Robert Gumpert. A snapper whose work I have always admired. I remember vaguely, (I think, do I remember it or just think I do ?) seeing him in the Sunday Times newspaper picture desk offices in London, in about 91 or ’92 when I was doing a stint there. I don’t think we spoke, I was young and green, I just watched things, I remember seeing him, seeing his name and phone number on the black board that was behind the picture editor. The board used to contain names, exotic international phone numbers, exotic locations, scrawled, inspiring me, calling to me. I remember, maybe from the same period, a set of images in the Sunday Times magazine, Robert Gumpert following two American homicide detectives on their beat, investigating a murder. Good old school classic reportage. Nothing flash, no intrusive style, images well shot supported by text, captions and supportive background information, in depth. Classic.

Over the years I’ve occasionally seen his name, and then this week an email pops in from Foto8. Can’t say I usually read them that closely but this week I saw Robert’s name and followed the link, to find a great set of images of prison tattoos. Another take on his ongoing look at the justice system in the US.

I hope one day to get the chance to meet him, say hello.