Keppler, Herbert 1925-2008 (Burt Keppler, H. Keppler)

OBITUARY NOTICE—

See index for CA sketch: Born April 21, 1925, in New York, NY; died of congestive heart failure, January 4, 2008, in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. Photojournalist, columnist, photography consultant, publisher, and author. Keppler devoted his career to publishing helpful tools for photographers, especially amateurs. As a business executive he was affiliated with the publishers that were parent companies to photography magazines, including publishing conglomerates that became known as Hachette Filipacchi Media, Diamandis Communications, and ABC Leisure Magazines, among others. As a practicing writer, his advice column "Keppler's SLR Notebook" appeared for many years in Modern Photography, where he also worked as editorial director and publisher between 1950 and 1987. His column and other writings were often dedicated to Japanese photographic products, which he recommended for their technical quality. He also created one of the first product comparison surveys based on scientific testing and field study, rather than subjective advertising claims. In 1987 Keppler became the publishing director of the magazine now known as Popular Photography & Imaging; at the time of his death he was affiliated with the magazine as vice president and consultant, and as the longtime author of the column Inside Straight. Keppler's columns offered advice to amateur photographers on cameras, photographic accessories, instructional manuals, and even tips for taking better pictures. His approach was down to earth and practical; for example, he emphasized that "costly" does not always mean "better" and that the soundest advice was often common sense. Keppler wrote several books, including Keppler on the Eye Level Reflex (1960), How to Make Better Pictures in Your Home (1962), 124 Ways to Test Cameras, Lenses, and Equipment (1962), and manuals related to specific camera models.

OBITUARIES AND OTHER SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

New York Times, January 11, 2008, p. A18.