A Legend
I have had the good fortune to photograph David Carradine many times over the last decade and it seemed appropriate to post this shot of him at this time. It is a recent capture in what was perhaps the last public performance he gave.
I was not close friends with him. It was a comfortable professional relationship between photographer and celebrity.
What I can tell you without reservation is that the man treated people with dignity and respect. He was always willing to have a picture taken with an adoring fan and they were always bigger fans after meeting him.
While we all have to take the trip he is now on, it does not mean that those left behind won’t miss him. He was a good man and an icon.
(Taken in Los Angeles with a Nikon D300 using a Nikkor 80-200 f2.8 lens).
Featured in the following groups in June 09:
JPG Cast-Offs
ImageWriting
The Human Condition
Dimensions
You’re Accepted
-2nd place finisher in The Best of Photojournalism challenge in the First Things group.-2nd place finisher in “A Face with Character” challenge in the group That One Great Shot
A Legend belongs to the following groups:
Complex Simplicity of Art, ! 100% !, *1:1 with the News (Images Only With a Story), Accentuate The Eyes, All Around the Styles, Bits and Pieces , Creative, Talented, and Unknown, Dimensions, DSLR Users Only - 1/24 - Camera & Lens In Description Please., Everyday Life, Featured Features - For Featured Art, Photography, T-Shirts, Writing, First Things, Friends, Hombres Fatal, Images & Ideas, JPG Cast-Offs, Kairos, Light and Reflection 1/24, Light In The Darkness, Live, Love, Dream: , Men Appreciation, Mood & Ambience - Strictly Photos, Nikon DSLR Users Group - 2 uploads per 24 hours, Outsiders, PEACE, LOVE & TRANQUILITY, Rural Around The Globe, Shameless Self-Promotion, Solo Exhibition, Southern-Style: A Downhome Perspective , Spiritual Art, The Human Condition, The Patchwork , The true beauty, THE WAIST UP - Portraiture Photography 2 per 24 hour limit, United States, Western United States Artists and Photographers and Who are YOU to Judge?
andreisky
Great portrait of a great actor
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Andre. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supporting. They do well by David and I am certain his family would like to see all that David meant to so many.—Steve
Isa Rodriguez
an icon for sure, Steve.. thanks for this portrait. it is so dignified as is he, .. a beautiful legend always he is and will remain..
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Isa. I guess I said it in the BM. Shots seem to have a personality of their own anyway to me (crazy, I know), but this one is even more apart from me than the others. It is, as I mentoned, all about the man. —Steve
Brandie1
Lovely portrait.
He was one of my fav actors.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Brandie. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supporting. They do well by David and I am certain his family would like to see all that David meant to so many.
shadyuk
Great Portrait !
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and I am certain his family would like to see all that David meant to so many.—Steve
David Friederich
Great photo of David Carridine, Steve, and very interesting, relevant, and sensitive description.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you David. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and I am certain his family would like to see all that David meant to so many. I did not plan on it, but I think I will be showing them.—Steve
Tina Longwell
Very sad situation. May he rest in peace. He will be forever remember as a fine actor.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Tina. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and I am certain his family would like to see all that David meant to so many. I’ll be showing them.
Lisa Jones
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Lisa! What great news to be featured. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and I am certain his family will like to see all that David meant to so many. —Steve
Scott d'Almeida
outstanding,
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Scott. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and I am certain his family will like to see all that David meant to so many. —Steve
Linda Bianic
congrats … and thanks for sharing,,,,,,
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Linda. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and I am certain his family will like to see all that David meant to so many. —Steve
Bluenorther
CONGRATULATIONS on your Feature and thank you so much for sharing this portrait. Sincerely, Leslie
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you so much Leslie. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David. —Steve
Stephen Thomas
Great portrait of this great actor now gone but not forgotten.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Stephen. David will certainly be remembered by millions. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. —Steve
Wendi Donaldson
A lovely portrait and tribute to a decent human being.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Wendi for such a nice comment. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. I am certain David’s family can feel it. —Steve
whisperjo
Super image that should be shown in honor of him! Well done Steve!
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you so much for such a great comment. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was. —Steve
Sharon Mau
Aloha Steve,
This is a sensational portrait of David Carridine. What a treasure this image is!
It is difficult for me to wrap my mind around the fact that he is gone.
He was a good man and his powerful presence in this world will always be missed.
I will always treasure the special cultural and immense spiritual impact and influence he had in my life. I genuinely liked him as a man, as a human being, as an extraordinary teacher, and I have admired him since I was a young girl when I first saw him on television as a gentle warrior and a Shaolin Monk Kwai Chang Caine in his Kung Fu television series
And I have followed his teachings on Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Well-Being and studied his Tai Chi Energy Workouts, Chi Kung most all my life.
I love this quote by the Shaolin Gung Fu website ~
“It’s not about fighting, it’s about balance.
It’s not about enlightenment, it’s about balance.
It’s not about balance…
Congratulations Steve on your wonderful feature in Dimensions
I do hope you publish all your images of this wonderful man.
