Starting Over. Fewer Constraints. Less Baggage. Fewer Guardrails.
The ceiling of the old bank in Montreal that houses Crew Café.
The most visually interesting coffee house I have ever visited.
I've been writing a blog since 2009. I take a lot of pleasure in writing daily and also showing images. The blog I've been writing is called, "The Visual Science Lab." It covered the last fifteen years of a 37 year long career as a working photographer. I've shared nearly 6,000 blog posts, tens of thousands of photographs and many deeply held opinions and observations. Having worked on a blog that's been seen nearly thirty two million times via direct page views on the site, and millions more times via RSS feeds and appropriated links, means that the old blog comes with a lot of momentum, baggage and weight. I've started to feel as though I've been dragging an anchor around with me as I think about things and write them down. Too much history --- but history is contextual. I'm tired of writing something in 2024 only to be chided by a reader who seethes that I wrote "the exact opposite thing in 2009!!!" It gets old. People need to keep up. Everything changes. And in photography everything changes even quicker. Antiquated and established habits of thinking are not particularly healthy...
When I bought a new car last week I did not do so because my existing car was old, obsolete or failing. In fact, it endured a whopping 20,000 miles over the three years that I owned it. But it was a practical and utilitarian, small SUV. A symbol of the work and mindset I'd run with for decades. It was a "work" vehicle designed for economy of operation and its ability to haul lots of gear and props around to corporate and advertising photo shoots. The older vehicle gets high scores from nearly everyone for reliability and endurance. They are built to go 200,000+ miles. And mine was looking as new as when I drove it home for the first time.
But here's the deal; my life is changing. I no longer need to book the big, stressful, anxiety provoking jobs that helped me buy houses, put a kid through private college or shovel money into investments for retirement. I'm ready to step back. Not a full, binary "next tuesday we're doing a hard stop" sort of quitting but a more nuanced downsizing of responsibility and work. And drudgery. And, as a smart friend suggested, as long as I maintain my work habits I'll keep accepting the jobs because... why not?
So, the new car is, for a working photographer, less practical. There's no rack on the roof. There's no hatchback, there's no tow hitch. But there is something that's now more meaningful to me: It's just fucking fun to drive in a way that SUVs never are. The switch became a signifier to me that I'm getting serious about turning down all but the most fun sorts of jobs. My real focus, going forward, is to do photography for an audience of one or two. Me and maybe B. But it's photography I'd love to share with anyone else who is interested. The new car is a marker of fresh intention. Like our heightened focus on elevating the condition of our house. A focus on enjoyment combined with visual pleasure, valued over the grind of working.
This blog will be different from the Visual Science Lab. More personal. More oriented towards imaging and art. Not just photography but across media. In fact, the last two pieces of art that we've purchased have been paintings and lithographs and not photographs. I'm down for just about anything that's interesting and happy.
I intend to have a lot more fun on this blog. That's what it's here for. No advertising. No affiliate links. No mercantile agenda. Just fun. Opinions. A bit of friction. And no worries that something might not be appropriate for clients or thin-skinned peers. Just unalloyed, stream of consciousness, sometimes reactive, written sharing accompanied by photographs.
Now transitioning my attention from VSL to here. Enjoy the ride.
disclaimer: No health issues, no run-ins with angry commenters, no money issues, still swimming, running, walking, lifting and eating well. This new blog is a natural transition away from commerce and into a greater enjoyment of the art of photography.
There is no schedule. No Patreon page. No requests for support. No promise of weekly sameness. And no allegiance to the status quo. This the first shot over the bow. Hope you like it.
Happy to step onboard! Rick
ReplyDeleteKirk, have fun in your new role as an elder photographs man. The new layout of this site looks amazing. Roger
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see you make this step, Kirk. It promises to be revitalizing — so essential to sustain the creative spirit. I'm looking forward to however it shapes up. I do want to thank you for the many, many posts on VSL where you shared your approach to working with creative partners and portraiture. I know I will still mine that treasure for some time to come. And I look forward to whatever you bring to your new endeavor.
ReplyDeleteJohn Merlin Williams
Hey I look forward to the "untethered Kirk!! Rock on brother!!
ReplyDeleteEric
I’ve been reading VSL since 2009. And I’m here for this!
ReplyDeleteI like the look of the new place! Got it bookmarked.
ReplyDeleteI picked up my second Subaru a few months ago, trading in my first one with 143,000 miles. I tend to go for the ground clearance so I can get up my driveway after work when it snows, but always liked that they had the more standard sedans available. I guess they don’t sell enough of them, because they’re discontinuing the Legacy after 2025.
Looking forward to whatever you decide to do here.
