Bob Walthour at home. ©2014 Ken Doo Photography. Cambo WRS, IQ180, HR90
Coach Bob Walthour passed away last weekend, marking the loss of a much loved and respected local icon in Carmel, California. I had gotten to know Bob through US Masters Swimming on the Monterey Peninsula. On occasion I would join Bob in the early morning hours at the old excuse of a pool at Carmel High School, where we would swim in the incredibly shallow water. On some mornings my eldest son Kenny would sit next to Bob. Kenny was probably barely four years old; he’s now nearing twenty years and swimming competitively. That old excuse of a pool is now a world class facility at Carmel High School, named after none other than Coach Bob Walthour. Long since retired, Bob would still swim with Masters at 5:00 A.M. well into his eighties. He was often seen observing swim meets at Carmel High School.
A portrait session with Bob Walthour at his home earlier this year. ©2014 Ken Doo Photography
I had the opportunity to photograph Bob a few times both in my boutique portrait studio in Carmel and also at his home in Carmel, just a few blocks away. The last time I photographed Bob was just in March of this year (2014). It was a special portrait session for me because I chose to use a Cambo technical camera with an IQ180 medium format digital back, along with a Rodenstock HR90mm lens. Not exactly a fast moving portrait outfit, normally intended for landscapes! Bob sat patiently for me while I used a Microsoft Surface Pro tethered to my IQ180 to assist with framing and focusing of the portrait. I used a single studio strobe. I converted the huge 80 megapixel RAW files using Capture One Pro 7. I then opted to convert the selected portrait into B&W and printed the portrait on the studio’s specially converted K7 B&W piezography fine art printer. I love Bob’s personality in this portrait. We’re going to miss you, Bob.
The Bob Walthour Aquatic Center remains unfinished and is still seeking donations to complete the facility. Contact www.carmelpool.org for donation information. For more information on medium format digital portraiture or fine art K7 B&W Piezography printing, contact me at the studio at (831) 626-1844. Ken
