September 17, 2026 . New Release: Heroines & Vixens. After four years of working on my latest body of published photographs Heroines & Vixens, I am pleased to announce the new title is now available on Amazon! Thanks to all of the amazing women that not only sat for portraits, but also contributed essays … Read more
Text by Bob Shell, Copyright 2025 . PBS Wong About Polaroid . On Monday night, May 19, PBS ran a program in their ‘The American Experience’ series about the Polaroid company and its founder Dr. Edwin Land. I am a photographic historian and have had a close relationship with Polaroid management and research people. The … Read more
From Death Row to Freedom . The Wrongful Imprisonment and Exoneration of Daniel Gwynn #197 . For nearly three decades, Daniel Gwynn sat behind bars for a crime he did not commit. His wrongful conviction for arson and murder in Philadelphia became a chilling example of how systemic failures in the criminal justice system can … Read more
Art Collector vs. Patron of the Arts . Two Sides of the Same Coin? . In the world of art, the terms “art collector” and “patron of the arts” are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct roles with unique motivations and impacts. While both contribute to the cultural ecosystem, their approaches and legacies differ … Read more
Collecting Fine Art Photography . The history of collecting fine art photography is a fascinating journey that intertwines technological innovation, artistic evolution, and shifting cultural perceptions. While photography itself was invented in the early 19th century, it took decades for it to be recognized as a legitimate art form worthy of collection. Initially, photography was … Read more