Tribute to my brother... (C&C welcomed)

[KimC]

On 2/6, my beloved brother, my only sibling, was tragically killed in a hunting accident while on vacation in Texas. Back in December, I had committed to doing an event that the K9 Police handlers were having to support "a brother's child" who has cancer. After the tragedy they asked if I was still up for the event ~ I wouldn't have missed it as my brother was the person who got me involved with them (and you all know how much I have loved it).

K9 Officers including state police, local police and department of corrections came from all over CT - there was well over 100 handlers and dogs. These are two of my favorite images (that I can share) that I captured that day.


#1


#2 (this one needs to be opened in the gallery)

[bnnrcn]

Good shots Kim. I didn't know it was an accident, I'm very sorry about it.

[Manfred M]

Your brother would be proud of you with these two great shots, Kim.

I find the first image the stronger of the two, simply because there is clearly a single subject with a prominent dog / handler team in the foreground and the other handlers with their dogs creating an interesting background. If you trim the top and bottom a touch (8-1/2" x 11" print format), I thing you will get an even stronger image. I'd crop more sky than foreground.

The second image is also great, but not quite as strong and focused as the first one.

[rpcrowe]

My condolences but, I am certain that he is proud of what you are doing to show these wonderful dogs and equally wonderful handlers...

[Shadowman]

Condolences for your loss, nice series of images.

[ShaneS]

I also share my condolences and the thought that your brother would be immensely proud of you for continuing on with the event in his honor and for creating such strong images. Kudos to you Kim!

[Tronhard]

I can absolutely relate to your emotions on this occasion. I think both images have merit as each portrays the relationship between dog handlers, and between handlers and their animal partners.

[Donald]

Kim, these are glorious images. And you should be proud of them both for their photographic integrity, but also for what they mean in the context of the loss you have suffered.

I know from my own experience, that the words of colleagues on here have been of immense importance and support in coming to terms with loss. Nothing ever fills the gap of that loss and that's not what you should ever try to do. We learn to live our lives with that loss as part of it. But we don't try to diminish it or devalue it. The holding on to memories is so very, very important and I hope these images will play a part in that.

My sincerest sympathies, dear Kim.

[Ndukes]

So sorry to hear of your tragic loss Kim. There are many here who will appreciate the two wonderful images you have posted as a wonderful tribute to your late brother. There will also be many here whose thoughts and prayers will be with you through this difficult time.

[dje]

Kim I'm so sorry for your loss. These images are terrific, especially the first.

Take care
Dave

[NorthernFocus]

Sorry for you loss, Kim. There's little one can say in these situations. Hopefully you have many wonderful memories that in time will comfort you.

Both images are well done and capture the connection between the dogs and handlers. I agree with prior comment that the first image is the stronger of the two due to being less cluttered.

[JBW]

prayers.

[DEAN01]

Kim,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Your photos are great, I especially like the first. Hope to see more.

[mugge]

Kim, I am sorry to hear your sad news. I hope you can find some solace in your photography. Your photos are great. Number 1 for me.
My thoughts are with you.

[IzzieK]

I cannot pick and choose which one I like here as each has its own merits. #1 is a stronger image maybe but #2 was a different scene altogether, different reactions, different ways of handling their beloved pets. I rather like the expressions of these men in #2.

Condolences Kim, for your loss. There is not enough words to say that may help ease your pain and that of your family, but photographing these strong looking men will help a lot to keep you busy. One day, when the pain of losing him subsides, he will be a happy memory to cherish close to your heart. We don't lose anyone by their passing, we just can't touch them anymore physically. He will always be with you in your heart.

[KimC]

Thank you all for your kind words -- they mean so much. I still can't imagine my life without him. Donald, I agree with what you said ~ my grief will never go away, I'll just learn to live life with the loss. I try to look around me every day and see the beauty in it -- when I see something that makes me smile, I think of him.

The first image was my personal favorite. Manfred, thanks for the suggestion about the crop.

Interestingly, many of my friends like the 2nd -- they feel it displays the event, and they love the expression on the dogs. In addition, the wife of one of the officers that I captured sent me a lovely note about this image. She was not aware of my grief, so it made it all the more meaningful.