Rick
PS I don’t see any way to comment via Google (I’m currently signed in). The “Learn more” link seems to refer to settings you can make as the blog creator.
The road to irrelevance leads to contentment. I hope your new car is red.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Blogspot. It is the home of my rarely posted to blog since 2006. I set it up so that I have to approve all comments before they are posted. That makes it easy to sceen out the unnecessarily nasty ones. Yeah, it is very undemocratic but hey, it's my blog, I'm old and I don't need the agro. I suggest (if you haven't already) that you do the same. We are sharing our photos, not dueling.
ReplyDeleteSounds great kirk. Keep this for your thoughts, ideas, comments and fun.
ReplyDeleteJust get AI to do the photos and you're all set 😀
Just don't get AI to do the writing. I like your writing style.
Looking forward to this chapter!
ReplyDeleteKirk, I'm in! I like the dark background
ReplyDeleteYay! Looking forward to read this blog (too). Have a nice day!
ReplyDeleteDelighted to read this, and much looking forward to your future.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to riding along with you. Enjoy the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin. The new car has a sunroof right?
ReplyDeleteKT, Love it can’t wait for the new you to start writing and creating. Look forward to some good Texas stories and images. Eric
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun! Count me in! How about a photo of the new car?
ReplyDeleteGlad to see this happening. I've long appreciated your ,re general comments on art, life, etc.
ReplyDeleteHey, Kirk…. Biro here. I can’t log in but I await every post you make.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to it. Enjoyed VSL very much.
ReplyDeletere welch
Greetings Kirk -
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your new site and conversations!
Chris in Wisconsin
Nice new blog! If the old one is being put out to pasture then I hope that this one goes on for a while. It feels odd when a week goes by and I cannot read one of your new posts.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to this!! Layout looks great.
ReplyDeleteTwo thumbs up (not that you really need anyone's approval).
ReplyDeleteExcellent! I’m in! Let’s get this party started!
ReplyDeleteHOORAY !!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBeen meaning to go visit that café. I will get around to it.
ReplyDeleteHope you get a better class of comment on this blog so you don't have to spend so much time curating.
I've been driving a VW Golf for about a decade as my current photo-vehicle. Packed correctly, and because of the larger engine and bigger tires both added on for performance, it's the crop-sensor of photo vehicles.
ReplyDeleteSalut Kirk, je monte à bord.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been reading VSL for years. I drifted away a bit the last couple of years, lost interest in equipment. I have actually sized down from aps to “1inch” sensor. All new tools get priority on how little they weigh. I never thought a 25-400 f2.8-4 would be possible, but what a hoot. I really like your new random direction. Looking forward to it. Thanks for the 4 billion words of perspective over the years. Look forward to the new you.
ReplyDeleteI have followed your original blog but often got bogged down because of the font. On my iPad, this is already easier to read. So, this is great. I’m interested to read about z the next stage of your journey. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteI have been a daily visitor for many years and look forward to your new style. All the best.
ReplyDeleteSo, what's the car!?
ReplyDeleteAston Martin DB6..... Oh wait! That's not right. It's a Subaru Legacy Sport. White. Getting the windows tinted tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteStill a pretty sensible car. I had a turbo forester, which is about the same engine. You will have fun.
ReplyDeleteThere comes a Time to slow down! Stress to be avoided. The big jobs are now up for grabs! Are they worth it? When I was nearing age of retiring, digital jumped in ! Folks had weird expectations! Free photos! Really? They were drawing salaries.. Time of completion, YESTERDAY.
ReplyDeletePerfect I answered! I quit yesterday! Bye. Less jobs and finally retired..
Congratulations. Good move, once you get to a certain point. These changes come about not as a result of conscious reasoning, but because of a build-up of inevitability. Decisions often make themselves, and this is probably one such.
ReplyDeleteHi Kirk
ReplyDeleteCount me in. I think I have been following you since the beginning, off & on at first. But now I need my daily dose of your writing and photos (in that order). I’m looking forward to the transition.
PaulB
The new blog looks great, Kirk.
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve. I'm enjoying it too.
ReplyDeleteVery cool to mark your transition with a new blog. I will follow... Love your work!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Kirk. So great to hear that this will be a more satisfying blog for you. I'm coming along for the ride!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great. I have a Pentax Monochrome camera and loving Monochrome right now.
ReplyDeleteAnn
Interested in seeing and hearing what flows forth.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all things VSL Kirk - and very best wishes for all things GroundZeroArt. I like your personal remit. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteBonus vir semper tiro
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Kirk, in this new vein. Happy to join the art & life blog - thanks in advance for continuing to share so freely. Best from Munich, Joachim
ReplyDeleteI'm in!
