thank you for this honest description of what being Joel Sternfeld’s student is like. I was only lucky enough to meet him once, at a book signing in London, where I studied photography at the time. Sounds like it was at the same time as your visit – shortly after 9/11 – I stayed for four years, and my leaving due was on the day of the London bombings, oddly enough.

Anyways, I love Joels work, and at the book signing I told him I wanted to copy it (was a bit nervous, so didn’t manage to explain myself very well..) – he wrote in my book: “Picasso once said, I never borrow, I steal”..
Now many years have passed, and off course my photography does not look like Joels. What I meant was that he was a big inspiration to me. I really wish I too had been his student!

I think you are right, it must be hard for him with all these admirers seeking his approval. I cannot find contact details for him anywhere online!

In stead here’s an invitation for you to visit my website: http://www.alexandrabuhl.com/ – hope you’ll find something you like.

I just visited your site, and it looks really nice, the first image reminded me a little of Martin Parr. Also, I wonder if you’re familiar with Zed Nelson’s work on the beauty business? I used to assist him, he’s very talented as well.

Will stop now, before I bore you too much ;-)

Regards

Alex