“When I reflect back as to why my books sold so well. I don’t think it was because I was particularly smart. Sure, I was clever enough to write informatively, but this never came as easy to me as it did for others. I think the fact I nearly always found it a struggle to make sense of complicated concepts, and seek ways to explain them more clearly, was something that resonated with my readers and made my books successful.”
As they say in the Photoshop splash screen, “Gone But Not Forgotten”
Martin Evening
It is with the greatest sadness that we share news of the passing of Martin Evening. A longstanding AOP member – No 20 according to our records, the AOP forum has seen an outpouring of sympathy and condolences for his friends and family – alongside gratitude for his support and guiding influence to our industry, not only in the transition from analogue to digital but through his generous encouragement of fellow photographers.
We extend also our thanks also to Martin’s wife Camilla for sharing his obituary and final message as shown below.
Martin Evening Obituary
It is with a heavy heart that we must pass along notification of the passing of Martin Evening, noted photographer, author and teacher, this past weekend due to complications from cancer. Martin leaves behind his wife Camilla and daughter Angelica and a host of friends and fans all over the world.
Martin had a 25-year career as a London based, award-winning portrait, beauty, and advertising photographer and worked with some of the biggest names in hairdressing. In the 1990’s Martin turned to digital imaging. He was an early pioneer in computer retouching and was an early adopter of Photoshop and was a respected alpha and beta tester for Adobe for many years.
His expertise in photo imaging led him to share his knowledge by writing over 30 books on digital imaging and photography and became a noted speaker at major international conferences.
In 2008 Martin was inducted into the Photoshop Hall of Fame in recognition as a respected leader in the industry and his contributions to the advancement and development of Photoshop.
Martin was also a founding partner in a software company called Pixel Genius and was product manager lead creator for the product named PhotoKit Color, an award-winning Photoshop plug-in.
After retiring from commercial shooting, he and his family moved to the English countryside where he devoted more time to landscape photography and personal work and being a loving husband and father.
Martin had quietly battled cancer for several years and had no regrets. He was 63 years old.
In May of 2021, Martin taped a video presentation for the Art of Photography Conference titled; The Hits and Misses of a Creative Career which is available on YouTube.
Martin wanted to pass along a final quote…
“When I reflect back as to why my books sold so well. I don’t think it was because I was particularly smart. Sure, I was clever enough to write informatively, but this never came as easy to me as it did for others. I think the fact I nearly always found it a struggle to make sense of complicated concepts, and seek ways to explain them more clearly, was something that resonated with my readers and made my books successful.”
As they say in the Photoshop splash screen, “Gone But Not Forgotten”
Sent from my iPhone
With permission we have also captured some of the comments shared by those that knew him and have been influenced by his work and publications.
Martin Evening has been a massive figure in terms of the impact of the technological changes that came to our industry with the advent of digital photography. Clearly a kindly man, he was always generous with his time and encouragement, particularly towards those entering our industry.
He will be greatly missed but his influence and legacy will live on for future generations of professional photographers.
AOP President, Tim Flach
Very very sad to hear the news of Martin’s passing.
Years back I was a studio assistant at a studio in Newington Green, near the Nobody’s Inn. I was straight out of art college and had hardly any experience of assisting.
One day Martin used the studio for a beauty shoot. He made me a part of the shoot, showed me the lighting set up, the before and after polaroids. I always remember how kind he was, not just knowledgeable but kind.
Rest in peace Martin.
Sarah Hogan
Martin and I were on committees back in the early days of Domingo Street helping create the gallery amongst other more mundane and routine matters. I liked his photography and thought his future lay in fashion and lifestyle but his awareness of the upcoming impact of digital techniques was timely and crucial for the AoP.
Like Mike Laye, Adam and others he took on the burden of charting a way through uncharted waters and without his influence and perseverance many of us would have been considerably under prepared.
A very gentle guy, he punched considerably above his weight.
Sad day indeeed.
Rob Brimson
This is such sad news.
Martin made a huge contribution to photography. I still reach for his books to remind me of his techniques and to solve photoshop problems.
Tim Hetherington
“I counted Martin as a colleague and friend. He was one of the founders of the Digital Imaging Group in the UK, of which we were both members. Martin helped me launch PRODIG and was a listmom in its early days.
His prolific writing, first on Photoshop and then on Lightroom, gradually took over from his photography. He was a world renowned expert and was inducted into the NAPP Hall of Fame in 2008.
Through his work he helped thousands of people and advanced the abilities of professionals all over the world. May his memory be for a blessing.“
Ed Horwich
The Association of Photographers is a membership organisation dedicated to promoting, protecting and educating photographers of all levels – from those starting out, to experienced professionals, and everyone in between.
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