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| Butterfly Image Copyright : Joseph Inns |
He phoned me on Valentine’s Day 2020 in Cape Town to convey the tragic news. I cried, I’m still crying after the loss of this giant of a man. He was the most peaceful person in my life and I believe, in many people’s lives.
I’ve known him for 28 years – as lecturers – as business partners – as photographers – as friends – together we dreamed of conquering our world(s) – and we did!
In many ways he was my inspiration into photography. I believed in his passion, his image making and above all, his endless patience.
Today I’m sad, very sad, but it’s a 'positive' sadness. He is / was a very good man with exemplary values of kindness and gratitude.
He left a legacy to many - he left me a better person than ever before. Like many; his family, all his students, other photographers in his life and I (and so many others) will mourn his loss – and I will build a big statute for the big man here right inside of me.
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| The Life of Joseph Inns : Image Credit: Joseph Inns family |
We will never forget you, Joseph.
Rest in Peace, Big Fellow.
I miss Joseph - just the emotional connectedness we had. And can just about imagine how you and the family must feel. Mike also messaged me on Monday. But, be proud, he was the best of the best. I learned a lot from him. He calmed me down in ways nobody else could."
I wrote this to my friend in France on 26 April 2021 - after the memorial Service. (she's been going through the motions with me for months of Joseph's illness) "I listened carefully to every word spoken about my friend at his service and the words that came out from all the speakers were Compassion / Care / Non-Judgmental / Artist / Creative / Love / Peace - all exemplary value words. He was all of this - and more. He did not try and be this, he was this - every time I saw him - for 28 years during our special friendship."
Attached Butterfly Image: From the Joseph Inns Collection. Photographer: Joseph Inns (with one of his beloved Nikon cameras).
"I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, Joseph Inns. It’s never easy to say goodbye to someone we care deeply about. Joseph was your photography companion, and together, you explored the Zeitz MOCAA – Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Your shared passion for photography allowed you to capture the museum’s inspirational architecture, and National Geographic recognized your work. Cherish those memories, and may Joseph’s spirit continue to inspire your creativity and love for photography 1.
On a different note, I appreciate your interest in Canon cameras and photography. Late one Thursday afternoon, you ventured to the Promenade Sea Point, Cape Town, with your friend Joseph Inns. Armed with your Canon EOS 6D and the new Hoya PROND64 lens filter, you captured mesmerizing long exposure seascapes. The fading light and the tranquil waters provided a canvas for your creativity, resulting in stunning images. It’s heartwarming to know that your friendship extended beyond photography, and your shared experiences remain etched in your heart 2.
Remembering Joseph Inns, may his peaceful spirit continue to inspire those who knew him." (Source: Microsoft Copilot)