Jeff Sedlik · Photographer · Sedlik Photography
Reseda High Student 1977-1980

Warren King influenced my life in a way that no words could fully express. He gave me many great gifts. Among them, my confidence, my creative vision, my career, my wife Sandra Bojin-Sedlik (color lab '80), and through her my children, Mason  and Sophia. Warren's guidance and friendship have had a profound effect on my life, and the lives of so many others. He taught me to see, and empowered me to excel in something that I love -- making photographs.  With Warren's help I was able to win a partial college scholarship from Kodak and Scholastic. I went on to attend UCSB and later graduated from  the Art Center College of Design. I've been a professional photographer for 14 years now, shooting advertising images for clients such as Nike, Sony, Ikea, AT&T, and others. I love what I do, and I realize every day that I am privileged.  I have Warren to thank for that.  A few years ago I decided to carry on the tradition and I began teaching photography at the Art Center College,  using some of  Warren's teaching philosophy. In a nutshell, that philosophy is to set the bar high, to encourage competition and  camaraderie, to emphasize creative, technical, and visual exploration, to demand  that each student works at his or her highest level of artistry and professionalism, and to accept no excuses a for lack of effort. It is no surprise that students flourish under these conditions. Teaching has been very rewarding and has helped me to better understand the process of photography.  It is amazing how many lives a teacher can touch. In my travels I am constantly running into alumni of Warren's photography courses who are now successful professionals (photographers, film makers, graphics professionals, and otherwise) who site Warren King as one of their greatest (if not THE greatest) influences. What a fantastic legacy. 

Ellen Thomas
Adult School 1978-2000

I am a current King adult student. The class is a very big part of my life - artistically, scientifically, socially and personally. Even if I were never to pick up a camera again I will always "take pictures" because of the way Warren has taught me to see. I'll have to think about this. I want it to do it right. There are lots of memories. I will never forget the first "attaboy" I got from Warren. I had an awful teacher for basic photography, learned nothing and went into Warren's class not knowing how to print. After two years of muddy, awful prints I finally did a portrait with more contrast that looked like a "real" picture and he congratulated me!

On our trip to England, Scotland and Ireland in 1980 we had a last night dinner in a large hall at a former home of Queen Elizabeth I.  We ate with our hands and were served by buxom beauties. They also appointed a King and  Warren was it.  He was asked to give a short speech and he said, "Once a King, always a King, but once a knight is enough."

Patricia (Thomas) Klein
Friend  · 1978-Current · ex-engineer, current mom, future teacher

Although I was never personally in Warren's class, I benefited from him because my dear mom, Ellen Thomas, always kept teaching me about photography, and she learned from him and her photo friends. She died on November 6th, 2000 in her sleep but I still think she will be at the tribute. She told me about it ages ago and I can't imagine she'd let a little thing like the lack of a body keep her from going. I first met Warren on the 1978 Europe trip when my mom took me along. I was 19 years old and it was the first time either of us had gone to Europe. It was the first time I took any pictures or was around a group of photo nuts. What a sight it was to see all the wacky Americans with cameras around their necks in Lucerne, Switzerland. Near the end of the trip we had a drawing to see who would win the slide projector we had been using along the way. My name was drawn first but since I wasn't into slides I declined accepting it and wanted to pick another name. My mom was a little bent that I didn't give it to her but then her name was picked and she won it anyway. I have always loved hearing about the trips the class was taking and seeing the photos later at Salons. To me, Warren has always been like one of the really nice relatives you are always glad to see. It always makes me feel good to see him and sweet Dottie.

Bobby Anderson · Filmmaker, novelist ·
Reseda High Student 1968-1969

Mr. King's influence in my life and career has been profound. He taught me how to think with my eyes and see with my brain. He taught me how to see designs in unexpected places and how to tell stories with simple designs. Most of all, he invested in me as a person; I think he made each of his students feel like they were the most important people in his life. Because he believed in me, I believed in me. I was president of the Photo Club one year. For the most part, it was a fun tenure. However, my youthful lack of wisdom surfaced at one point when, during Halloween Eve, I participated in the TP-ing of Mr. King's front yard along with about eight of my classmates. To further add to the folly of my youth, we actually photographed ourselves in front of his massive tree after it had been draped with a thousand streams of tissue. Unbelievably, we THEN printed up this photo as a 16x20 mounted mural of our mischievous act and voted it to be "Photo Of The Week"! This ensured that our dear teacher would see it on 'the big board' at the front of the classroom. When Mr. King returned after lunch that day, he saw the photo of his nine grinning students standing in his front yard--a yard ruined by debris artfully exploded over shrubs, trees and grass. Mr. King glanced at the photo and quietly pulled it off the wall. He then walked back to his desk without a word, throwing the photo in the trash. At that moment I became aware that our snickering prank was not clever or funny but rather it was STUPIDITY IN ACTION. I timidly walked to Mr. King's desk and said something lame like, "I'm really sorry about that." He looked up at me without malice or anger and said, "Bobby, do you realize how long it took to get that TP cleaned up?" I died inside. I had failed the great Mr. King! However, as aggravating to him as our act must have been, the man continued to love me and all the rest of my accomplices. He is a very gracious man.

