Frank Pinc, 62, the longtime photographer for Austin Weekly News and our sister publications retired this month; Reporter Delores McCain, aka “Frank’s other wife,” shares her thoughts about our friend and colleague
Ernest Hemingway once wrote, “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” Frank Pinc has, over the years, made people masters of the arts by capturing them at a certain moment in time. A work of art reflects the soul of people and this is what his photography does. He has a masterful eye for detail, light and form.
Frank served in the Army during the Vietnam era and although he did not use his photography talents during this period, his photographic memory stays with him.
Today, we live in a highly visual era with the Internet, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Photographs tell our stories and document our history. They become permanent records of events in our lives. Never one to take himself too seriously, Frank openly admits he was never good at staging photos, preferring to capture spontaneous moments. Like some writers who become the “voice of the voiceless,” Frank was the photographer for the “faceless.” An open lens can transform the world we know into an interesting place by illuminating the places where light is dimming and faces are smiling.
Working with Frank for the last eight years in the Austin community has been an enjoyable experience for both of us. I’ve watched Frank make people feel “special” because he took the time to get just the right pose. Often I found him making friends and talking to people about their families or their situation. He never missed an opportunity to bring out his wallet and show photos of his grandchildren and lovely wife, Connie. Frank has become such a recognizable figure in Austin, he is often greeted with big smiles and hugs.
As he begins this new chapter in his life, he is looking forward to spending time with grandson Taisei, granddaughter Mia and the love of his life, Connie. His two adult sons, Jeremy and Christopher, can now return to the days of father/son outings.
Frank has touched many people and made them smile inside.
