Today, 500 attendees gathered in excitement and adoration to hear from a very special talent and icon in this world, Peter Lindbergh. The doors to the conference center opened and I walked quietly to my seat. The room felt different than before. There was a quiet rumble and conversations I overheard were filled with shock, confusion, and sadness. I soon learned that Peter Lindbergh, 74, had passed away the night before we even had a chance to meet a man who gave women a voice when society expected otherwise. Although I did not get to hear his story, his legacy and message lives on. Peter believed for women to be seen that they must be seen authentically with every flaw we label ourselves with and in return he not only created a stunning body of work in fashion but empowered everyone he photographed with his talents. It is not only heartbreaking to know that Peter passed away so unexpectedly but that his family has to grieve their loved one momentarily from a distance. My heart goes out to his family but I know an incredible legacy has been left to demonstrate what it means to have passion and a sense of humanity in every piece of work we create as photographers.