Connie Gill Document Imaging Clerk · Kemper Insurance
Adult School 1964-1986

Taught me how to take photos of JOHN WAYNE off the Television (Ha Ha!). Taught me to Create Lithographs, superimpose photos, make "Creations" out of a normal Photograph. How to Shoot Excellent Travel Photos on Tours to other Countries. How to Show the Work I've Created to others. How to be a Good Photographer at Special Presentations & Dinner Functions. Taught me how to really "Believe" in myself, not just with Photography, but with my "WHOLE LIFE"! He is a very Special Human Being in my life and always will be!! There are many funny memories while being on our travels to Scandanavia at Denmark going through LEGOLAND, etc. He is the Kind of TEACHER that a person always wanted and will never Forget! His Family has been a very important part of my LIFE and they Will be FOREVER valued as one of the most important Treasures of MY LIFE!

Leslie Sutherland Alameida · Training Design and Development · My Own!
L. Alameida Consulting
Reseda High Student 1967-1970

Although I really liked Mr. King's class, I continue to cut the tops of all heads off in every photo I take. Sorry, Mr. King, I was one of your failures! I worked for many years with James Hishi and Dan Wolfe as a food stylist. A lot of those wonderful Baskin Robbins ice cream creations you saw on posters and print ads were mine! Gained loads of knowledge and 30 pounds over the years. He taught me how to laugh at my mistakes -- and there have been many.I remember thinking it would be a cool idea to take a picture of the flagpole in front of the main entrance of the school-- from a laying down position. I waited until everyone was in class, got a hall pass to go to the library from Mrs. Whitman (Kooky art teacher!!!) and proceeded to lay down on the cement. I aimed my camera up to the top of the flagpole, catching the stars and stripes softly waving in the breeze, with some big puffy clouds in the distance. It was enough to make you want to break out in a burst of patriotic song (remember, this was the height of the Vietnam war). I really was enjoying the view when all of a sudden, what should appear in my viewfinder but the face of Miss Angela Price! She demanded to know why I was laying on the ground in front of the school taking pictures! I tried to explain it was for Mr. King's Photo class but she didn't believe it. "Young ladies never lie down in public" was her comment, one that stays with me until today. I still have trouble reclining my seat in an airplane because of that comment. Anyway, after I got up from the ground, she saw the length of my skirt (it was much shorter that was legal then), busted me for that, called my mom to bring me something "decent" to wear, and then gave me three days detention. To top it off, Mr. King didn't like my flag photo. All in all, I had great fun in his class. Thank you Mr. King.

David Korobkin · Photographer · David Lawrence Photography
Reseda High Student 1978-1981

Mr. King has been a great influence in my career. He nurtured and inspired me to achieve my dream of becoming a professional photographer. Although I continue to learn new techniques in the field of photography, I still use the skills Mr. King originally taught me. The basics never go out of style - K.I.S.S. Thank you Mr. King!

Dr. Jeff Wachs · Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (Family Practice)  · Galena Medical Center
Color Lab 1976-1977

Photography has taught me how to better see people. We were taught to look through the lens but beyond the face. In high school i was fighting cancer, but, i was good at photography. They called me the photoman on the cb in 1976--the valley. Mr. King gave me a goal the eastman kodak scholarship, a focus a challenge. I took honorable mention. Most of all i enjoyed my time in color lab with warren; the slide shows, the special effects and yes the constructive criticism because we could always do better. I will never forget and still talk about the time we took a field trip to yosemite. Warren had just bought a brand new brown monte carlo. He wanted to treat all of us to breakfast and bought 2 dozen doughnuts which he put in the trunk for the next morning. Bears in yosemite??? Well what must have been a huge bear busted through the side rear window and ripped out the rear dash of warrens brand new car. The goods news for us was the bear never did get the doughnuts. Some people would be disturbed, but not warren. Mr. King went on to teach one of the best weekend photo classes imaginable. Great man whose dedication has always been to his students, not his car. Thanks warren...especially for the doughnuts even though they were a little pricey.

All: Been there, done that. Have been everywhere and done everything, and I'm nowhere but in cyberspace.   

Jo Martin ·  Visual Effects Editor · vce.com / Visual Concept Entertainment
Reseda High Student 1977-1980

I take on a lot of jobs at VCE... Photography has come into play a little bit when shooting behind the scene shots, or set and location photos. I shot a nice series of sunsets for VCE one of which wound up on one of our CD ROM products. I've always used photography in my life shooting friends, family, events... In the future I hope it would come into play for short film scenarios that I would like to direct and shoot. Definitely my favorite teacher... and probably the most influential since he taught a subject I actually liked in high school. He was always the coolest, most pleasant teacher.

BettyLynn Barberini (Hankforth) · Restaurant Manager · K-Mart Little Caesars Reseda High Student 1973-1976

When I was going there he was great person, a fun loving teacher, fun to be around.

Marry & Palmer Robinson · 
Friend  1982-current

We are traveling friends of Warren and have gone on many of his photo trips. Though we never formally took any of his classes, we did learn a lot just by observing the ""master"" at work. We would show us how to get the best looking pictures in the many beautiful places we visited. But somehow, our pictures never quite looked the same as his at the trip reunions after the trip. He is a talented man and a good friend.

