A Visit with Bill Hunt: Photography, Wit, and a Smear of Ink

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.

Sharing new work with W.M. “Bill” Hunt, NYC, 2025

Don’t close the book too soon.

R. J. Kern
Doesn't always dress as Elvis while photographic a wedding. Makes art with animals. Goats and sheep mostly.
https://www.rjkern.com
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Group Show at the Veronique Wantz Gallery

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Book Signing at The Photography Show 2025 - AIPAD