January 16, 2026
Michelle Mittelman
An unconventional path: Ron Pownall ’69’s journey to success in photography
Ron Pownall ’69 never set out with a rigid plan, but Lake Forest College gave him the space, people, and confidence to discover a path that would place him at the center of cultural history.
From photographing historic political moments to capturing iconic musicians at the height of their careers, Pownall’s story is one of curiosity, connection, and being ready when opportunity knocks.
Originally from Delaware, Pownall arrived in Lake Forest during a time when small Midwestern liberal arts colleges were highly sought after. Encouraged by his country day school counselor, Pownall joined a small group of classmates headed to Lake Forest, drawn by its size and sense of community.
“If you go to a liberal arts school, you’re about people,” Pownall reflected. “You might not know exactly what you want to do yet, but you know you like people.” That ethos would shape everything that followed.
At Lake Forest, Pownall initially pursued economics, but an unexpected failure in a Western Civilization course changed his trajectory. Needing to make up credit, he found his way into the art department and spent the remainder of his college career emersed in art classes.
Courses in art history and photography, along with influential faculty like Professor Emeriti Franz Schulze and Michael Croydon, sharpened Pownall’s creative eye. The campus itself became his classroom: a darkroom on the fifth floor of Young Hall (now Brown Hall), photo assignments across campus, and constant hands-on learning.
“I learned by doing,” Pownall said. “I was shooting something two or three days a week.”
Pownall’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. Ellen Mosey, who led the College’s public relations office, regularly assigned students to photograph lectures and campus events, giving Pownall the opportunity to build real-world experience and professional credentials. Alongside fellow student photographers Tom Livermore ’70, Steve Logowitz ’70, and Mark Hertzberg ’72—affectionately known as “The Mosey Boys”—Pownall photographed on-campus performers such as Nina Simone, The Turtles, The Association and visiting lecturers including Kurt Vonnegut, with images sometimes sent to and sold through local newspapers.
For Pownall, Lake Forest College wasn’t just supportive of his creativity; it helped him envision how he could turn a passion into a profession, while also forming lasting friendships with fellow Foresters who shared his love of photography.
The encouragement from Ellen Mosey paid off early. Through fellow Forester Bob Verdi ’67, Pownall landed a job at the Chicago Tribune while still a student. Initially hired as a darkroom printer, he was quickly sent into the field—handed a Nikon, three lenses, and a two-way radio.
In 1968, he documented the Democratic National Convention and subsequent Chicago riots that ensued directly after; an experience that demanded calm, observation, and trust to get the right shots—skills honed by his liberal arts education.
Soon after he photographed the Convention, an opportunity arose to photograph concerts in Chicago. Pownall recognized his chance and quickly volunteered to do the music coverage at the Tribune. Early concert assignments included Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Rotary Connection featuring Minnie Riperton. His work extended to legendary labels like Chess Records through connections he made in Chicago and later to artists including the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Queen, Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Talking Heads, and Eric Clapton after relocating back to the New England area. Represented today by Getty Images, Pownall’s photographs continue to circulate worldwide—from Rolling Stone reissues to Disney+ features.
For Pownall, the distinction between “capturing” a live performance and “creating” a studio moment is everything. “It’s about reading people and energy,” he said. “Sometimes you’ve only got ten minutes to get photos. You’re a therapist, really.”
His liberal arts background—paired with deep curiosity and people skills—allowed him to thrive in both worlds.
Even as his career evolved, Pownall remained connected to Lake Forest College, maintaining friendships with classmates, returning for milestone reunions, and often sharing slideshows of his work, including a 2020 exhibit at the Durand Art Museum. Looking back, gratitude defines his reflection—gratitude for mentors, chance encounters, and the belief that luck is really “the intersection of opportunity and preparedness.”
Today, what excites Pownall most is revisiting his vast archive and discovering new stories within familiar frames. His advice to today’s Foresters is simple but powerful: find something you love, prepare relentlessly, and don’t let money drive your choices.
“Do it for the love of what you do,” Pownall said. “If you’re ready when opportunity shows up, amazing things can happen.”
Pownall’s journey is a testament to the Forester spirit: curious, connected, and unafraid to follow an unconventional path.
To see more of Pownall’s work, visit his website.
Interested in sharing your alumni story with the Lake Forest College community? Reach out to Michelle Mittelman, Director of Alumni Engagement, at mmittelman@lakeforest.edu.