Justin Kinnaird | A Loss

I posted on my Facebook page that I lost a friend this week.  A most sobering, grievous, and humbling loss.

Justin Kinnaird (1975-2014)

If you ever wonder what it takes to be the kind of person that leads a meaningful life, someone that touches the hearts and souls of others, read the Facebook page his family started in his memory (or, if you’re able, his own Facebook page).  The eloquence and affect (and sheer number) of the Facebook posts left by his family, friends, acquaintances, and clients is remarkable; it leaves me in wonder and awe of a man with such reach and profound impact on so many.  Just a man — not a celebrity or politician or master of the universe.  Just a man that, in his short lifetime, created as rich if not richer a tapestry than people with 100 years at their disposal.

With equal parts sorrow and inspiration, I write today that his passing has moved me greatly.  I say inspiration because, amid the anguish, I feel hopeful.  The way his friends & family are celebrating his life is, to me, an affirmation of the best parts of humanity.  The outpouring of emotion reminds me how deeply we love, cherish, honor, protect, and appreciate; that a beautiful soul resonates among all of us, prodding us to transcend our smaller, crueller weaknesses or flaws.

Justin’s death is tragic; make no mistake.  But I’d like to take away from it a message: remember the effect you can have on other people.  With the biggest or smallest gestures, you have the power to turn someone’s hour, day, or life around.  Justin understood that and, oh, what a profound legacy he leaves.

I posted these photos on Facebook so that his friends & family could have the memories.  I was lucky to have photographed him often, and I’m grateful to have these keepsakes to share.