Today, 1/17/24, I found out that David Akiba had died in  2019.   He was my teacher at the New England School of Photography in the 1990’s. He was dedicated and straightforward and supportive, although once, I recall,  he was harsh,’  although not to me.   I bought one of his photographs back then, which still hangs on my wall because I still love. it.  My condolences to his family.  I’m sorry for your loss.

It is with great sadness that I learned of David's passing yesterday. I knew David as my colleague at Nesop. He was an inspiration to me in that, beside his incredible talent as a photographer, and gentle guidance with his students,  he was true to himself and his love for photography.  It was an honor for me to stand by his side during the many long portfolio reviews we attended through the years. 
I will forever miss him.

Saddened to learn of his passing. David Akiba was a great man, a great professor and a great photographer. I remember him vividly in the dark room and classroom above Trim. Back in 2004 & 2005 I had the pleasure of taking photography and doing an independent study with him, he was very patient and on point on his advice. With a wonderful sense of humor, he will be missed and remembered.  I was once stopped by the police for photographing a bridge near Wellesley and Professor Akiba encouraged me to ignore it. At that age in my life I didn’t realize how important his wisdom would be be.  I remember you ever so often when I’m shooting and how everything went digital and miss the dark room ! 

Heartfelt sympathies to the Akiba family.  Even before my daughter Abigail became friends and danced the very early days with Isaac, we had one of David’s photo books on our coffee table.  More recently I was his colleague at Babson College.  I remember how much the Babson students admired his work and his teaching. Quite a feat to be able to connect to business students ! Abigail and I remain devoted groupies of Isaac and I remember how proud David was when I would email him after every performance at Boston Ballet. 
May the love of family and friends surround and bring you peace and comfort in your grieving .  

With deepest sympathy,
Barbara and Abigail Blair

David was a wonderful teacher . He was kind, thoughtful, and empathetic. Beginning photographers adored him because he was gentle in his approach. I certainly appreciated that as a first-year student under his guidance at the New England School of Photography. Rest in peace, dear David.


David was the one of the gentlest and most intelligent people I have known. In four years of college and beyond, I cannot remember a single dispute, only a positive and open mind. My wife Marion felt he was especially insightful, quickly seeing what others did not; one of the many qualities that informed his success as a photographer and a teacher. Somehow Earth will continue to spin on its axis without David, but perhaps with a bit more of a wobble. 

David was the best teacher I  have ever had, of any subject.  He taught me it was OK to think on my own, not follow the crowd, and that my opinion mattered. This was something new to an 18 y/o kid from the suburbs.  I've valued this lesson my entire life.  He introduced me to new works from photograhers, artists, poets.  These too have stayed with me since NESOP's Black & White darkroom class in 1985.

David getting a book signed by Allen Ginsburg, 1985, BU Bookstore, Kenmore Sq, Boston.

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David Akiba

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