And also a version in black and white:
We were off-line for about an hour this evening to do some psychic maintenance. I'm not always gracious about taking ad hominem attacks. If you like the blog send me some nice comments to take the bad taste out of my mouth. I'm working on growing thicker skin....
36 comments:
Some photographer in Austin is having too much fun. These are really amazing. Just amazing.
Remember your Latin, Kirk. Non carborundum illegitimi (don't let the bastards wear you down)!
Hey, look - the camera doesn't matter when the professional is behind the scene! Both of these really show the rapport you have with your models - great personality coming through in each. You must not be such a tough old bastard after all.......
The smile in the second image makes it one of my favorites on your blog. It's the kind of cool stuff (along with the interesting insights and observations) that makes me return to your blog, day after day. Thanks Kirk!
~K
Now that is a good one Kirk - tell the model you need shots for a dermatology practice and you need lots of skin shown. I'll have to remember that one. Great lighting too
HARRUMPH! that's only 4 megapixels! what kind of bamboozled art directors are you working with? you can barely print a postcard with that resolution!!
PS: man, you work with some beautiful women kirk! wondering why the male:female ratio on your displayed pictures is so skewed towards the latter though. i enjoy the portraits tremendously and have learned quite a bit from them, hopefully, but would like to pick up some visual cues on shooting guys also since both men and women pay in the same coloured currency :-D
I love your blog. Fun to read, lots of information and examples, and a good outlook on life.
I thought your article on "watering dead grass" was as good a comment on the business as anything I have read this year.
As far as internet trolls and negative people go, my opinion is that thick skin does not really help. You actually need to understand their world a little to be able to feel sorry for them.
You don't have to climb into their world. Just understand that there are people who are driven by anger, scorn, and self-pity. They spread these negative emotions because it is all they have.
Go ahead and pity them. And rejoice that you aren't that way, and neither are your true friends.
I can't tell you about happiness because different things make different people happy. You can buy freedom if you lower your standards a little, but you can't buy some things at any price.
Like being at peace with yourself.
Kirk, I don't know what kind of attack you're talking about, but I really enjoy your blog. I'm not a professional photographer or even a good one, but I generally find useful nuggets in every thing you write. Keep it up.
One of the good things about the internet is that you can have contact with some of the many good people out there. Other people can benefit from your thoughts and experiences. It is a wonderful tool, but it sometimes comes at the expense of being exposed to the few who delight in trying to tear others down. On those occasions, all one can do is try to place things in perspective and ignore the knuckle head.
Now back to the fun. Are you doing any shoots during the Austin City Limits goings on??? Post something, please!
Oh, I realize you are not big on landscape photography, but as the weather turns the 'violet crown' should begin to appear at sunset in Austin. You could have some fun making arrangements to get into one of the tall buildings to shoot it. I think you recall that, at one time, once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away, Austin was know as the City of the Violet Crown.
Cheers
Richard.
Kirk, your equipment may change over time but your portraits of beautiful women are timeless.
Kirk,
I have been reading your blog for about two years now. Nothing has ever indicated you were anything other than a really cool interesting guy who I'd love to buy a coffee for and chat with if I were ever in Austin (which is pretty much never, sadly). Love your work and you thoughts, own one of your books.
Best,
Jay Stott
The ratio of ad hominem compliments to ad hominem attacks on this blog is solidly in your favor, and rightly so. Your blog and your work are inspirations to the rest of us. Keep it up.
Your blog is one my favorite photography blogs along with the Online Photographer. One of the reasons, besides the great writing and photography, is that you call things as you see them without sugar-coating everything. Being straightforward and honest doesn't sit well with certain folk.
Yes, the ad hominem attacks get old, and in my experience are more irritating because they come from someone who doesn't have a clue about the person he/she is criticizing. To attempt a rational, logical response is futile. Don't know the answer to dealing that, but rest assured, the vast, vast majority of your readers do not share the opinions of these types of "critics."
Writing and maintaining a blog like this is an act of generosity. Many people read for years, get enriched by your perspective and experience, and never leave so much as one word of thanks.
So I atone for myself tonight: Thanks!
(Oh, and I could stare at that top photo all day...)
Hi Kirk,
Sorry you were attacked. You don't need thicker skin, just fewer rude commenters.
It is worrisome that more and more people cannot express disagreement without making inappropriate ad hominem attacks.
We seem to be losing civility and good manners by the minute.
Your blog is terrific and your photographs are out of this world, so don't let it get to you.
M.
Great photos Kirk - you must have a real nice camera ;-) (sorry, couldn't resist)
And thanks. For your blog, sharing your thoughts and your wonderful work, for the three books I bought so far.
