CD. Thank you so much. Again, thank
you for providing the highlight of the trip!
Karen Murphy
Manlius, NY
Through
The Lens Lecture
From Another
Isle Hi, Peter, I just wanted to say a couple of things
to you.
One, we not only enjoyed meeting both of you, but wish to once
again thank you for the lovely photos of Kathy. You put her
right at ease and got some really good moments, meaning that
these photos will always be special to us.
Beyond all that, although I had been to the Vineyard with my
son several times before and for longer duration (before I had
met Kathy), I actually never really did meet anyone else. Later
on, once again, except for the owners of the place we rented,
Kathy and I really didn't have much contact with others (reading,
hiking, showing her around the towns and quiet spots), we really
didn't get to know anyone. As trivial as that sounds, may you
know that running into Ronni and you at the gallery and just
the way the two of you make others feel welcome and interesting,
made our short visit memorable. Yes, I love the history, architecture,
rolling meadows, woods and beaches of the Island, but the two
of you breathed life into it for us. Now when I think of that
brief week, I think of the two of you.
Secondly, our background similarities made me feel immediately
comfortable around you, and my own life's work (not unlike
yours in it's creativity) gave me a sense of the things you've
lived through, the gifts (talent) you've developed, and in
some areas the price both of us have paid just to get this
far. Don't know if I'm making any sense to you, but I so appreciate
your work and even more, your demeanor. When I said goodbye
to you, I felt like I had known you far longer, and also wished
that I had met you much further back down the road.
Paul Kellogg, Nova Scotia
A Celebrated
Cruise
Peter, I'm happy to give feedback on your program aboard the
Celebrity Cruise ship to the tropics last month. Needless to
say, I was happy to see in the daily schedule that you were
speaking not only about your photography but also about your
addiction and recovery. Two subjects I'm passionate about! You
were very engaging and really was able to connect with the group.
You have a way of talking to a group of people but it feels
as if you are talking one on one......if that makes sense! I
appreciated the 'details' of your photography as that is something
I enjoy doing but have no confidence in my work! And, the photographs
you shared were really of interest to everyone. The group was
diverse in terms of age and gender but you had a nice grouping
of photos that appealed to all. I'm also a therapist so I appreciated
the background information you shared concerning how your life
contributed to your love of photography! In short, I think your
program was excellent. I think it is the best cruise enhancement
program I've seen but then, I have to share with you......that
was our first cruise ever! ha! How lucky for me that I chose
the cruise with you as a speaker!!! Let's stay in touch and
possibly look at 2009 for Circle of Hope! Thanks
Leesa Smith, MA
Babson College
Lecture
Peter Simon was by far one of the most engaging speakers that
we’ve ever had at Babson College! By sharing his personal
experiences, Peter was able to truly connect with the audience.
I think that his message got through to a lot of students. The
photographs were also amazing—they helped paint a more
vivid picture of his life and history in general. Peter Simon
was a huge hit and we would welcome him back to Babson at any
time!
Michaela Malloy, Babson College
Inheriting the
VIEW
I don't know why this showed up finally on my screen saver,
but I'm so glad to be able to e-mail you. Your photos are the
most beautiful of the Cape that I have seen, well, perhaps ever.
I inherited this computer, screen saver, etc. when I took this
job, and thankfully, your work was on it. I love your photography,
absolutely love it.
North Cairn
Assoc. Editor, Cape Cod VIEW
Austin Texas
Lecture
Greetings, Peter!
I want to thank you so much for coming to Austin, Texas to present
your amazing story and body of photography work in Sid Richardson
Hall at the University of Texas. As a reggae photographer and
radio dj, I have long admired your work. Your presentation inspired
me beyond words. Photography is not just the eye of the camera,
but the 'I' of the presenter. I remember your amazing photos
as they first appeared in some of the best known reggae books
ever published. I was stunned by your ability to capture everyday
private moments of people who were gigantic musical icons at
the time. What was so incredibly exciting was how this presentation
broadened my appreciation of your eloquent work due to the scope
and variety of subject matter which went beyond the music. Growing
up in the same generation gave me tremendous insight into what
you must have been feeling when taking such impassioned shots.
The feeling of those treasured moments instantaneously returned
as I visually travelled the sentimental journey of the past
to the present.
I was also incredibly touched by your humble and forthright
discussions. Art is all encompassing. Your style and illingness
to share precious personal aspects of your life embellished
the sensual nature of the photographs and made the experience
an interactive personal exchange. Your natural ability to be
inclusive of all is one of special skills that make your presentation
stand out from other photographers who merely deliver in a cut
and dry manner. I am so pleased the University of Texas embraced
the idea of bringing you to our city and I hope you will consider
coming back in the future. Even more, I hope one day to sit
and talk in further depth about your life and art. Give thanks,
Beverly Shaw
Director of Mission Support, National Cancer Information Center
An Inspiration
for Intimacy
Peter,
I attended your lecture on Tuesday night at UT. I bought your
book yesterday, and I love it. I've already shared it with my
friends. I wanted to thank you for your honesty, not only in
your lecture, but also in your book. I think that it carries
over into your photos, and gives them a great sense of intimacy.
