Jake served as a mentor not only in formal settings but in every interaction. His enthusiasm was contagious, his feedback always constructive, and his generosity of spirit unmatched. He took time to review portfolios, share resources, and even offer one-on-one instruction — never expecting anything in return. For Jake, the success of others was the most meaningful reward.

Leadership That Shaped an Era

As a longtime leader within the NECCC, Jake was instrumental in shaping the future of photographic clubs throughout New England. He held numerous roles with distinction — from board member to advisor — and helped organize the region’s most respected conventions and competitions. His leadership was marked by vision, integrity, and tireless commitment. He was the kind of person who didn’t just talk about ideas — he brought them to life.

Whether leading a discussion on judging criteria or setting up for an event at 6:00 a.m., Jake brought humility, humor, and heart to everything he did. Under his stewardship, the NECCC thrived, attracting photographers of all levels and backgrounds and earning national recognition for its inclusive, community-driven approach.

His colleagues describe him as a unifying figure — someone who could bridge differences, resolve conflict, and inspire collective purpose. “Jake made you feel like you mattered,” said one longtime club president. “No matter your experience level, he treated everyone with the same respect. That’s what made him so beloved.”

A Personal Touch That Touched Thousands

Jake’s reach extended beyond the formal bounds of any club or council. He was the kind of person who remembered birthdays, sent handwritten notes, and made sure new members felt welcomed and appreciated. His kindness was legendary — not as a performance, but as a reflection of his true nature.

He brought this same attentiveness to his photography. Whether capturing the quiet dignity of a portrait, the grandeur of a landscape, or the fleeting beauty of a candid moment, Jake infused every image with emotional clarity. To view his work was to experience the world through his eyes — filled with empathy, curiosity, and wonder.

His signature style was unpretentious but profound. He believed that an image should speak for itself and that the most powerful photos were those that stirred the soul. For Jake, photography was a way of bearing witness — to joy, to grief, to truth.

Honoring a Legacy That Transcends Frames

The news of Jake’s passing has sparked a profound wave of mourning and remembrance. Tributes have poured in from photographers, clubs, and organizations across the country. Social media has become a living gallery of Jake’s legacy — not only showcasing his photographic work but capturing the countless lives he enriched.

Memorials are being planned both locally and at upcoming PSA and NECCC gatherings. A commemorative exhibition featuring Jake’s images and those of the photographers he mentored is currently being organized. In addition, several clubs have proposed the establishment of a Jake Mosser Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will support emerging photographers — a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life elevating others.

A statement from the Photographic Society of America reads in part:
“Jake Mosser was a beacon of knowledge, compassion, and community. His contributions cannot be measured in awards alone, but in the spirit of generosity and excellence he instilled in all of us. His legacy will endure in every image that tells a story, in every photographer he believed in, and in every act of kindness we pass forward in his name.”

A Farewell to a Friend, a Teacher, a Legend

Jake Mosser’s death leaves an immeasurable void in the photographic world. But what remains — and what will endure — is a legacy of light. He showed us that photography is not just about capturing what we see, but revealing who we are. That education is not merely about instruction, but about uplifting. And that community is not built on structure alone, but on spirit, love, and shared purpose.

He was more than a man with a camera. He was a cultivator of dreams, a lifelong learner, and an unwavering friend. He was the kind of person who made you feel capable, seen, and inspired — and those feelings will ripple outward for years to come.

Jake is survived by family members who supported his journey and shared in his passion, as well as by the thousands of photographers he mentored and inspired. His presence may be gone from the meeting rooms, the field trips, and the late-night editing sessions — but his voice, his warmth, and his wisdom remain with us.

In every shutter click, in every frame composed with care, Jake Mosser lives on.

For those wishing to honor Jake’s memory, his family encourages donations to the forthcoming Jake Mosser Memorial Scholarship Fund, details of which will be shared by the NECCC and PSA in the coming days.

May we continue to teach, to learn, to mentor, and to photograph — as Jake did — with heart, humility, and an open lens.