Bob Rene  · M.D. retired
Adult School 1987-current

Thanks,Warren for helping me graduate from being a doctor to becoming a photographer.

Cynthia Ugarte  ·  Teacher, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Reseda High Student  1972-1975

The thing I liked best about Mr. King was that he accepted me as I was. I was a bit of a rabel rouser during high school but he still saw potential. Maybe it was because when I would cut school I would still drop in for his classes (sunburn and all!) I am now a teacher myself and always look for the inner potential just as he did with me.  Like I said I am a teacher, I teach the deaf and am fluent in American Sign Language. When using this language I must be able to see in pictures, I can certainly attribute some of my success to H. Warren for helping to see the world in pictures. Thanks for everything H. Warren!!

Paula Anne Kirk Sorensen  · Teacher/At Risk School/Title I Specialists/Curriculum and Staff Dev Specialist West Kearns Elementary
Reseda High Student 1963-1965

I have the fondest memories of my times in Color Lab class. There I was inspired and my creativity stretched. I was too prepared to enter Brooks...and even after graduating I never found the photographic magic that existed in Mr. Kings classroom again. I remember traveling thru europe with all those camera bags and that Agfa film. He truly showed me the world. Now as a parent and a community volunteer, I choose to share some of Warrens magic with students of my own. I'm teaching the art of seeing to a band of 4-H kids here in Ventura County. His voice lives on thru my eyes. I love you.

Carol (Erickson) Klamkin ·Administration Division Manager ·Corvallis-Benton Cnty. Public Library, Oregon
Reseda High Student
1967- 1970

Mr. King was a large force in my high school years. As a photo major I spent many hours in the photo classroom with that great group of like-minded photo freaks. Mr. King was a benevolent tough teacher. He was inspiring, professional, fun and innovative. Mr. King was always straight with us. He complimented us when we did great work and didn't let us get away with doing anything but our best.I remember the Halloween TP episode mentioned by another perpetrator. I remember thinking that we would never have done that to another teacher, but that Mr. King was so cool he would think it was funny. I also remember how shocked I was that I could have been so wrong about how our "tribute" would be received. I think we all grew up a bit that day! I did a lot of modeling for the adult night photo class. It was fun, and I still dig out those pictures every once in a while to show my daughter. After graduation in 1970, I was lucky enough to accompany Mr. & Mrs. King, Gene & Mrs. Trindl, and Natalie & ? Grossman (I think) with about 30 or so other kids on a wonderful photo trip to Europe. I'm not sure if we were the first student group to do this with him, but from the comments of the others on this page, we weren't the last. That trip opened my eyes to the world and was a great way to start my adult life. Thanks for the memories, Mr. King! Carol Eric sun (do you remember? ;-))

JERI-DAWN YOUNGBLOOD · RENTAL OPERATIONS MGR · SANTA CLARITA STUDIOS
Reseda High Student 1974-1977

PHOTO CLASS WAS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE DUE TO MR. KING. HE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED ME TO BLEND MY ARTWORK WITH PHOTOGRAPHY TO CREATE NEW IDEAS. THANKS FOR BEING A GREAT TEACHER!

Kim D. Thai, M.D.· Physician 
Reseda High Student 1980-1983

I never did take Mr. King's class and I will always be sorry that I didn't (All I heard back then were praises -- and I am still hearing it over 17 years later -- regarding Mr. Warren King (the exceptional teacher AND the exceptional person).

Kay (Langlotz) Rowland · V.P., General Manager · Herndon Sales Group
Reseda High Student  1966-1969

Mr. King's photo class was my favorite throughout high school. He taught me
everything I know about photography today. I still have some of the shots I
took to illustrate "contrast" in b & w photos on display in my home. I do not
have a career in photography, however, many times over the past 30 years,
the request is made for me to take THE picture of the group or subject at hand.
I have found that photography has remained a very important part of my personal
inspiration and creativity due to the things I learned in Mr. King's class.
THANK YOU, Mr. King!

Susan King Armstrong > full time mom
Reseda High Student 1976-1978

H.Warren King was of course my favorite teacher. You could not go anywhere with him without him pointing out things of beauty. Beauty as in rusty old tin cans that line an old country road, a tree that showed great charactor, or clouds that simply laced the sky. He taught me to see and appreciate all of it. Most of all he taughtme to capture it all on film. I cherish my high school days. I got to spend everyday with my dad. I met my husband who was taking one of his ROP color classes in my junior year, and in my senior year I got to go to New York with my parents as I had received the Kodak scholarship for that year. We had quite a large family. Every year a new crop of students would mean a new crop of extended family. I loved that...it made for a very full heart. I will always be grateful to my dad and I am so proud of the man that he is, the teacher that he is, but mostly I'm proud just because he is my dad, I am so lucky.

Gerrie Warner Photographer!!!  > Wooden boat builder, web designer, own garden store etc... http://www.lp.se/gerrie-warner/spq.htm
Reseda High Student 1963-1965?

