It occurred to me that I have never revealed my best advice for photography. I can sum it up well in just two words – marry well.
It is hard to encapsulate someone’s personality in a photo – this one comes cose.
I have heard many examples of spouses showing complete disregard for all things photography including an aversion to stopping for landscapes and wildlife. Thankfully that’s not my story.
Every good photo on this blog should have an asterisk that gives significant credit to my wife. She has suffered hours of sheer boredom while I wait for mountain sheep or other creatures to do something interesting and driven with me endless miles in search of something that moves.
She has encouraged me to take the time for photography and to buy camera gear (no that is not a typo). In short, she has done everything to be supportive of this crazy passion of mine. And to top it off, she laughs at my jokes. Who could ask for anything more?
Given all that, I thot it might be interesting to ask Dori … err Ms. Krahnpix … a few questions to give you a glimpse of my best friend and wife.
Sometimes animals don’t have to “do” anything – just stand there looking good and create an interesting shadow.
How do you feel about answering a few questions?
I’m good with that. I’m usually pretty capable of talking. (Krahnpix note: no comment)
How would you describe your personality?
When I’m not jumping out of airplanes, sending off professional-grade fireworks or working towards a similarly adventurous goal, I’m a boring grandmother who likes to knit, cook and play piano.
Do you like the outdoors, seeing wildlife?
Contrary to what some people think, I do like the outdoors. I just don’t like being cold very much and I am easily distracted by things I enjoy doing inside. (Krahnpix note: I may have teased her about the fact a fellow photog asked if my wife didn’t like the outdoors since she was in the truck at a beautiful location in Grand Teton National Park.)
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
When your life changes, think of it as the new normal and make the best of it.
Waiting for me to finish … again. And trying to stay warm and sane.
How about the best advice you gave?
Suck it up buttercup! (Krahnpix note: no comment)
What’s still on your bucket list?
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and meeting the Royal family to start …
What’s the last three purchases on your credit card?
Shoes!
What’s one thing that annoys you about Lyle?
Hmmm, he really likes to be prepared for everything which sometimes hampers going with the flow or being spontaneous. (Krahnpix note: I prefer planned spontaneity)
Are you a photographer?
If there’s a point and shoot and Lyle is nowhere around, or if I’m at work, I take pictures. I take pictures I don’t make them. I’m one of that large group of people who are hoping to get lucky with very little effort.
What’s one thing about Lyle that blog readers might not know?
I think there are lots of things about Lyle that he hasn’t mentioned on his blog. However, seeing as you are such insightful readers I bet when I tell you stuff it wouldn’t come as a surprise. Lyle is disciplined and dedicated, he is committed to both excellence and closure, he revels in the thrill of victory and dreads the crush of defeat and he is loyal and committed. Those of us who have him in our corner are lucky indeed. (Krahnpix note: blush)
What advice do you have for photographers?
Make sure you find a way to keep it fun.
Just another amazing Saskatchewan sunset. The Krahnpix world is in order.
And with that, I’m all out of secrets!
Krahnpix 
I liked this post Lyle, so nice to “meet” your wife and I see she has a sense of humour just like your’s !
It’s important to have a spouse who can understand our passion and even better if he/she comes along.
It’s great your wife is supportive and we can see your beautiful photos. All superb photos and I really like the last one with the sky on fire.
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I’m glad you liked this intro of sorts. I had been planning it for a while and finally got it done.
When I met my future wife she laughed at my jokes and has never stopped. A sense of humour can go a long way!
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That last piece of advice of hers is worth repeating.
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And I listen to her!
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Oh no! Another one! Your wife and mine and kindred spirits! That photo of Dori sitting there with a book while I’m doing my thing could easily be Alyce. Except Alyce would more likely in the car with the heater running and looking at her Kindle because having just one book available simply won’t do.
But… once I bought her a camera of her own she quickly began giving me some serious competition.
What have I done?!
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That’s an excellent point! I must discourage Dori from taking up photography or she would end up with way better photos – not that it’s a competition!
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Great post ~ and my hat is off to her for putting up with a photographer such as yourself, just waiting that extra hour to get a more-perfect-shot. It is great that you two share (or I guess I should say “understand”) the commitment photography takes…and the importance of humor. Part of the fun of life is learning from others and if you’re lucky, having the other half agree that purchasing additional gear is a necessity. Cheers!
