Even if you had never met Harold Feinstein, you would know what he was about talking, especially about his work in photography, he speaks with the fervor and passion of a man in love.

"That which I love, I love images, people, God's creations, I can't get over it. But what I've never gotten over most is people," said Feinstein, who came to the University on Wednesday to talk about his exhibit Retrospectives 1944-1988 currently on display in Zoller Gallery.

"Looking into a face, the way light falls on a flower or a body, or the way a beam of light comes through a window, can you believe what a kiss is!"

Feinstein (pronounced like Einstein but with an F), a photography instructor and astrologer, is one of the best photographers around and he knows it. In anybody else that trait would seem like conceit, but in Feinstein it just complements his whole persona.

The artist told of his life, his opinions of art and the importance of a formal education.

"I knew it wasn't happening for me in school, that's why I quit when I was 15 years old," explained Feinstein.

The photographer revealed everything that inspired him to follow a life of art despite rankling from his parents and peers even to this date.

"Even after I had my stuff exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art, and my mother went to see it, she took me aside and said to me, 'Harold, this is nice, but why can't you just do this on the weekends', "joked Feinstein.

But he went on to seriously explain why he made art the center of his life.

"I just followed my heart," Feinstein continued. "Art is something that is compelling you from within, art is and should be what comes from within you. . . your own particular impulse or desire."

His encouragement to all people whether they are artists or not seemed to inspire everyone listening to him, and the way he talked made everyone believe. It was obvious that he is a product of the classroom.

"I am as inspired by teaching as I am being a photographer," Feinstein said.

Another piece of advice Feinstein threw to the audience was to surround yourself with people who are basically on your side, and people that appreciate your work.

". . .Keep away from people that don't like your work," continued the photographer among laughs from the audience, "show people your work that fundamentally support you."

As an exhibit, Harold Feinstein's Retrospective 1944-1988 is enough to move you. As an artist, Harold Feinstein is enough to inspire you.

"Fundamentally I think we're born wise and taught to be stupid. There are 100 reasons why not to create, but you must trust that which compels you to create. Don't stay with your fears and doubts and follow your heart. . .I want to encourage you to have courage."