LA photographer loses 80,000 images in fire

2 Min Read
photographer loses

John, a 91-year-old photographer from Altadena, estimates he lost over 80,000 photos stored on hard drives when his home was destroyed in the L.A. wildfires. John and his wife Kris, 85, had to evacuate immediately due to the fires. John relies on oxygen machines and breathing apparatus, which meant they had to leave in a hurry without time to gather their belongings.

John worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for 48 years and was also a professional photographer. His life’s work, including invaluable photo archives from his time at JPL and in the military, was consumed by the flames along with his vital medical equipment. However, John and Kris are safe and staying with family.

Photographer’s life lost to wildfires

The fires have impacted many residents in the area. Another photographer, Marcus, also lost most of his photo gear in the blaze yesterday, including medium format and mirrorless cameras, lenses, lighting gear, and a full Canon R5 kit.

He managed to escape with only a few cameras and lenses he had in a backpack from work that day. Despite these personal tragedies, there is hope as weather conditions improve and aid firefighting efforts. Dangerous winds are subsiding, and cooler temperatures and more humid weather are helping emergency services gain better control over the situation.

However, displaced residents are still anxiously waiting for news on when evacuation orders will be lifted. The impact of the wildfires is a stark reminder of the unpredictable and devastating force of nature, leaving many to rebuild their lives from the ashes.

Butter Not Miss This:  Paul Bunyan statue's fate uncertain
Share This Article