I remember MR King as we called him in those days as a mean old guy who never had good to say about a photograph one presented to him in order to be praised. Instead he cut it to pieces and added usually something about why don't you apply yourself to this assignment instead of playing around and wasting materials and your as well as my time. Well Mr. King was the only teacher I ever really learned anything from and I owe a great deal to him as far as a lot of accomplishments I has made in this life and towards other people. He is and will always be a true saint! You all remember "KISS" ?!? :-) "Keep It Simple Stupid" from Sweden, Gerrie Warner gwarner@algonet.se

Bela Grunwald Photographer > Danko's Foto & Grafix
Reseda High Student 1964-1966

Warren was not only my teacher, he was my mentor, friend and "best man" at our wedding 35 years ago. I have returned to my home country...Hungary....one of Warren's favorite places to visit. Warren has always been a part of my life, every time I take a picture. My wife and I, have MANY special memories of Warren. Hi Warren, they all said we could not do it, but you. I still remember the ThanksGiving diner at your house with your family. Called you before we moved back to Hungary but you had moved. Love you, Bela & Marianne

Hallie Rubenhold  Assistant Curator > National Portrait Gallery, London
Reseda High Student 1985-1989

I'm certain that I am just one of thousands who can claim that Warren King had an influence over their educations and career choices. I had never wanted to attend Reseda (all of my friends went to Taft or Birmingham) but Warren King changed this, in fact he changed my entire attitude about what Reseda could offer me. Among the many things I learned in his memorable classes was to tune my eye to images and to regard faces and places in an artistic context. Academically, I went on to study art history and specialised in portraiture as a graduate student. I currently work at the National Portrait Gallery in London as an Assistant Curator. In addition to researching and lecturing about 'the portrait'in general, I regularly get to rummage through our massive collection of historical prints and negs and create photographic showcase exhibitions from a fabulous array of Madame Yevondes, Bassanos, and Cartier Bressons (to name only 3). I would like Warren King to know that he is fondly remembered - even at the National Portrait Gallery in London. He is a truly remarkable man.

Neal Schwartz  Field Service Manager - Northwest & Bay Areas > Imation Corp (formerly 3M Company)
Reseda High Student 1957-1960

Do I remember "Mr. King". You bet I do! I only took 6 classes of Photography while in High School. I was even a Student Instructor for a couple of them. I would have taken more, but had some academic subjects they made me take too. Back then we had Don Sciacca, Leslie Sullivan, Sandy Schwartz (my sister) in class. Unfortunately that's all I can remember the names of. I recognized some of the faces in the photos but time is too unforgiving.

I just went on the 40 Year Reseda High Mediterranean Cruise and the subject of teachers came up. I bragged about Mr. King as being my my best teacher. I now work for Imation Corporation as a Field Service Manager covering from Alaska to Fresno, Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Reno.  My interests all these years hung around photography and electronics. I also own a Hardwood (not flooring, but specialty hardwood lumber) business here in Redmond, Washington fairly close to Mr. Bill Gates Headquarters..

If I don't make the party, I wish you, Mr. King, a long and prosperous life (which it sounds like you're well on the way already). Ah, heck, I'm gonna try my best to see if I can make it.

FORREST WATERS Tax Accountant > FORREST WATERS TAX SERVICE
Reseda High Student 1973-1976

I will forever remember the trip to Hawaii (I suspect Dr. King will never forget me because of our trip to Hawaii) I was just having fun Dr. King I swear I was not trying to cause all the trouble that I did! Well I now have a thriving tax practice in Wa. state (with numerous clients in Hawaii) I would say that the biggest impact he had on me was 2 things, How to see the beauty around you everyday and be able to capture it. and second he would give a vague assignment and you had to really use your mind to fill in the blanks. thanks for teaching me to think creatively. I still return to Hawaii every couple of years to enjoy the beauty and I never fail to relive what had to be some of the fondest moments of my youth. Thank you

Marc Solari  Photographer > Classicphoto
Reseda High Student 1979-1980

THANK YOU  MR. KING !!!    I  was a student of Mr. King at Reseda High school for the 1979 - 1980 school year. Mr King made a great impact on my life to keep me focused on my photographic career, and  staying  out of trouble. Even though Mr. King was older than us students,  he made us feel like we were  part of a great  team, that we were important, and that we could do anything if we applied ourselves enough.  We could always come to him with any problem, photo, or personal and he was glad to help, making  sure of a thorough follow through, visualizing and confirming a positive resolution.  It was amazing to see all the Reseda High School  Photo Alumni's  Award Winning portfolios, and Photos on the walls of Warren's classroom. What a great contribution to us fortunate students and the Photographic Community receiving these inspirational photographers! Mr. King found these talents within us, creating some of the World's most talented and famous photographers today!  Winning a few awards myself, although many others were awarded the prestigious Eastman Kodak Scholastic Scholarship Award. Mr. King made his home phone number and home address available to us, and all us students were invited to his home in Encino for a party. I remember  100% of the students also attended and enjoyed this event. We all had a great time through out  Mr. King's class. The assignments were great, He showed us our skills. Mr. King was the Best  teacher in the Los Angeles City School District that I had. I remember thinking at the time that Mr. King really had a great interest in his students, almost as if we were is own kids. Why couldn't we find more instructors like Mr. King? Gradation day in June of 1980 was a very sad in this aspect that our Reseda Photo Group/Club was now at completion, and our class went on to further their photographic studies and or careers. With the specialized training I received  from Mr. King, at Reseda High School I gained  immediate employment at  the American R Corporation, in North Hollywood. I was Color printing and learning about the Photo Lab business. I went on to study photography at Brooks Institute of Photography at Santa Barbara, Graduating with a Bachelors degree in Color Photography, in June 1986. Currently I am employed  with Fujicolor Processing Inc. as Sales Representative : covering the Northern California Territory, and operate my own Photo business - Classicphoto. Thank You Mr. King for planting those photo seed in me, The Photo Business has always been a great pleasure in my life, and without your leadership and guidance,  who knows what would have happened to me, Marc Solari :  classicphoto@juno.com

