Famed American photographer (1902–1984) best known for his monumental images of western American landscapes. TLS, two pages, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, August 16, 1969. Adams writes to aspiring photographer Rednor Coombs in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. In part: “I have finally gotten around to spending time with your prints!… Some critical comment. [Forest] Very delicate. A bit vague in the small size. Needs more ‘near-far’ effect. [Sand and Water Ripples] I like this VERY much indeed! Cheers! [Clouds and Tree-tops] I would say this was a little depressed in value. Could it have been a hot day? High temperatures will soften the contrast of prints. Idea very good, however…. [Trees and Clouds] It is necessary for you to think and ‘see’ in terms of the limitations of the medium. [Grass, water, cloud-reflections] This is very beautiful!….” Adams comments on some 22 images in all, and then concludes: “I think you have a fine eye and that you should now seriously consider the larger format. The Polaroid Land Roll-film camera is a remarkable instrument but it is not designed for precise composition—the finder (as with other cameras of the separate-finder type) do not [sic] really show what the lens sees. The 4 x 5 View Camera is ideal. Get yourself an old Korona View, or a Calumet or Graphix II View Camera, and the Polaroid Land Adapter for the 4 x 5 packs….” Mild handling wear with a few bends, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
