Share
Baton Rouge News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!
Remembering A.J. Meek: A Photographic Legacy
•
Remembering A.J. Meek: A Nationally Acclaimed Photographer, Author, and Scholar
A.J. Meek, a renowned photographer, author, and scholar, passed away on November eighth at the age of eighty-four. Meek was celebrated for documenting Louisianas landscapes and people, and for his significant impact on the art community. He retired as a professor emeritus from Louisiana State University in two thousand five, after teaching photography for twenty-eight years.
Meeks mentorship and friendship were highly valued by many artists and former students, including Amy James, who recently photographed Meek for an exhibit honoring photographers and mentors in her career. James noted Meeks spiritual nature, even including a cross in the background of his portrait, a detail that resonated with those who knew his deep faith.
Meek was a regular at church services and even considered training to be an Episcopalian lay minister. However, his true passion remained in creativity. His photographs offered new insights with every viewing, a testament to his unique artistic vision and ability to convey deep meaning through his work.
Meeks influence extended to shaping the photography department at Louisiana State University, where he helped set up darkrooms and curriculum after arriving in nineteen seventy-seven. Born Albert James Meek in nineteen forty-one, he began his photography journey in the U.S. Air Force, eventually earning advanced degrees in fine arts. He was celebrated for his distinctive selenium-toned, silver gelatin contact prints, capturing not only Louisiana but also the American West with his large format banquet camera.
Meeks extensive body of work includes five published books and his photographs are held in permanent collections at prestigious institutions across the country and even internationally. He is survived by his daughter, Patricia, and his legacy continues to inspire through his art and the countless lives he touched.
DNN | The Daily News Now!
The world’s first global local news network.
Every city. Every story. AI powered.
More episodes
View all episodes
Drug Bust Dismantles Fentanyl Network, 6 Arrested
01:53|Law enforcement in East Baton Rouge Parish conducted a major drug bust, arresting six individuals and seizing substantial amounts of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine. The operation spanned across three parishes and disrupted a significant drug trafficking network. Three individuals remain at large, and authorities are actively seeking their apprehension. This action highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and ensure community safety.Baton Rouge Plumbing Crisis: Rainwater Floods Sewers
02:16|Baton Rouge residents grapple with plumbing issues after heavy rainfall, as citys sewer systems struggle to handle excess water. Officials explain factors contributing to the problem and offer advice for affected residents.Southern University Clears Alpha Phi Alpha of Hazing Allegations
01:38|Southern Universitys Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity cleared of hazing allegations, resumes normal activities.Lane Kiffin's LSU Impact: $100M Economic Boost
01:36|LSU footballs economic impact could surge with new head coach Lane Kiffin, potentially adding $100 million to the states economy. This could lead to increased tax revenue for infrastructure, public safety, and education. Additionally, a successful program could boost student enrollment, similar to the University of Alabamas experience with Nick Saban. LSU may need to plan for growth, including expanding housing and academic facilities.Addis Lane Residents Fight Truck Traffic
01:44|Residents of Addis Lane in Iberville Parish are battling with excessive truck traffic, causing noise pollution and street damage. Kevin Scott, a concerned neighbor, has gathered signatures for a petition to reroute trucks to Sid Richardson Road. Despite a radar sign to monitor speed limits, residents argue that the volume and weight of trucks is the main issue. Dow Chemical, a major employer, is working with the community to find a solution.Church's Santa Event Signs Stolen, Community Rallies
01:39|Breakfast with Santa Event at Cedarcrest Baptist Church Faces Unexpected Challenge: Promotional Signs Stolen This week, Cedarcrest Baptist Church in Baton Rouge faced a disheartening setback for their annual Breakfast with Santa event. All promotional signs were stolen, leaving the church with only old signs and an electronic one. The theft, captured on surveillance, cost the church hundreds of dollars and required quick action to create replacement signs. Despite the challenge, the church remains committed to hosting the event this Saturday at eight thirty AM.Prison Escapee at Large After Standoff
01:42|St. Landry Parish prison break: Three inmates escape, one recaptured, one dead by self-inflicted gunshot; one still at large, authorities urge vigilance.5 Arrested for $3K Theft Spree at Juban Crossing
01:19|Five individuals were arrested in Livingston Parish for allegedly stealing nearly $3,000 worth of merchandise from Juban Crossing stores. The arrests followed deputies observing littering, leading to a discovery of concealed merchandise. The group is suspected of targeting multiple retail outlets, with over $1,100 from Ulta, $800 from Carters, and other amounts from various stores. The accused, aged 20-42, were booked on theft-related charges.Baton Rouge Drug Bust: 14 Warrants, 8 Guns Seized
01:55|East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office concludes three-week narcotics investigation, resulting in multiple arrests and significant drug seizures. Fourteen search warrants executed, leading to the recovery of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, synthetic opioids, eight firearms, nearly $4,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Marcus Alexander arrested for conspiracy to distribute Schedule Two narcotics; Tremaine Rogers, Chad Jones, and Montrell Sanders remain at large, facing multiple narcotics and firearms charges.