Wrong Number Leads to Renewed Interest in Photographer Wernher Krutein's Archive

A mix-up involving a phone number has sparked renewed interest in the photography of Wernher Krutein, a 72-year-old artist. Lauren Stevens, who received a work phone number meant for Krutein, managed to locate him after friends recognized him as the creator of famous photographs of San Francisco, including a notable image from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake depicting a car dangling from the Bay Bridge. An enthusiast of film photography herself, Stevens discovered Krutein's website, Photovault.com, which features nearly 500,000 images, and reached out via email. Their exchanges blossomed into friendship, revealing Krutein's financial hardships. In response, Stevens initiated a GoFundMe that has raised over $38,000 for his living costs and created the @Verndawgtales social media account, gaining over 64,000 Instagram followers and more than 37,000 on TikTok, revitalizing interest in his work. Krutein, who has dedicated over 60 years to capturing various subjects, expressed that this support has lifted him from despair.