Dean Kawasawa  Operations Supervisor > UPS
Color Lab 1985-1986

Thanks for the invite to Mr King's tribute. I felt so lucky to have had Mr. King. I was actually a college student who lost focus on what I wanted to do with my life. I took his class and was able to refocus (no pun intended). Although I don't shoot for a living I still pick up the camera and do lots of outdoor photography and STILL remember much of my color wheel when using Photoshop! Wow. Hard to believe I was in his class over 15 years ago. I wish I lived closer or I'd help with the committee stuff. Thanks and hope to see you at the tribute!

Shawn McQuown 
Reseda High Student 1979-1982

I  had the privilege to be a part of Warren King's photography class at Reseda High School.  I was "Photographer of the Year" in 1982. As much as I learned about photography from Warren, he taught me far more about life.  I love him dearly and I am forever grateful to him for his wisdom, kindness and guidance.  He is without a doubt, the greatest teacher I have ever known.  I feel that Reseda High School should be renamed in his honor because no other teacher has touched so many. Thank you.

Hal Bjorklund  Retired > Company Founder and Senior Executive
Reseda High Student 1956-1958

 I moved to the Valley from San Bernardino at the beginning of the 1957 (my Junior)  school year.  I was a student of Mr. King during 1956/7 and 1957/8 when I graduated (from Birmingham High School for reasons we need not go into right now!)  I will have to look through some very old negative files to see what I have showing some of the old group.  I was fortunate to have co-hosted, with Mr. King, a great field trip to the San Bernardino mountains during late '57 where a goodly number of prize winning photos were taken by the photo club (note: not color lab - as we only had black and white facilities in the 50's.)  I was able to take a class or two with Mr. King at Pierce College during '58/9 but by the fall of that year I joined the Army. Under the guidance of Mr. King, I enlisted in the Signal Corps as, what I had hoped, a Signal Corps Photographer.  Unfortunately, the Army thought I meant that I wanted to go into Electronics, so they assigned me to a couple of years of electronics schools, where, upon leaving the army, I stayed. I've been fortunate to have had them make that choice as I have been able to foster several companies, build them, and sell them so as to maintain a wonderful (retirement) life style.  I have always kept my fingers into photography, albeit without the old 4x5 Crown Graphic I carried all through my days at Reseda.  I've published many graphic presentations that have been far more successful because of the man I had the opportunity to study under in the late 50's.A great guy you are paying tribute to.  I will not be in the country on the 31st of March.  I have a speaking engagement in Korea that, unfortunately,
cannot be changed.  I hope that this will be an annual event.  I will never miss the opportunity to see and speak with Mr. King again!!  Hal Bjorklund, Colorado 

Wayne Dickinson Investigator > Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Reseda High Student 1965-1967

Mr King you may not remember me, you've had so many students. My most memorable experiences of high school was your class, the field trips to Mexico and the mountains, the great times we had in class, the friends I met, your putting up with us some times goofing around in the lab (it was really Ed Raskin goofing off), the challenges you gave to me, and the way you have taught me to look at photography. I have been able because of your class been asked after people have seen my work to take pictures of all kinds of events, the ability to also inhance pictures of my family and vacations. In my current job as a supervisor in charge of investigating fraud and theft of utilities for LADWP I have been able to use my skills, "from you" to photograph evidence as it relates to illegal drugs and the prosecution of drug dealers. Thanks for you dedication and sharing your life with us all, I learned so much.

Margaret (Peggy) Dow nee Marsh  Management Assistant > Department of Defense
Reseda High Student 1963-1964

The time I spent in Mr. King's class was one of the best memories in high school. I remember being so disappointed in the photo class I took at Pierce Jr. College, it didn't compare to Mr. King's class. My mother, Marguerite Gebhardt, was the school nurse at Reseda at that time. I live in Cincinnati Ohio now, and take pictures of my children and grandchildren. My best to Mr. King.

Sheila Baker (Tompkins) 
Reseda High Student 1963-1966

I learned that the underside of our bleachers wasn't just for couples to hide and kiss!!! They had refracted light and at the right angle were art.I tend to see things abstractively and I'm very open to different views. Perhaps that one moment in time, gave me the ability to find art in all things. Sheila B.

Ronald Tim Day  Life Agent >Beneficial Life Insurance Company
Reseda High Student 1961-1964

Mr. King was one of those teachers that come along only once in a while. You could tell that he loved his subject of photography, but he loved his students even more. I have told people over the years about the great Photography program that Reseda High School had, but it has been hard to pass on the spirit that Mr. King gave to the program. He opened my eyes to be able to see the world as I would have never been able to. I will forever be in his debt for the vision that he opened for me.

