Photo of the Week #2

Hi!

how’s your week been? I spent the past days bathed in birthday bliss, indulging in cakes, seeing new things, and time in the mountains.

I took my notebook on my last hike and pushed myself to make some sketches. That was fun, even though I cringed a little when somebody saw what I was drawing. Like a child hiding their homework, I wanted to throw myself across my sketchpad. Fortunately, I thought better of it and continued in my lane, moisturized and thriving.

Overall, it was a lovely week. Hope yours was, too!

Photo of the Week #2

Earlier last week, I went to Munich. I spent the day gallivanting around town, taking in art and a welcome dose of city life.

I passed by the Leica shop/gallery and was pleasantly surprised, when I saw this photo in the window:

If you’ve never heard of him before, Douglas Kirkland, who passed away in 2022, was noted for his photographs of celebrities, especially his work with Marilyn Monroe shortly before her death. You can read more about that here.

I got to meet Douglas a decade ago, when I worked with somebody he was friends with. Or, rather, I got to hang back while they did their thing. His warmth and kindness stood out to me on those occasions. I imagine it was very easy to open up to him in front of the camera.

Seeing these photos was unexpectedly moving for me. They transported me right back to a time, when my life was filled with creativity and art – and substantial amounts of learning. A good mix.

Here’s another of his photos of Audrey Hepburn. This one I find particularly lovely!

To me, these photos are like a bridge in time. You’re looking through the eyes of somebody who was there many years ago, interacting with the people he portrayed. In the case of his famous photos of Marilyn Monroe, it’s exhilarating to imagine yourself peeking over his shoulders. In others, it’s like being a fly on the wall, taking in a moment you’re invited to by proxy.

Photography is magical to me in the way it bridges time and place like that.

With Douglas and others who have devoted their time to the craft of photography and found success with it, I’m also amazed at the big, intricate, interesting lives they’ve lead and are leading. An inspiration to explore life beyond the conventional!

Have a lovely weekend,

Johanna