As many of you will be aware, Alyn Wallace, author of Photographing The Night Sky died last week, he was 34. Like many it is hard to put into words how devastated and sad we are. I send much love to his family, friends and anyone who knew him, and all who enjoyed his videos, his workshops and his book.
Best regards, in sadness.
Mick Ryan.
Publisher at fotoVUE
This is a message posted on Alyn’s Instagram account by his parents Pauline and Rhys, and his brother Ian.
Hi all. As many of you probably have already heard, our miraculous talent Alyn Wallace (Wally) has passed away on 28th of March. There are no words to describe our loss and the pain we’re in. Knowing that he’s had a chance to touch many lives through social media, teach, inspire, and connect with so many souls worldwide puts a consolation smile on all of us.
It is still too early to make any decisions. This unfortunate loss has happened in a foreign country. We believe you’ll understand. It’s hard to comprehend the staggering size of his influence sphere for us boomers, and social media is not exactly a priority at the moment. Any developments regarding his work, equipment, workshops, legacy et cetera will be announced via this his Instagram account in reasonable time.
We cannot check this account for messages frequently, so if you’d like to contact about his (or your) professional work, suggestions, payments, bookings, ideas or anything else, please contact his mother through [email protected].
Just to avoid any misunderstanding or misinformation, we would like to clarify: his immune system was weakened due to a pre-existing condition, and a simple gall bladder stone infection spread rapidly, causing multiple organ failure, resulting in his untimely demise.
As of Monday 2 April we have 300 copies left of Alyn’s masterpiece. We are organising a reprint; Alyn, myself and Nathan completed the corrections last month. We hope to send to print this month and they will be back in June. Our intention is to keep Alyn’s book in print, and we will have more details about how we will keep his legacy alive soon, including a detailed obituary.
Peter Clarke
So sorry for your loss, words fail me I’m afraid.
Mick Ryan
Same here, Peter. All the best.
Richard Hurst
This has been a real struggle for me to take in and get my head around that he has gone. I met Alyn on numerous occasions and spent 10 days with him out in Tenerife and La Palma, a trip that i hold dear in my memory. Alyn always had time for people and was willing to share knowledge, locations etc with anyone that asked. He was a true genius of his craft. Its not fair that he has been taken from us.
Mick Ryan
I hear you, Richard. Thank you. A loss to his family and all of us.
Julia
Absolutely devasted to hear this sad news, the photographic community has lost a great talent!
My sincere condolences to his family and friends, my thoughts are with you all.
Mick Ryan
Thank you, Julia.
Barrie Tumbridge
Losing a talented photographer is a loss not just of their artistic vision, but also of the unique perspective they bring to the world. Alyn’s work often captures moments and emotions that many of us may never see. Losing him at such a young age is also deeply sad. My condolences to his family and friends. RIP Alyn
Mick Ryan
Thank you, Barrie.
Al Beeston
Absolutely shocked by the news of Alyn’s untimely passing, he was an Inspiration to us all, with his writings and YouTube videos.
My Sincere Condolences to his Family and Friends at this very sad time.
Alyn will be sorely missed by everyone interested in Astro-photography.
His superb book has a special place on my bookshelf.
Thinking of you All at this time
Al Beeston
A very sad Fan
Thorsten Babetzki
Lost for words….My thoughts are with his family and loved one’s.
Stephen Hollwarth
I’m totally shocked and saddened to hear this. He is such a talent and inspiration to us all.
Please accept my condolences for his family and friends.
Mick Ryan
Thanks, Stephen.
Steve Berry
What can you say. The loss to his family and friends is immeasurable. RIP Alyn
David Harris
Went on one of Alyn’s courses a few years ago in Brecon, didn’t realise he lived in Pontypridd, just a few miles down the road from me, will really miss his monthly videos, you both must be devastated at his passing, way to young, my deepest condolences from the Rhondda
Michele
Thank you for the explanation, it doesn’t help you process what’s happening and I hope you eventually find peace, it’s such sad news. Alyn has influenced so many with his passion. I’m glad this book as a result of all Alyn’s hard work will remain in print.
Patrick DIEUDONNE
Absolutely shocked to hear this. His marvelous book (so much effort and talent in it) will stay as the best ever made on the subject, technical and artistic at the same time. He will be sadly missed by his family, and by all of us in the photographic community.
Condolences for his family and friends. We will remember you very often, under beautiful night skies everywhere on this planet. Rest in peace somewhere above us Alyn.
Terrence Gorvett
Alyn was an absolute ’giant’ in Astrophotography world was always quick to reply to my personal messages, a totally affable guy! I bought a signed copy of his ‘Bible’ on the subject when first published. The whole ‘photographic’ world is in mourning. I have contacted the BBC requesting they they re-screen ‘Moonshot’ R.I.P. Alyn.
Allen Lloyd
Thank you so much for this notice about Alyn.
As a father, my heart goes out to Alyn’s parents and his family.
Alyn was an amazing person who I met many times, often when I was out photographing at night.
One of my best meetings occurred at Three Cliffs Bay (Gower). Can you imagine him ( a 30 year old) and myself (an almost 70 year old) jumping on the wet sand to view the spectacular blue flashing light beneath our feet (photo chemiluminescence). This went on for around 20 minutes, before we walked back to the car park.
Alyn is a massive loss to humanity and Astrophotography.
Karen
Heartfelt condolences to all family and friends. I know sudden loss can be so hard to comprehend, especially in someone so young with incredible drive in his work and support of others. Rest in peace Alyn. xx
Peter Murray
I cannot believe such a talent has gone so soon, My thought’s are with his family and friends at their such sad loss…x
Stewart Lacey
I am so sorry and shocked to hear about Alyn and he will be missed but fondly remembered by so many. I had the pleasure of meeting Alyn In December 2019, when he gave a presentation to the members of Basingstoke Camera Club. It was clear then that he had a real passion for landscape astrophotography and kept the audience engaged with his incredible images and stories, delivered with so much energy and humour. I particularly remember him recounting how he managed to wake the SAS on a Welsh hillside while photographing a rising full moon. The fact that he would only accept petrol money for the talk and travelled back to Wales from Basingstoke in the same night to save hotel expenses was a measure of his generosity.
He has given so much in such a short life but we have his wonderful book as well as extensive VLOGS as a fitting legacy. Alyn, you were taken from us too soon. Rest in peace.
Adrian Charters
I am so sorry for your loss. Alyn was an inspiration to my Milky Way photography journey and I am currently heading to the US to see the eclipse. My copy of Alyn’s book arrived a few weeks ago and it’s an amazing testimony to his knowledge and superb skills in imparting his extensive knowledge. We have lost a true photographic genius and he has left a true legacy which will inspire people like me for many years to come.