We're lucky here in Austin. We still have a big, thriving, independent bookstore. It's called, "Book People" and it sits right across Sixth Street from the Whole Foods H.Q. I love to shop there because Book People carries a lot of titles and they have an extensive magazine selection. Last week I bought a copy of American Cinematographer Magazine and a copy of Photo District News there, along with a couple boxes of cool, photo-themed greeting cards to send as "thank you" cards for client. I find something new and fun every time I step in the door.
Today I stopped by on my way back to my car from the Graffiti Wall. On quiet Sunday afternoons I like to spend some time looking at all the magazine covers to see what's trending, what's current and what looks frankly passé. I was standing near the photo and design magazines, looking at a photo of Nick Knight on a cover, when I saw a man about my age over my left shoulder. He took at look at the hulking combination of the Nikon D610 and the Sigma 50mm Art lens over said shoulder and, with a nod as a greeting, said, "I used to carry something big like that around but now I'm really enjoying a smaller, lighter Olympus camera." We got to talking and he seemed interested in educating me about the attributes of the smaller system.
I mentioned that I too had several of the Olympus m4:3 cameras and liked them very much. I also mentioned that I had been writing about them for nearly five years on my blog. I identified the blog and the man broke into a smile. "You are Kirk Tuck." He said. I agreed. "Your writing is partly responsible for my migration to Olympus." We spoke for a few more minutes about the relative merits of particular lenses, and a lens acquisition strategy in general, before we shook hands and headed in our different directions.
The encounter may have been a little embarrassing for him but it damn sure made me feel like a rock star. At least for a few minutes. I appreciated being recognized. Nice to know people really do read the blog...
Thanks!
13 comments:
Kirk, in my 'book' u r most definitely a rock star! Been reading your blog 4 years. U rank right up there w/ Thom (and are more personal and "chatty"). Keep it up pal!
Heh, must be nifty to be a local celeb.
The interesting thing for me is how once people switch over to mirrorless cameras they tend to become active advocates for them.
We've just had my daughter's sportsday and there were a fair few m43 cameras in the crowd. It's nice to see!
Mark
You are responsible for my migration to Olympus, too. Well, in reality after many years of shooting film, an article about the original X100 got me interested in the so-called "mirrorless". I tried an heavily-discounted E-PL1 and was so happy, to think about upgrading to the then-new E-M5 when your article about the G3 convinced me to buy it, instead. After almost 2 happy shooting years I felt justified to move back to the E-M5 and a year later to the E-M1 (preferring color rendition and useability of Olympus bodies). Now I'm an happy camper, so focused on shooting as being able to resist the sirens call of the newer models...
You should check out the American Cinematographer podcast. It's really interesting to hear cinematographers talk about how they develops looks for film and TV. The episodes with Alik Sakharov (DP on the Sopranos) were my favorite.
"Nice to know people really do read the blog..."
Yes, Kirk, people really do read your blog. It's the first thing I open each day as I sit down with a cup of Starbucks. Well, actually, today I first pulled out my Kindle Paperwhite and read a chapter of "The Lisbon Portfolio." It's a good book Have you read it?
I don't start my day until I read your blog. I can't believe hundreds of thousands of photographers aren't subscribers.
I live in Austin and have read your blog for a while. I don't think I've seen you around but I did see your son on the Town Lake trail a year or two back. My thought process went something like this:
That kid looks familiar, why do I know him?
Former intern from work? No, they're older.
Where would I know a teenager from?
My kids are babies. Their friends are babies. Older sibling? Nah.
My wife teaches at an elementary school. All babies.
Former student of hers? Maybe, but I'm not likely to recognize...
Aha! I've seen lots of photos of him on the Kirk Tuck's blog!
I don't know that kid.
Mouth shut.
Keep on jogging.
I don't imagine that having some stranger yell out "I read your dad's blog!" as he runs past would inspire a similar rockstar vibe in your kid. :)
First thing every morning, check TOP, check TVSL, not always in that order....
Keep up the excellent work Kirk, it's appreciated by a lot of people.
Aaron L.
Who's Kirk Tuck again?
I haven't stopped by for a few days, and i see a "new look", and I have to say I like it! Commenting is different too. In the past, I was never able to. For what ever reason, I didn't understand how! Old age I guess!
I read your blog, Kirk, way over here in Perth, Western Australia (the state that's bigger'n Texas! Really.) I'm always amazed at how much you write. Do you use voice recognition software?
Peter, No. I write on a keyboard. But I type fast and I write faster. Secondly, I've been thinking of moving to Perth. Seriously. I'd love to know more about the city. Wife might never let me but it doesn't mean I don't think it would be cool...
Dude!!! You're a rock star!! Did you sign his camera strap? Lol! It's not like you dont look like the guy in your blog posts.
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