A highlight from my AIPAD weekend in NYC: visiting W.M. “Bill” Hunt—collector, educator, and enduring champion of photography.

I carried my 20x24” portfolio across Central Park to meet with someone who takes the time to really look.

Bill and I first connected at the 2019 Center for Photography auction, and again at PhotoNOLA and Paris Photo. He's gone to bat for me more than once, and I deeply respect his instincts and eye for meaningful work.

This portrait, made by Jason Langer, captures Bill in his element: thoughtful dialogue about visual ideas, layered with just enough irreverent charm.

After our visit, Bill gave me a copy of his book—signed with a pen, then (true to form) closed it before the ink had dried. The signature smeared.

The next day, he saw me in the MW Editions booth and he asked: “What did you learn?”

I said, “Don’t close the book too quickly before the ink dries.”

He grinned: “Well, it’s worth more.”

That’s Bill—witty, sharp, and generous in all the right ways.