Hal Buell, who led AP’s photo operations, dies at 92:
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Hal Buell, Pioneering AP Photo Editor, Dies at 92
SUNNYVALE, Calif. – Hal Buell, a visionary photo editor who led The Associated Press’ photo operations for four decades, has passed away at the age of 92. Buell, who played a crucial role in transitioning from the darkroom era to the digital age of photography, leaves behind a remarkable legacy that includes 12 Pulitzer Prizes and some of the most iconic images of the Vietnam War.
A Life Well-Lived
Hal Buell passed away on Monday in Sunnyvale, California, after a battle with pneumonia. His daughter Barbara Buell, who spent his final months caring for him, confirmed the news. Remembering her father, Barbara described him as a great father, friend, mentor, and a driving force behind important transitions in visual media during his illustrious career with the AP.
A Visionary in Photojournalism
Colleagues and photographers alike remember Buell as a visionary who pushed the boundaries of photojournalism. As the editor in charge of AP’s photo operations, he encouraged photographers to explore new ways of covering hard news. Under his leadership, AP’s photo staff won a dozen Pulitzer Prizes and worked in 33 countries, alongside legendary photographers such as Eddie Adams, Horst Faas, and Nick Ut.
An Iconic Image That Defined a War
Buell’s pivotal decision in 1972 to publish Nick Ut’s photograph of a naked young girl fleeing her burning village after a napalm attack by South Vietnamese forces stands as a testament to his commitment to powerful storytelling. The haunting image of Kim Phuc became a defining symbol of the Vietnam War, capturing the horror and innocence lost in the crossfire. Ut, who won a Pulitzer Prize for the photograph, credits Buell’s support for making it possible.
A Lasting Legacy
Hal Buell’s impact on the field of news agency photojournalism cannot be overstated. Santiago Lyon, a former vice president and director of photography at AP, referred to Buell as a giant in the industry. David Ake, AP’s recently retired director of photography, hailed Buell as the standard-bearer for his role. Buell’s influence extended beyond AP, as his wisdom and guidance were valued by the entire photojournalism community.
From Darkroom to Digital Age
During his tenure with AP, Buell witnessed and embraced the rapid advancements in technology that revolutionized news photography. He played a central role in transitioning from chemical darkrooms to digital transmission and digital news cameras. Buell’s efforts also led to the creation of AP’s digital photo archive in 1997. His dedication to capturing the story behind the image remained paramount throughout his career.
A Life Beyond Photography
Following his retirement in 1997, Buell continued to contribute to the world of photography through his writing and film documentaries. He authored several books, including “From Hell to Hollywood: The Incredible Journey of AP Photographer Nick Ut” and “Uncommon Valor, Common Virtue: Iwo Jima and the Photograph That Captured America.” Buell’s passion for the fourth estate, his curiosity, and his desire to achieve meaningful results inspired many.
Remembering Hal Buell
Hal Buell is survived by his daughter Barbara Buell and her husband, Thomas Radcliffe, as well as two grandchildren and a great-grandson. His wife, Angela, passed away in 2000, and his longtime partner, Claudia DiMartino, passed away in October. Buell’s impact on the world of photojournalism will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
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– Hal Buell, leader of AP’s photo operations, passes away at 92
– AP’s photo operations director, Hal Buell, dies at 92.
