The Society has learnt of the passing of Gene Nocon FRPS. Gene was recognised as one of the best photographic printers of his generation. 

His career started in the early 1970s when he travelled to Europe. In 1975 Gene moved to England where his expertise in the photographic darkroom was recognized and appreciated. He worked for many of the most famous names in the industry amongst them were Terence Donovan, Terry O’Neill, Linda McCartney, Cecil Beaton, Norman Parkinson, and through John Kobal printed for George Hurrell, C S Bull, and other Hollywood greats.  With Terence Pepper of the National Portrait Gallery in London he printed for Paul Tanqueray and Howard Coster.

In 1980 Gene entered a photograph that saw him made Ilford Print of the Year. He was to use this accolade to showcase and highlight the role and importance of the photographer printer with an exhibition called The Photographic Print. He became a photographic advisor to Prince Andrew

Working with Sarah, the Duchess of York, Gene helped organized the largest photographic event ever held in Great Britain. One Day for Life was a year in the making culminating on 13 August 1987, with thousands of men women and children taking pictures to capture a moment in their lives on that day. Edited and made into a best-selling book it raised money for cancer research.

Nocon was honoured as a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS) for his contributions to photography and he help found The Society’s Distinction Panel for Photographic Printers and served as it’s first Chairman. He lectured for The Society at the National Portrait Gallery in 2006. 

Nocon appeared on television and published several books and had in recent years moved back to California.

More details are here: http://www.christianmemorials.com/tributes/generoso-nocon/