I’m saddened to have learned this week about the passing of renowned #photographer Douglas Kirkland. I feel so fortunate to have been able to attend a #workshop he taught, as organized by Vancouver photographer @Marc_Koegel through his educational company, @VancouverPhotoWorkshops back in 2013.
Kirkland worked in so many aspects related to the creation of lens based work that when you met him, you quickly realized how #photography was more than just a #profession - it was something he lived and breathed. And his passion was so infectious and inspiring.
Kirkland had incredible stories to share about his passion. As a film buff, I loved hearing about his work as a set photographer on films such as “The Sound of Music,” “2001 A Space Odyssey,” “Titanic,” “Moulin Rouge,” and “The Great Gatsby.” And of course, Marilyn Monroe. As a young photographer, Kirkland was assigned to photograph Marilyn Monroe, and his photos of her are probably the most famous ever taken. He was so humble when discussing the celebrities he’d photographed. He wasn’t one for gossip, and his professionalism, respect and care for those he worked with came through in his reflections. He seemed to be able to recall any detail about each and every shoot he’d ever done, especially in regards to the technical aspects from camera settings to where he positioned himself in relation to his subject as he left no angle unexplored. I could have listened to him talk forever.
Normally, I’m not one who has worked with models or people as my subject (other than myself), but I learned a lot from Kirkland, maybe more than I have in university. Displayed here are two photos I snapped of Kirkland demonstrating how he worked with models and light. His incredible energy kept both his subjects and his students at ease. He was a master who made it look easy. And he made me feel more comfortable directing subjects. I’m more comfortable with a candid or snapshot aesthetic of photography (where often, my subjects don’t even know I’m photographing them), than I am with telling someone how to pose for a picture.
So thank you Mr. Kirkland, for every moment you shared. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
________
This post was originally posted on Instagram.