Every year we photographers compile this list of photos. A list that ends up defining our success. Obviously, it is not a good tool of measurement but I don’t think most photographers can help it.
I would make this same list every January when I worked in newspapers. Every year that list was filled with moments of sorrow and of happiness. Yet there was barely ever a thread that connected them. They were nothing more than singles. Single photographs of moments in peoples lives that I had the pleasure of crossing paths.
This has been an exceptionally emotional year. Love was lost and new friends were found. People died, but they were replaced with the first breath of birth. I made mistakes and I succeeded. I sinned and was forgiven. I cried and I laughed.
These photos do not define my successes or my failures. But they represent the journey through my own life. The photos of my subjects are really reflections of myself. You see our stories run on parallel axises.
I will be finishing up my third year living in Vietnam. My life is open for change but for the time being I am focused on exploring this country and how it develops.
I wish my friends and family the best holiday season imaginable. May contentment come to each of you in this coming year.
Stephen M. Barrett
December 22nd, 2010, 11:37 am #
I feel so much compassion in your work. Thanks for sharing, please continue to do so. SMB
Peter Earl McCollough
December 22nd, 2010, 1:15 pm #
Great work Kevin. Both beautiful and tragic.
Ying Ang
December 23rd, 2010, 12:14 am #
Chris Detrick
December 23rd, 2010, 6:17 am #
fantastic work Kevin.
M. Scott Brauer
December 23rd, 2010, 8:52 pm #
Great stuff, as usual Kevin. Here’s to another good year!
Thuy-Doan Le
December 24th, 2010, 1:10 am #
Poignant and exceptional work, as always. You rock. =)
Rhys
December 24th, 2010, 9:21 am #
Great images but even stronger words, Kevin. Always good to be reminded that photographers have personal lives spinning away in the background when they’re making images for us to see.
caroline
December 28th, 2010, 6:39 am #
thank you for the words and amazing pictures! happy holidays kevin!
Corey Perrine
February 10th, 2011, 3:33 am #
Kevin,
Keep sharing your gift with the world. I’m grateful for photojournalists like you.