About Kirk
My journey as an artistic photographer is a tapestry woven with the threads of a rich and varied life. Born in the sun-dappled paradise of Key West, Florida, my upbringing was marked by frequent relocations, a testament to my father's military career (United States Navy). From the serene shores of Key West, my family journeyed through the coastal beauty of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and the quaint town of Dickson, Tennessee; followed by the vibrant community of Virginia Beach, Virginia. From there my family crossed the Pacific to Yokosuka, Japan, where my father served his final military assignment. Ultimately, my family settled in picturesque San Diego, California, where my father retired from the U.S. Navy
My childhood was rooted in familial stability and various enriching activities. My mother, a dedicated homemaker, and my father's disciplined military background provided a nurturing environment. Excelling academically, I engaged in numerous extracurricular activities. I attended church regularly, played Little League baseball, earned a varsity letter in high school tennis (Montgomery High School), and as a Boy Scout, I achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
While my early years were filled with traditional markers of success, a quiet, persistent fascination with art simmered beneath the surface, encouraged by my talented uncle Bill Cronogue, a gifted artist and World War II Army veteran who studied art at Yale and worked as a technical illustrator for Boeing, I dabbled in charcoal drawing and oil painting. Despite this early exposure, it wasn't until much later in life that another art form, photography, captured my heart.
After high school, my educational pursuits took me to San Diego State University and finally the University of Texas at Austin, where I received a B.A. in Biology. My career path; however, followed a different trajectory. I dedicated nearly 24 years to the military, serving in both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, retiring in 1999 as a Lieutenant Commander. I then transitioned to a career in project management and policy analysis within the Federal Government, completing nearly 17 years of service before retiring in 2021.
The pivot to photography came in 2012 when I joined the Northern Virginia Photographic Society (NVPS) and wielded a DSLR camera for the first time. Through a combination of trial-and-error, workshops, and the influence of accomplished photographers like Ansel Adams and Steve McCurry, my skills flourished. My portfolio, enriched by diverse subjects—from architecture and urban scenes to wildlife and portraits—reflects a keen eye for detail and a dedication to continuous learning.
My creative process is meticulous and deliberate, beginning with inspiration and research, followed by careful planning and preparation of equipment. I credit NVPS for the inspiration that has matured his work, along with the influence of notable photographers such as Annie Leibovitz. My approach to photography involves testing of angles and elevations, patient shooting, and detailed post-processing using tools like Photoshop CC, NIK Collections, Photomatix, and Topaz.
Despite my numerous accolades and achievements, including multiple awards from the NVPS and having my work displayed on CBS Sunday Morning, I remain humble, never considering my art unique. Among my favorite projects, in the recent past, were Paris, Greek islands, an African safari near Kruger National Park in South Africa, and a heartwarming assignment at the Metro Women's Center, capturing the essence of women, families, and children.
Although not a full-time photographer, my work has been featured in significant venues, including a billboard display at ExpoMetro in New York City. My diverse interests, such as tennis, golf, and taking cruises with my wife Leslie, further enrich my life and, by extension, my art. Through my work, I seek to reflect my values of patience, engagement, and continuous improvement, to always enhance my photographic skills, especially in capturing the human experience.
My artistic journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, dedication, and the enduring influence of family and mentors. My story is a vivid reminder of the profound impact that art, in its many forms, can have on both the creator and the observer in the broader tapestry of society.
