Hi y’all,

Can you believe we’re here already, nearing the end of another year? When I think about this season last year it feels so incredibly far away, and yet, I can’t help but wonder where the time went. So much of this past year feels like a blur, good and bad.

November was an odd month for me; filled with joy and celebration, but also loss and grief. I spent much of my time outside, every minute I could get actually, and making a lot of pictures too of course. For the first time I’ve begun to notice a seamlessness in the way I move between photographic mediums; going from digital to 35mm, from instant to medium format. Before it always felt so clunky to go from one to another, often overthinking which to use; but it’s becoming second nature, leaning on instinct for when to grab which camera, and which film. That feels good.

I’ve found myself starting to weave the different types of images together too, regardless of how they were made; letting go of the idea that only certain types of pictures can go together. I’m letting the images themselves dictate where they belong, rather than how they were created. Sometimes two images are just begging to be near each other, no matter what camera made them.

I didn’t write quite as much this month (or last, for that matter) as I have in months past. I’m trying to let the photographic work stand on its own more, to give each image the space to speak and breathe. But at the same time I feel like something’s building up a bit. I’ve been thinking a lot about loneliness and vulnerability and the need to be known, to ourselves and to others. These themes seem to be showing up everywhere for me lately: conversations with friends, much of what I’m reading, even my own work. Perhaps this next month will find me putting some of it to paper again.

As always I hope this letter finds you all well. It’s a complicated time of year I know; whether you love or loathe it I’m wishing you each a peaceful month ahead. I say this often, but I appreciate that you’re here and following along. And of course I love to hear from you, so write me back!

kg

NEW FILM, NEW WORK

I consider myself lucky to have access to so many talented photographers and film folks, always happy to help solve a problem or pass along some solid advice. So when one whose work I very much admire said, "Shoot Delta 3200 at 800. It’s magical,” I didn’t even question it, ordered three rolls on the spot. As usual he wasn’t wrong. It’s enchanting on skin tones, works some serious voodoo in shadows, and makes for the most dreamy images. And it’s lending itself nicely to some new ideas I’m playing with. (You can see a few more images made with this film on my page of recent film work.)

NOVEMBER WOODS

I have always found comfort in the wildness of the forest, even when surrounded by death. There’s something really beautiful about the way nature does not hide these things, but rather lays them bare. She is not ashamed of herself; perhaps that is the draw.

RECENT BLOG POSTS

DAMAGED CHILD

A few weeks ago I was working in my studio when my youngest came to me with a cluster of gnat bites under his eye. Immediately I thought of Sally Mann’s image, Damaged Child, which she titled as such as a tribute to Dorothea Lange’s Damaged Child, Shacktown, Elm Grove, Oklahoma; so I grabbed my camera to make a tribute to them both. This kid has always been able to pull off a look of unflagging indifference in front of the camera, something I’ve too often neglected when photographing him. Obviously my image is nowhere near as brilliant as either of theirs, but I enjoyed taking a moment to honor two artists who inspire me so much.

AT THE MOMENT

LISTENING TO

Ever write something off as not for you, only to rediscover it later and become completely enthralled? That happened to me with Keaton Henson’s Romantic Works. I remember when it came out I listened and thought, “meh.” But I stumbled across it again earlier this month and it’s been on repeat since.

READING IN

A while back a sweet friend, knowing how much I love Thoreau and his philosophy on life, sent me a great little article suggesting five books that summarized the Thoreauvian way of living. Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek was added to my reading list right away, but I’ve only recently gotten to it. I’m only a little ways in, but already I’m in love.

THINKING ABOUT

On my mind these last two weeks have been this beautiful post by my friend Donna, and this brilliant essay and art piece written by an old friend. Completely different and yet the same; both grappling with the denial of self and the desire to be seen.

CRUSHING ON

I’m finding ridiculous amounts of inspiration from a fist full of bolts lately, and this set of photos in particular. I don’t do weddings, but if I did I think I’d want to do them like this.

Also, Coconut the Owl is back and (almost) nothing could make me happier.

Thanks so much again for reading. And one last picture, because I just can’t seem to get enough of this film…