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I think understanding is a great word for the support she has given me. She’s been a great sport it all. I’ve been so fortunate to have her. Photography is not a quick and easy thing.
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Love her advice – to accept change as the new normal and make the best of it. I might even have to write that down.
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It is good advice and she’s much better with putting that into practice than I. It certainly puts things into a better perspective.
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Thank you for giving your wife credit, the woman behind Kranpix! You are a good man! Lovely photos, as always. This is a wonderful post, Lyle! 🙂
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The credit is appropriately placed – I am most fortunate. I’m glad you enjoyed this unusual post for Krahnpix.
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Such an interesting blog! The closing sunset photo is breath-taking!!! Well done!!
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Glad you found it that way. That closing sunset reminds me of a perfect evening. I was just going to sit down and enjoy it with friends by a fire but it kept pulling me back so I took a few images. Glad I did.
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Ha! Nice to meet the missus. I had no doubts whatsoever that she has been the real brains behind your work for years. 🙂 Lovely sunset! Are you still diggin out from under the load of fresh snow you got (and we conveniently missed)?
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I’m glad you were smart enough to figure out where the real brains were! Thanks for rubbing my nose in the snow that was the nastiest shovel of the year (wet and heavy):) A lot of it has finally melted and today should really dry things off so maybe we can return to your area’s normal – what ever that is. Funny who there is often a difference between the weather systems we get.
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Lucky guy!
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I am and I know it!
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Dori is a beautiful, caring nurturing lady, who is your perfect soulmate Lyle. You are both so fortunate to have each other. You bring out the best in each other and I wish you many more years of health and happiness.
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Thanks so much Carol – soul mates is a great description. You definitely know of what you speak.
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You are indeed fortunate, Krahnpix. My wife used to make an effort to go on my little excursions, but she has little patience for waiting while I take a half hour to photograph a landscape or flower…sometimes the breeze takes forever to relax. OTOH, she willingly gets up at whatever time I leave the house before sunrise to keep our dog company. I guess Murphy and I are fortunate also.
Mrs. K has a nice sense of humor.
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I am most fortunate – the sense of humour is really important to me. Dori doesn’t go along all the time but we find a balance that works – it sounds like you have done the same.
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Jumping from airplanes?Really? Being a boring grandmother? I doubt it-you have kept your sense of fun..Good match, indeed.
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Oh yes and the decision to jump was spontaneous too. It’s been a fun ride for me to just watch sometimes!
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I think I fall under Dori’s (Ms. Krahnpix) philosophy of taking pictures “I’m one of that large group of people who are hoping to get lucky with very little effort”. Well said Dori. But with a little help from you Lyle, maybe I can change.
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I think I fall into the little effort crowd too but occasionally my desire for better photos trumps it. More than happy to help anytime.
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Lucky you! It sounds like Dori is a perfect match. 🙂
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She is and I’m so fortunate. I certainly don’t take that for granted.
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Sounds like the perfect partnership. I think “Suck it up buttercup!” is about to become my new motto! I will share it liberally… You are indeed lucky to have such a supportive partner.
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I am most fortunate to share my life with someone special – I am truly blessed.
Now why I am not surprised you latched on to that new motto!
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This post makes me happy. A good partnership is a grand gift, isn’t it?
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It really is a grand gift. Glad to make you happy.
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To have a best friend that supports your passion is a blessed thing 🙂 May you both continue to have fun and frolic outdoors (but not when it is too cold!) and we get to be the beneficiaries.
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That’s great advice that we will be sure to follow! Thanks for that.
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Lovely. My wife has also been very supportive in my journey through photography. I couldn’t help write about her too. https://kenyanbird.wordpress.com/2014/11/22/the-bird-and-other-birds/
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It’s great how another person can make life so much better!
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I can see the importance of this secret! 🙂 And if she for some reason suddenly didn’t want to tag along, it would destroy a fantastic photographer?!
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Yes it is a very important secret for photography and life! We try to keep a balance.
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Behind every great photographer-man is an even greater woman!
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The greater woman theory – I’m in!
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Dori sounds as fun as you and should write a few blog posts with her photos. Except for shopping for shoes and maybe reading a book at a National park, she would be a hoot to have as a best friend.
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No question she is a hoot and made my life far more full and spontaneous than it would have been otherwise. And yes we all have our quirks – that just keeps it interesting.
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