Henri Sagalow  Photographer >Henri Sagalow Photography
Color Lab 1982-1983

K.I.S.S.....Those are truly the best words to live by! I have to attribute my success to that "SIMPLE" phrase Warren King gave to me. If there is one thing to be said about Warren King, he can give you the best dose of reality. Thanks for teaching me how to "show" how good I can be!

Russell Elsner Purchasing Agent >Washoe County School District
Color Lab 1986-1990

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, YOU TAUGHT ME HOW TO LOOK AT EVERYTHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, I CAN SAY THAT WITH OUT ANY RESERVATIONS THAT I NOW TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS NOT PICTURES. AND I DID EVEN HAVE A PHOTO BUSINESS FOR A WHILE BUT, I GOT TIRED OF THE IN-LAWS AT THE WEDDINGS BUT, THANKS TO YOU I HAVE SOME OF THE MOST WONDERFUL PHOTOGRAPHS OF MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, PETS ECT..... WARREN SAYING THANK YOU IS NOT ENOUGH FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME ME. WARREN I NEED TO SAY -YOU DA MAN- AND I AM PROUD AND FORTUNATE TO SAY THAT I WAS IN YOUR CLASSES. AND THANK YOU FOR MY BLUE RIBBONS AT THE NEVADA STATE FAIR WITHOUT YOUR CLASSES AND TRAINING NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. YOUR STUDENT, RUSSELL ELSNER

Cheryl (Wenker) Sparling Legal Secretary >Greenwald, Pauly, Foster & Miller
Reseda High Student 1961-1964

Thanks to Warren King, I gained self-confidence and a sense of self-worth that I would not have had had it not been for him. He encouraged me to "go for it" and as a result, I was awarded the first United Way Scholarship to Art Center. Unfortunately, Art Center (or certain of its professors) weren't ready for "women" photographers in 1964-65 and I ended up transferring out of Art Center and over to CSUN. That experience might have ended my career in photography but it was still an experience that I would not have wanted to miss for anything. I didn't think I was good enough to even try for the scholarship but Mr. King made me see I was wrong and I will never forget him for that! He was always there for me with an encouraging word or smile and, to my knowledge, NEVER turned anyone away! This world is MUCH richer for having Mr. King a part of it and a MAJOR part of so many students' lives over his long and rewarding career. I may not be a photographer now but I am a MUCH richer and better person for having known Warren King and his family! I do still enjoy taking pictures but now they're of my two daughters and my two beautiful granddaughters!

Tom Bliss  film producer > 
Reseda High Student 1968-1971

Warren was the very first zen master at whose feet I studied. His was the simple, unforgettable advice: KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid. These were trying times for many of the faculty but Warren never lost his cool. I learned a great deal from Warren, and put it to use in my advertising photography work which helped help pay for college, in my later years producing films and simply for pleasure! Thanks Warren.

Maralee (Ross) Pelka
LA Poly Student, Class of '50 and '51

I am proud to say that I am one of the students who majored in photography at Polytechnic High School, in Los Angeles in 1950, when H.Warren King began his teaching career. It was my second year in photography, and I knew from the first day he stood in class before our small group, that his energy, enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge would influence how much I would learn and what I would do with that knowledge. We all wanted to turn out better work, and we did. We wanted to receive recognition for our work at the National Scholastic Art Awards, and we did. Through his guidance we learned to be competitive, and ultimately, do better work. Although I didn't pursue a career in photography, the love of it has never left me. I chose to marry and raise a family. However, when my daughter enrolled in college,I, also, decided to go. I majored in journalism, and found myself right back in the darkroom, doing my own photography and lab work for my stories. It was then I realized how much I missed it. With digital cameras and computers, things have changed considerably since I was in school. However, I'm still partial to black and white, and I've decided to finally build a darkroom for that reason. I have about sixty large albums filled with thousands of photos of our trips, our four children, and our nine grandchildren. I can't think of anything I'd rather do than print 11x14's, or larger, of those precious faces. I owe Warren a debt of gratitude for instilling in me this tremendous love for photography. He was not only a good teacher, I felt he was a good friend. I'm so happy you are honoring him this way. He certainly deserves it. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. Sincerely, Maralee

Chuck and Neysa Pickens > Retired minister and physician
Friend

We met Warren through our children, Randy Pickens (1970-1972) and Cynthia Pickens Ugarte' (1973-1975). We have been on 5 of his fototours and have really enjoyed them. On the first trip to Europe in 1980 an outstanding memory is the dinner in the alley in Rome and Warren almost resorting to fisticuffs with the restaurant owner over the cost which had been agreed upon previously and was then being upped. The owner threatened to call the police and when Warren told him to go ahead the owner backed down. On our trip to Copper Canyon, MX Chuck and Warren rode on the cowcatcher of the train's engine. Only a rather light chain was all that kept them on the train. What an experience!!!!!!! We are not really photographers as we use PHD cameras (push here dummy) and a camcorder but it's fun anyway.

