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In Memoriam - Elyse Weissberg, 45

The creative community is mourning the loss of one its most loved and respected representatives and consultants, Elyse Weissberg-Spero, 45, who died at her home in New York on July 21 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Her funeral service, held on July 22, was attended by several hundred people. Ms Weissberg was well known for her marketing and promotion articles, such as those regularly written for the Bulletin, and for her seminars and presentations. Her last article for the Bulletin, Updating your portfolio, which was originally slated for this issue, will be published next month. Elyse said at the time she wrote the article that she was taking a break from writing for a while. Typically, she made no mention of the reason.

Born in Washington, DC on April 9, 1956, Elyse moved with her family to New York a couple of years later and grew up in New York. She graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in fine art in 1978, following which she pursued her art career in Washington, DC. In 1982 she moved back to New York, soon after embarking on her career as a photographer’s representative. Her sparkling, ebullient personality combined with the highest standards of professionalism ensured that her chosen career would be successful and she became widely respected by photographers and clients alike. While she consulted to many photographers, her principal stable of photographers included Eddie Adams, Denise Chastain, Paul Markow, and Jack Reznicki, who has been represented by her since 1983.

A strong supporter of ASMP and other trade associations, Elyse was a member of the Society of Photographers and Artists Representatives. One of her keynote seminars was Expose Yourself Properly: Proven Strategies for creating a successful portfolio and marketing plan. This program had been presented to numerous audiences and was one of the most popular at ASMP’s biennial conference in San Diego, September 1998.

Elyse had been working on a book and this is scheduled for publication in fall 2002. Additionally, some of her articles are included in the 6th edition of the ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography (Allworth Press) which has just been completed.

Throughout her career, Elyse Weissberg dedicated herself to photographers; she was generous with advice and encouragement and exuded a positive, upbeat attitude in every aspect of her work and life. She will be missed but will continue to help photographers—and her memory will live on—through her teaching and writing.

Elyse is survived by her husband, Ted Spero, their children Sonny, 11, and Hannah, 9; her mother Meme Weissberg; a brother Bruce and sister, Fonda Lowe and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

A fund has been established for the children in Sonny Spero’s name and contributions can be sent c/o Ted Spero, 299 Pearl St., Apt 5E, New York NY 10038. E-mail messages for the family can be sent to ElyseRep@aol.com.