I'm just starting out in photography, but lectures like yours
inspire me to keep at it. Thank you so much for making it down
to Austin. I hope you loved our great city, come back again!!!
Teresa Mioli
A Life Documented Mr. Simon,
First of all, I want to thank you for coming and speaking at
UT. I found your lecture to be by far the most enjoyable one
I've experienced. Not only were your photographs amazing and
admirable, but your personality and wit made for a very pleasurable
lecture! You made me realize that I should document my own life
and what is going on through photographs. Thanks again,
Maisey Edwards
Full Tilt Cycle
Dear Peter,
I attended your presentation last night in Austin, Texas and
I just wanted you to know that you're presentation was beautiful.
I envy the lifestyle you had, full of love and excitement. I
am happy your story, thus far, has a happy ending. I wish I
could have known you back in the day and I wish I could know
you now. I am sure you are full of life experiences that only
few people have and I am excited to buy your book to read about
them. I just wanted to write you to let you know that you're
speech last night moved me and inspired me not only to be a
better photographer but a more joyful, peaceful, loving person.
Thank you.
Stephanie D. Loredo
Life Lectures
Hello Mr. Simon,
I am a film student and a photographer. I can't tell you how
much I enjoyed your photographs and the stories behind them.
My father is a recovering alcoholic and drug user and your insight
about addiction was very moving. You have lived an amazing life
and met some of the people that I could only dream about or
listen to. Just thinking about meeting and befriending people
like Jerry Garcia, Tim Leary, and John Lennon seems like some
fantasy world to me. I would love to here some of the stories
that reside in your mind. Thanks for coming to UT, it was truly
a pleasure.
Matt Beaman
Calendars,
The Vineyard, and More!
Back to Summers
on the Isle
Peter,
You have no idea how much your work has touched my heart, and
my soul. Your passion for photography is overwhelming, as is
your talent. I purchased your "Eye and I" book, and
I am ordering your calendar, and reggae book. Being 47, married,
and the parent of six - all adopted minorities - ranging in
age from 3 to 19, your work takes me away - back to summers
on Martha's Vineyard - what a trip! Thank you, thank you - may
you be richly rewarded for your gifts.
Barb Keiser
Best of Screensavers
Hi there:
My order arrived today and as always am amazed by Peter's
work. Will be playing the cd as soon as I log off,but wanted
to say how tremendous the screensaver is. Like have the "Best
Of Peter Simon" on my screen! Thanks so much for making
my day...
Jeff Kifer
Columbus,Ohio
Hoops with Modigliani
Hi, Peter:
On off chance that you don't get too many email notes to read,
I wanted to tell you of my delight at my son's delight with
items I mailed him at his new residence at grad school in NC.
Of course I sent a calendar to get on his wall as soon as he
moved in. Then, from last week's Gazette's "sports page",
fabulous silhouette photo of basketball players at Modigliani
benefit at community center. Rafe recognized profiles of guys
he has played b-ball with for many years, and it is a magnificent
photo. Thank you for supplying just the right things for a mother
to send her "Vineyard kid" when starting grad school
in strange new area of the country.
All best wishes, Mary Beth
20 Years of the
Vineyard
Hi, Peter.
I first went to Martha's Vineyard in 1988 with my then boyfriend
(now husband) Eric. His family built a summer home in Chilmark
in the 1970s so he was lucky enough to spend his childhood summers
on the Vineyard. Anyway, I fell in love with the Island, Bunch
of Grapes Bookstore, and your calendar. Eric and I married in
1989, and we have been back every summer since (now with our
2 daughters), and every year since Santa has brought me your
Martha's Vineyard Calendar for Christmas. Imagine my pleasure
when I went to hang my 2008 calendar up on New Year's Day and
I noticed all the covers pictured from the past 20 years. What
a beautiful memento, especially since I had all of those calendars
too. It evoked many, many happy memories. Thank you for your
work these past 20 years. I look forward to 20 more!
Lori DiCaprio-Lee
Syracuse, NY
Bringing It Back Dear Peter,
I have admired your work for 25 years! I have several of your
calendars and 2 of your beautiful books. Thank you for enriching
my life for the past 20 years with your beautiful images. I
visited Martha's Vineyard in 1987 and 88 and fell in love with
its' beauty. I hope to return someday soon for another visit.
Sincerely,
Liz Marshall :)
And now for something
completely different...
dear peter simon,
i'm not really sure who i am writing to, if you will read this
stupid letter yourself or if this will just end up in a box
that nobody ever even opened (i do trust You, but i am a sceptic
of technology), but i like to address it to you.
all i want is to communicate to you my appreciation for your
work, that i have just had a chance to know through your book
i and eye (pictures of my generation), buoght for five pounds
in a dusty bookshop in london.
i'm just twenty, amatour photographer and dreamer, big dreamer.
i mostly dream of being born again somewhere in the states in
the fifties, and i dream of being a photographer, anywhere and
in any time. all i love is in that book, pictures, first of
all, and that music, the culture of counterculture, ideas aboput
the world and the will to be part of it in an active way.
i really just want to thank you for those images and for reminding
me of some people i will ever know, but who are like mothers
and fathers to me, hippies and gurus, and i'm not being naive...
i still believe in you people. there are still some around today
like you, you know?