Bobbi Miklos >
Adult School 1984-current

I am a life time member of Warren's class! He keeps saying that he won't "pass" us until we get it right, so I'm hoping that I NEVER get it right! I have learned so much from my all time favorite teacher, about how to see, how to express ideas, and how to "put it on paper". Over the 16 years that I have been a member of his adult class, I have been through many personal trials, from breast cancer to my husband having a near fatal brain aneurysm. He now accompanies me on all of our field trips and entertains us with his harmonicas. He has come to love Warren, too! Sometimes, my phtography was all that kept me going, and Warren and Dottie were a great support to me. This class is truly one big family, and Warren is the patriarch! What would I like to say to Warren? Let me see...Does "Thanks" come to mind?

Kirsten Tollefson Kessey > freelance artist
Adult School 1974-1977

I learned more about composition from Mr. King than any of the many, many drawing, painting, 3d, and theory classes I have taken over the years. Not only does he have an extraordinary artistic eye; he is able to effectively express his ideas to others. Brutal critiques, delightful guest speakers, field trips, and informative lectures by Mr. King truly shaped the way I see and work – regardless of the medium. Having given digital photo manipulation presentations/demos my appreciation of his teaching abilities continue to soar. Please consider writing a book on photography ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Thank you warren, you are a rare blessing. P.S. I'm still taking pictures...

Bob Hirte Brooks > Owner > http://www.holidaygiftclub.com
Reseda High Student 1958-1960

I never had Mr King as a teacher, but appreciate the contributions he made to many people's lives. Jeff Sedlik and I communicate because we link to each others sites. I've placed a hot link to this site on our Reseda High School page, http://www.vegaslistings.com/reseda and on our Reseda High School Dance Band site, http://www.regenaires.com/ Reseda Alumni are communicating with each other more and more every day on the web. The best to The Warren King Thing Bob Hirte Brooks S'60

Cathy Becker (Howe) > Treatment Coordinator
Color Lab 1971-1971

Ahhh Mr King what wonderful memories this all brings back. I went to VNH and only went to your summer school class one year it was 70 or 71. What a difference you made in this young girls life. I still fondly remember the trip you took us on to somewhere near Lone Pine, an entire week to flirt outrageously with Gil Smith, oh and some wonderful photographs also. Here it is 25 years later and I know that you made a difference in how I see a sunrise. We took an early morning hike to catch the sun at just the right spot, that I hope I never forget. What a fortunate man you are to have touch and changed the lives of so many people. A man can ask for no more. You have truly been blessed and highly favored and so have we.
Thank You.

Neal Drucker > Director Family Federation for World Peace and Unification

I was a student at Birmingham High from 1965-1967, and got into animation a bit at Pierce College. I did some film work and still photography and later moved to Jerusalem, Israel, where I ran a professional color lab and photographed for "The World and I", a magazine put out by the Washington Times. I didn't know Warren or attend one of his classes, unfortunately. I would be happy to hear more about his carrer and am sure he was an inspiration to all of the 16,000 students whom he taught. I now live in Kodiak, Alaska, where there is an incredible abundance of nature to see every day and a lot of young student photographers hoping to get into the profession one day in the future.

Maryann Thomas > Artist > Disney Feature Animation
Reseda High Student 1977-1979

Warren King greatly influenced me as an artist. I loved the assignments and always looked forward to his class(the "Small Town Essay" was a very memorable assignment to me, I think I did it on Piru.) I went to Art Center, graduated with honors in Illustration. Worked as a freelance illustrator for about 7 years. I have now been working as a background artist in animation for about 7 years. Always shooting my own photographic reference for my illustrations and personal paintings. I also think Warren's sense of design has had a great influence on me to this day. "I was so glad to hear of this tribute for you Mr. King, Thank you for being such a great teacher!"

Tim Millen > VP Information Systems > bebe stores, inc.
Reseda High Student 1974-1977

My experiences in Mr. King's class will never be forgotten. I still use many of the skills learned in class with my photographic fun. One distinct memory is the music tape that would play in the dark room with Mr. King's voice to denote every 30-second mark. Even today, my eldest son is interested in photography, and I find myself using the same words to spark the creativity. Thank you Mr. King! This student will never forget your dedication and commitment to photography and the students of Reseda High.

name: Lori Belknap (Chappell)
profession: Scheduling Reporter?Cable
company: TVGuide
Affiliation: Reseda High Student
start: 1975
end: 1976

Comments

Hi Warren.... I surely don't expect you to remember me with 16,000 other students under your wing, but I do remember you. You are one of the few teacher I really do remember. You taught me more than how to take a photograph, but to see with my soul. To this day I am an avid photographer and always get wonderful comments on my photography. Every time I pick up my camera I hear your kind and patient voice in my head. I owe a lot to you and am thrilled to be able to finally thank you for all you taught me. Thank You! Forever Your Student.... Lori (Chappell) Belknap

name: Robin Stark Schober
profession: Paralegal/Mom
company:
Affiliation: Reseda High Student
start: 1974
end: 1977

Comments

Thanks to Mr. King, I'm re-experiencing how much fun it is to experiment with black and white photography and how beautiful it really is. I'll always remember how much fun I had in his classes and what a kind and funny man he is. Congratulations Maestro!

name: John Myers
profession: RSR Rep
company: Quest Diagnositcs
Affiliation: Reseda High Student
start: 1978
end: 1980

