The world lost a wonderful photographer, tour leader, and human recently with the passing of Charles “Chas” Glatzer.
When I received the news, I could look outside the window of the bear lodge where I was staying and see the spot where I last saw Chas. It was the place where our groups shared the above-pictured bear. In typical Chas fashion, he shared a “secret” bear with us and even offered to send me some of his Super Gloves.
I first got to “know” Chas in the ‘90s as I started to ramp up my passion for photography. At the same time, the internet was becoming a thing, and I began interacting with Chas on the nature forums at photo.net, then NPN, NSN, and finally on social media. In those early years, Chas would share his experiences from his days printing images and from his time photographing a public aquarium near his home. I learned so much from him over the years, especially during those early days when all I wanted to do was learn. It was fun to follow Chas’s career from those early days of the internet to today, when he was widely considered a master photographer and an exceptional tour leader. Chas was always gracious with his knowledge. I finally met him in person in 2003 in Homer.
Name a photographer, and my mind immediately goes to a particular image. For Chas, it is a wonderful image of a bull moose photographed from a bridge in Jasper National Park. He created many beautiful images, but that photograph—and the story behind it—is still the first thing that comes to mind.
Rest in peace, Chas. You will be missed
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I am saddened for you for the loss of your mentor and friend. I also miss seeing your almost daily pictures, and our trips to Alaska and lunching with the two of you.
My love to you, first cousin once removed.
Nice tribute — thanks for sharing these memories. Did he ever write about how he composed that bull moose shot from the bridge? Would love to know if it was planned or just lucky timing.