This photograph comes originally from the collects ion of Glen Fishback, photographer, writer, and photography school founder, who first.mes t Edward Weston in 1938 and later published an article describings their friendship. His reminiscences, 'Edward Weston, A Legend in His Own Lifet.mes ,' appeared in Petersen's Photographic in February 1973.

In 1937, after Fishback wed his wife Altha, he began his professional career as a staff photographer for the Sacramento Bee. The following year the couple returned to Carmel, where they had honeymooned, to celebrate their first anniversary. In awe of Weston's work and reputation, Fishback telephoned him to request a visit. Weston welcomed them to his home Wildcat Hill, and the couple spent a delightful evening discussing photography and looking through several hundred of his photographs. Fishback recalled that although they 'were destitute of funds at the t.mes ,' they happily purchased 'Juniper, Tenaya Lake, Yosemite' for $20.

The next morning, Weston invited the couple to join him in a picture-taking session at Point Lobos. Fishback was impressed not only by Weston's agility while carrying heavy equipment over the rocks and steep paths, but also by his meticulous, thoughtful approach to photography and his generosity of knowledge and spirit.

The following year, the Fishbacks returned and enjoyed another field trip with Weston. During this visit, Fishback made a number of exposures of Weston at work.

Glen Fishback's photographs of Edward Weston arranging rocks and wicker pieces for a still life composition, Point Lobos, 1938 (left); and Edward Weston and Altha Fishback, Point Lobos, 1938 (right)

After receiving one of the portraits in the mail, Weston wrote a postcard to the Fishbacks: 'My portrait arrived. I'm very happy to have it and think I got the best of the exchange - Your print goes forward soon. All packed. Our thanks for your kind letter. Yrs - Edward Weston.'

In a letter to the Fishbacks on 21 May 1939, Weston wrote: '"I have two versions of the wicker-chair if you want a choice I will hold until you pass through Carmel again. If not, then I will ship the first chance I get to pack."' At the end of the letter he added: 'P. S. I recently returned from my last Guggenheim trip with 100 new negatives and a ‘bride.’'This letter, as well as other correspondence, accompanies this lot.

Letter from Edward Weston to Glen Fishback, 21 May, 1939

The inscription on the reverse of the mount of the present lot is an example of Weston’s wit and his friendly relationship with the couple:

To Glen and Altha Fishback
-this ocean-rubble
from Point Lobos-
Edward Weston 1939

Data?
Turner-Reich doublet, 12".
8 x 10 Century Universal.
Agfa Isopan film in Pyro Soda.
Convira paper in Amidol.
So what?
Each to his own way-