Bill Eppridge

When covering a story, journalists have to choose between good and evil, challenge or easy road, fact or speculation. Bill Eppridge is one of the too few journalists who has been willing to cover the darker side of life most people would rather ignore. Through the lens of his cameras, Eppridge captured the raw, unsightly truth that is the past. He so personally captured the moments of a gruesome Kennedy assassination, marines shooting a terrified man in the back, a middle-class heroin addicted couple, and so many other important perspectives of history few have witnessed. Bill Eppridge was never afraid of his surroundings, shooting his camera as others shot bullets around him. And with that same passion, he captured the early life of a budding singer and obsessive perfectionist, the peaceful and often smoky scenes of Woodstock, the vintage and All-American essence of fading red barns, and the smug personality of his first cat. With every click of the shutter, Eppridge has written a new epic poem, telling a story complete with its own characters, personalities, and emotions. He's an amazing journalist who has helped write the past and inspire those who have started writing the future.