ReplyDeleteI'll noin you on your journey! All the best from Northern Ireland, Richard
ReplyDeleteBookmarked. Look forward to the reprised Kirk.
ReplyDeleteI like the new white-on-black layout look. I also LOVE the ancient ceiling that looms above Café Crew in Montréal. I would happily travel some distance to have a cappuccino there... or, hell, even a cortado. Congrats on the fun & impractical vehicle, btw. Life is too short to be a metaphoric slave to practicality, to paraphrase Baudelaire. I'm looking forwards to wading through some of your new unfettered words and images. Cheers from Oregon!
ReplyDeleteI’m late to the party, but congratulations on the gorgeous new Subie! I love the feel of the new blog and am looking forward to reading what you have to say here.
ReplyDeleteSay what, moving? Why?...... Ok, I'm ok with moving Hmmmmmmm, sounds like fun, but a new car? Good for you. At 73 I'm happy with my 76 Ford F150 and my 1978 Mercede Benz, not to mention my 1975 Olympus M1 with a 28mm. I've owned them sense they were new, and they still run, work just fine.
ReplyDeleteSo it's time to make a change, good for you I'm with you let's go. I can't wait to see what you come up with, this will be fun.
What's the course Captain?
Second Star to the Right, and straight on till Morning
Let's go
Roger
Hi Roger, I got bored with the old blog site. Bored with the practical and economical mini-SUV. Just ready to mix things up. Get some fresh inspiration. Drive fast, write loose, embrace my inherent immaturity, test my CFO's patience, etc.
ReplyDeleteHahahahahaha..Good for you. Just excellent.
ReplyDeleteI'm ready for some fun, oh so ready.
Let's do it
Roger
Home page bookmarked; looking forward to more enjoyment. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHuzzah!
ReplyDeleteReally looking forward to this!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Kirk! I can't wait to see what mischief you get into.
ReplyDeleteHi Kirk,
ReplyDeleteI’m looking forward to the new direction, which looks like it might be a bit punchier.
All the best,
Andy
Kirk,
ReplyDeleteYou have done a great job w/your "old" blog. It's always been fun to read. I am looking forward to your new adventure.
Glad your health is good.
Phil Long
Disqualification. Accords, Legacys, and Camrys neither qualify as "sporty" nor as adequate retirement cars. Take it back. You may buy: BRZ, GR Corolla (look into it before you laugh), Miata, Corvette, any convertible, Boxster or any non-SUV Porsche, BMW Z4, F-Type, any car that scares Belinda, Nissan Z, Lexus LC. No WRX since they discontinued the STI. Integra Type S, Golf R.
ReplyDeleteA Legacy is like letting your hair down 1/8th inch. Insufficient to trigger retirement mode. Unless you a.) grow sadness beard b.) take a bong. [Sexist comment about hotties asking for rides deleted.]
You may keep the Legacy ONLY if you TEST DRIVE all the other cars without falling for one. C'mon, you could blog about each experience, with pics.
--Mike, from the wilds of Central New York where the coolest ride in town is this really rad and bitchin' Mennonite buggy. Seriously, there's this young Mennonite guy with a Concours quality buggy. Every inch of it is perfect. He probably has to beat off the slim young things in bonnets and ankle-length dresses. His horse is so young and sleek and high-steppin' it could win ribbons. He must be the John Milner of the Anabaptist set. The whole rig is as perfect as the best '32 Ford at the local hot rod show. Which is Sept. 21 at the Windmill.
Mike, I will let Belinda know that you have approved the purchase of the Porsche Carrera S Turbo I've been researching. One of my swim coaches has one and she loves it. If the purchases causes domestic issues I'll be sure to send her your way so you can sort it all out for me. Thanks!
ReplyDelete:-)
I'm always unhappy when the content of a long-runnning blog is taken down. It breaks links, and there's nearly always stuff of value there that gets lost.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, your new blog may interest me even more, so that's kind of exciting!
Re "the Porsche Carrera S Turbo I've been researching":
ReplyDeleteNow THAT would be a retirement car. Approved.
YOLO.
As for Belinda, if she hasn't complained about the cameras....
I only kept my Miata for three years. Find a lightly used 911 and sell it after three years if you don't want to lose too much money. You will have had the experience and enjoyed yourself, and properly commemorated the cutting of the ties to utilitarian SUVs packed with checklisted photo gear. Of course I still do want another Miata, but you might be able to afford to keep your Porsche if you get attached to it.
Good luck and bon voyage!
Mike
Whew i thought for a moment i had post my frequent dose of Kirk.Thnx for so much entertainment and edification over the years and look forward to many more
ReplyDelete