I've learned more in the few months I've been reading religiously than the last twenty years of practice, practice, practice assiduously. Thanks for your generosity!
I have to confess that your latest adventure in big square formats had me pricing Bronica SQs and film development mailers ... the concept of composing in the square has always been powerfully tempting though.
Mike
hi kirk
forget the thick skin you might just end up being less sensitive and we reader need that sensitivity on your blog.
kind regards from an amateur photog and former swimmer !
gerry
I love this blog. I almost never comment on posts though. Know why? Cause I find myself inspired and head out the door to go take some pictures.
Pity the web encourages trolls to speak up and out. They're out there in the physical world but usually keep their mutterings to themselves and their long-suffering spouces.
And as for the years of experience and photographs you share on this blog I can only thank you. I'm halfway through a big, month-long portrait shoot for a client and those big beautifully lit images from this blog linger in my mind telling me to get those lights a little closer and to really connect with the sitters.
Thanks for sharing. Don't stop. This blog is my morning ritual. With coffee of course.
Dan.
Kirk, when I come to my office in the morning, some ten thousand miles away from where you live, the first thing I do is open your blog, read your newest post and drink a cup of coffee. Then, I am ready to face the day. (And I am not a photographer nor pretend to be one.) Your blog is a kind, beautiful, intelligent, friendly and professional place to visit. All the best to you and your family
Your blog and the Online Photographer are the only two blogs I read every day.
Keep up the good work.
Nice photos today. We are about the same age, and I think both of us have days when we think "what really matters?" - not a bad question to ask oneself occasionally.
If it was my blog, I'd automatically block all anonymous comments...
The negativity is why I generally stay away from forums and similar venues. I am highly sensitive to negativity and ugliness, it really gets into my system, drains my spirit and makes me depressed.
Thick skin can seem handy, but it also makes you insensitive, and that's exactly what those negative folk are. So I'm glad I don't have one, and I hope you don't grow one.
I keep coming back to this blog for the sunshine it brings. I absolutely love your portraits, your bold opinions, and your philosophical observations. The world can surely use more beauty and contemplative thinking, and you bring loads of both.
So thank you, and please keep up the good work.
I like the way that you make photographs for your own enjoyment. That's real.
What's wrong with 4 or 5 megapixels? My favorite cameras with the best color and tone are my Olympus E-1's and my Canon 1D (original). I think its the BIG pixels! Great blog!
Hey Kirk, your blog is the first thing that I read each morning. Your images are always inspiring, and make me want to grab my camera and get out to shoot! If anything, you have saved me thousands of dollars, and kept me from blowing money on unnecessary equipment. Thank you for providing this forum!
Keep it up Kirk!
There are a few really really good photosites on the internet.
This is one of the top five in my book.
Personal, consistent, fun.
Everything that is necessary to get me to come back. And come back again.
And again...
Kirk, remember that for every individual out there who is negative about something you write, there are thousands more people who enjoy your blog and come back daily for more.
Kirk, you are one of the few people in the photography business who is prepared to be honest about the industry and its problems, which I find infinitely better than the breathless optimism of so called "marketing experts." Keep up the good work.
Kirk - you're a pleasure to read, and one of the only photographers whose blogs I pay attention to. Cheers!
I don't think you could ever take a bad picture even if you tried. Those are such beautiful images...you can always feel the connection with your subjects by their expressions.
You've gotten the better part of the deal: you spent some thoughtful, peaceful time and woke up the next day to a loving family and a career most people only dream about. That guy has to drag his ugly attitude around 24/7.
Hey Kirk,
I first stumbled across your comments on the Strobist Flickr group a few years ago and have always appreciated your frankness, pragmatism and willingness to check out different and fun ways to make photos. I remember then that some folks just couldn't handle more than one idea at a time and would lash out at your comments.
I know the commenters can get out of control (most have little self-control and the internet just makes it easier for them. Seriously, in the old days they had no audience because they would have had to leave the house and interact with other humans. Now the internet is in their lap, literally.)
Reminds me of an old quote: "The only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing, be nothing."
Peace.
Ron
Thanks to everyone. Faith restored.
I really like the girl with the skin, but dermatology? I thought it was for teeth.
What I'm saying is that her perfect teeth are making more of an impact to my eyes than her skin.
She is well-nice though.
Did you tickle her for the second picture?
Kirk, I do enjoy your blog. Keep it up and tune out the jerks who have nothing positive to offer.
First comment on your blog, for me. Just thought I'd chime in with the rest, though, who want you to know how much your work is appreciated. Many thanks, from a fan from up north, in Cowtown.
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