Comments

My life was Mr. Kings class. I had mostly straight A's in his class and my other classes suffered. It's all I wanted to do to go print in the darkroom with my box of oriental paper in hand from Freestyle photo. He was a harsh critic, but for a reason. He used to use a red marker and draw a big circle where a mistake was on a print I just made. But I did it better the next time and got lots of A's. Because of Warren King I placed in 2 photo contests in the Daily News in 1979 and 1980. I won a Canon AE-1 and a movie camera. One shot was of my brother doing his homework to candle light the other was a hot air balloon over a green field. Such a thrill and I still treasure those memories. It was a direct result of 2 photo field trips. One to Death Valley and the other to Parris, California. I still have all my prints and negatives. And yes I still remember K.I.S.S. and the rule of thirds and seeing in the dark. Thank you Mr. King for some life long memories.

name: Steve Thurow
profession: Military Photojournalist
company: USAF
Affiliation: Reseda High Student
start: 1982
end: 1985

Comments

Who'd have thought, as I sat in his class mesmerized by his stories of painting with light in a captured Nazi factory that I'd become a military photographer. Since I joined the Air Force I've seen 5 of the 7 continents, flown in Fighters, Helicopters, and Re-fuelers. His foundation prepared me for digital photography, remember the DCS-100? I know the confidence he built in me, prepared me to take a Powerbook, DCS, and Sat-Phone to a third world country and get images back to the Pentagon. OK, do it 7 years ago.

I still remember the pictures from my first assignment, and my first 4X5 portrait ugh . . . still gives me the willies. Hard to believe that's what I want to focus on now that I'm getting out of the Air Force. I'll never forget his great inspiring stories of previous graduates, and thank him for teaching my father, who drug me into the darkroom so I could catch the bug. No matter what I do in my life I'll always be a photographer.

name: Will Harrison
profession: Manufacturer of Photographic Filters
company: Harrison & Harrison Optical Engineers
Affiliation: Reseda High Student
start: 1982
end: 1982

Comments

I was only in Mr. Kings class a short time, but what I learned has been invaluable in my profession. What he taught me about perspective still sticks in my mind. Photography is my life, since I am a manufacturer of photographic filters for the motion pictures and professional photographers world wide. I remember when I was in his class, I showed him one of our families companies advertisements, HE WAS NOT IMPRESSED!!! I will always remember that, because it humbled me!! Thank you Mr. King!!!!

name: Daniel Domike
profession: bookseller
company: Seattle University Book Store
Affiliation: Other
start: 1986
end: current

Comments

I was never a student of Mr. King ( I went to Birmingham High). He was my Little League coach in the last year I played baseball. Baseball has been a major passion in my life. In my last year of playing, Mr. King encouraged me in so many ways to keep trying; this in spite of the fact that I was twelve years old, in the most minor of leagues and didn't belong on this very young team. It was the first step in my maturity. All those young years of dreaming that someday I would play baseball professionally, but slowly realizing that I never would. Still Mr. King encouraged me to pursue my dreams, as much so that a twelve year old can understand, and not give up. I'm so very glad that he is being honored like this and I hope he remembers a poor struggling catcher, slugging home runs, and trying to please him. My very best to him and his family.

name: Mitch Kadow
profession: Captain
company: Delta Air Lines
Affiliation: Reseda High Student
start: 1972
end: 1975

Comments

Warren was the best instructor I have ever had. He prepared us well for the challenges of life ahead, through spirited competition with our classmates. I always remember the excitement generated by the posting of the grades on his office door, knowing you had done your best and confirming it by looking at the grade, on the other hand knowing if you slacked off, it was there for everybody to see. His KISS principle has served me well, in the US Navy flying off carriers and in Commercial Aviation flying for Delta Air Lines. After leaving High School for the US Marines Corps, photography continued to be big part of my life working for NASCAR as a Photographer in Daytona Beach while in college and also working for Embry Riddle as a Photographer. I will always remember Warren's sharp wit and great sense of humor! I also admire his courage to take 30 kids to Maui for 30 days, That was one great trip!! Thanks again!!

name: Gay  (Doll) Johnston
profession: Employment Services Specialist
company: San Bernardino County
Affiliation: Reseda High Student
start: 1967
end: 1970

Comments

I took Mr. King's class "just for fun" and it was. I had some difficulty though since my camera was an Instamatic. I am still using one, never did get the F Stops down. But I know I learned from him to see the story behind the picture. In my life and career I have been able to see the life behind the person. Since I am in the Social Service Business this is very helpful at work. But also has made my life richer even though I have not traveled much or gone far I see a very interesting and incredible world every day of my life. Mr. King indeed did teach us all "how to see." Thank you Mr. King.

name: DON GILBERT
profession: SHIPPING MANAGER
company: PANAVISION HOLLYWOOD
Affiliation: Reseda High Student
start: 1985
end: 1987

Comments

Mr. King gave me the eye for taking great pictures. He was always there looking over my shoulder in the dark room to show me the best way to crop a picture. I remember getting an "excuse to leave class" slip from my 1st period English class every day so I could spend 1st and 2nd period in his class. I still look back at my slides from our trip to Death Valley in 85', I will never forget that trip. Mr. King was like a "Mirage", every time you turned around he was there telling you where to point your camera for the best pictures. Every time I pick up my camera I think of K.I.S.S. and I can here his voice saying it. When people look at pictures I've