Outsider Rough Draft

In the fall of 2003, Bob Richardson sent someone over to my office to drop off what he referred to as his manuscript—A handwritten almost two hundred page autobiography + a couple of examples of images to include. He wanted to see if I could help get it published. We had collaborated several times over the previous 4 years on different projects and had a good creative collaborative bond. He referred to me as his fellow Capricorn. Unfortunately, at the time I did not have the resources or leverage to get the book printed, although we did try. A couple of years later after Bob’s passing, the manuscript made its way in transcribed form into a large book showcasing decades of his photography. I’ve had my copy of the handwritten manuscript sitting with my archives and each time I look at it I remember how badly he wanted it to be published as-is. Now that technology has evolved and it is possible to publish a book such that it is only printed once someone places an order and no upfront investment is necessary, I’ve decided to put the book out and to price to not make a profit. Bob hated it when people tried to make money off of his work. He wanted nothing more than to inspire young aspiring photographers, and this book definitely does that. Nothing has been edited or changed, this is nothing more than a published form of the manuscript he shared with me those years ago. —Jan-Willem Dikkers