Photographer’s legacy lives on at Four Seasons Resort

Hal Boucher recently passed away following a seventy year tenure as The Biltmore Santa Barbara’s official photographer. 

His memory will be remembered through his historic work, as 83 of Boucher's pictures are displayed throughout the Four Seasons Resort.

This collection is only a small portion compared to his lifelong work, which spans more than half a century in Santa Barbara. 

“Hal would attend all of our club functions and he would put together these great books of consisting of photos which he took of all the members,” Coral Casino Club Manager Kevin Speer said. “Hundreds and hundreds of members over the years.”

“He’s really given us a gift,” Four Seasons Digital Marketing Manager Rachel Stojanovski said. “We have so many amazing photos to remember how things were and that within itself is a legacy.”

In 1949, Boucher was hired by Robert Odell to be the house photographer at the resort.

This began his historic career which lasted over seven decades. 

“Hal was great at capturing a moment in time to reflect back on,” Four Seasons Events Manager Andra Escola said.

“Being at the resort for 70 years, he always found a way to capture through his angle through his eye,” Speer said. “The special picture the special moment.”

Throughout his time at The Biltmore, Boucher captured cultural icons from Hollywood to our nation’s capital.

Among many other celebrities, he photographed Walt Disney, Shirley Temple, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.

Despite having a close connection to fame, Boucher remained mysterious while shying away from the spotlight. 

“He was very reserved and quiet and did not like to be the center of attention,” Stojanovski said.

While walking through the resort, it’s quite apparent that most employees share their own favorite photos from Boucher.  

“The one probably that I like the best is the high dive,” Escola said. “The women that’s in that photo was in her seventies and it’s an awesome photo with all the kids sitting on all of the different levels of the high dive watching her take that dive.”

On January 15th, Boucher passed away at the age of 93. 

Yet his presence will always be remembered through his collection of work.

“He was a staple here, he was a constant for so many of us,” Stojanovski concluded. He’ll just be very missed.”

A private memorial will be held on Presidents' Day to celebrate Boucher’s life.