This first blog post is a long time coming. I started down this path about 3 years ago shooting photos of emergency responders locally and then traveling the state as the opportunities expanded. What I saw through the lens was the human side of the job, the pride and sometimes the struggles in performing their job. Capturing the human side was the hook that drew me in and keeps me searching for opportunities to document the men and women of emergency services.
My goal with this project is to capture the responders in action and behind the scenes. This image of Hugh, who is with Knoxville Fire Department, is almost a cross between the two types of photos in one. He is in action via setting the stabilization but also in a relaxed state as he watches actions in front of him. It’s not something that can be posed which makes getting a shot like this so enjoyable.
Hugh Laxton, Knoxville Fire Department
The short-term goal is to create a blog that will highlight a new individual, crew or organizations with each post. I wish to provide some recognition to those who go without, often by choice.
The long-term goal is to publish a book that is a compilation of those blogs. I don’t have a timeline for a book yet, humble heroes don’t just line up to be interviewed.
Harder than setting up an interview is the writing. That is not something that comes easy for me unless it is on the technical side so I’m sure this will slow my progress.
One way you can help me out is to recommend someone you feel deserves to be recognized. Send me an email with the background information and how to contact the individual. I’m open to all recommendations but I’m I am concentrating on the Southeast for now.
Let me know what you think. Follow me on Instagram at eric.kaltenmark or Facebook at ekphotography2016.