John Isaac (8 May 1943 – 1 November 2023) was an Indian photographer and author who lived in New York City for the better part of his career and life. In addition to being known for his work as a photojournalist for the United Nations, he is also known for his independent freelance work photographing celebrities, including Audrey Hepburn and Michael Jackson. More recently, he has been working mainly in wildlife and travel photography.
Education Isaac received a BSc in zoology from The New College, Madras University.
Career Isaac began his career at the UN as a messenger, moving on to become a darkroom technician, and eventually a photojournalist. He held this role for 20 years, eventually rising to the post of chief of the photo unit prior to his retirement from the UN in 1998.
In 2008, he co-authored a book, The Vale of Kashmir, about the people and landscape of Kashmir.Amazon.com The Vale of Kashmir, book page In 2009, Outdoor Photographer magazine published a feature story about the book and Isaac, noting, "The book was a daunting undertaking, especially for a retired photographer."Outdoor Photographer, "In the Valley of Kashmir," June 9, 2009
In 2002, The Washington Post featured his photos from Africa in the paper and on its website.Washington Post, "A Day in the Life of Africa," John Isaac
Most recently, John appeared in a 2021 documentary about Audrey Hepburn's life.
John Isaac died on 1 November 2023.UN News, "Veteran UN photographer and ‘witness to troubled world’ leaves priceless legacyMJ Vibe, "John Isaac passed away
References
External links
instructor page, John Isaac, the Missouri Photo Workshop