His inspirational life is a legacy and I offer my sincere condolences for his beloved children and family.
Aloha e Malama pono,
Sharon
Lois Bryan
Dear Steve .. this is a beautiful image of a man who was a great artist … and who inspired many with his wonderful work. Thanks so much for posting!!!
Steve Buffington replied
You are welcome and thank you Lois. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was. —Steve
KarenKSmith
Your words and image of David are a great tribute to truly a great icon. His work was good, and viewed by many. He is truly a great artist in our lifetime. Excellent work.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you so much for such a great comment Karen. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was. —Steve
Lois Romer
thanks for that Steve, I admired this guy as an actor and loved most of his work. So sad to hear of his passing.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Lois. Death is certainly something we all must come to grips with. No one escapes. But sometimes it hits when not expected. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was. —Steve
Margaret Harris
Beautiful tribute Steve
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Margaret. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was. —Steve
Cindirelli
How appropriate for you to post this great portrait of this great man. The way you have captured him here is perfect. You can see his respect for you. And since he treated everyone with dignity and respect, I believe that all of us should do the same for him now. Thank you for doing so and sharing this with us.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you so much for such a great comment. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was. —Steve
janeymac
Thanks for sharing this wonderful tribute to this stellar actor , Steve .
Steve Buffington replied
You are welcome Janey and thank you so much for such a great comment. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was. —Steve
Béla Török
Fabulous portrait, Steve! He was a great actor indeed…rest in peace. I love him in Tarantino’s Kill Bill’s.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you so much for such a great comment Bela. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was. For me, it was the Kung Fu series. —Steve
Richard Stepha...
Great portrait, thanks for posting Steve. RSB
Steve Buffington replied
You are welcome Richard. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was. —Steve
mrscarlotta
Oh the incredible “GRASSHOPPER”, what a BRILLIANT AND GIANT MAN, love this xxxxxxxxxxxx
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you so much for such a great comment. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was. —Steve
tkrosevear
Beautiful portrait Steve, much more respectful than ‘most’ out there now…;) xoxox TK
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you so much for such a great comment. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was. and don’t trust the media! —Steve
artist4peace
thank you for sharing,wonderful candid shot!
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you so much for such a great comment. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was. —Steve
Cora Wandel
Steve, a remarkable portrait and unfortunately it is very timely. Excellent statement to go with this photo.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you as always Cora. Your comments means a lot to me. Always appreciated.
Evita
Wonderful portrait of a great actor!! Thank you for sharing it…
Congratulations on your well deserved feature !!! :D
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you so much for such a great comment Evita. I think the shot is a good one of him, but it is really his popularity that is doing all the featuring. That is fitting. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
KarDanCreations
What a great honor to have met him. Thanks for posting this. He will be missed.
Steve Buffington replied
You are welcome and he certainly will be missed. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
Linda Syms
Fabulous portrait of this great actor.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Linda. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
kathy s gillen...
Fantastic capture
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Kathy. Appreciated.
EarthGipsy
Amazing image of an amazing human being ~ thanks for sharing it with us Steve,
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you so much for such a great comment. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
Roseann
Awesome shot. Thank you for sharing that. He was always a favorite of mine. It’s nice to hear he was fan friendly.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you so much for such a great comment Roseann. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
EarthGipsy
Thanks for the inspiration for today’s features Steve :)
Check out the other featured works here
Steve Buffington replied
Wow, that is very cool. Thank you. Hardly a day goes by without something surprising and good happening at RB. This is the good thing today. Appreciated.—Steve
Jens Helmstedt
Great portrait shot and interesting description Steve!
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you so much for such a great comment Jens. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
Joanne Bradley
What a wondeful shot of David Carradine! He looks so relaxed! A fine tribute and thanks for sharing!
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Joanne. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
Bradley Nichol
“When you can snatch the pebble from my hand….it wil be time for you to leave”
Rest in peace David,
Steve Buffington replied
Ha, and here I thought you were so much younger than I am. Or did you see the re-runs. Thank you for the great comment and feature. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
John Vandeven
Great shot of this very good actor.
Go well in *1:1 with the News
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you John. I joined 1 with the News group. Appreciate you letting me know about it. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
Lisawv
Great portrait of an incredible actor. So great that you had a work relationship with him. He will be truly missed. Great job Steve.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Lisa. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
morphingdreams
What a beautiful capture and great reminder and reflection of his depth and character. Thanks for sharing this one.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you very much for such a great comment. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
Tama Blough
Wonderful work – congrats on your many features!
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Tama. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
Maureen Maliha
Terrific work, and your multiple features are well deserved!
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Maureen. I sort of gauge how popular a shot is by the features and favs, but on this one, its in another class. David is fueling the fire of the shot, as it should be. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
Katy Breen
He will be missed. THANK YOU for this wonderful portrait, and for the wonderful words that have come, so very sincerely, from your heart.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Katy. Yes, the words just flowed. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
Nancy Chambers
WOW…this is fantastic Steve. You were very fortunate to have known him. He was truly an icon. Thanks for sharing and congrats on your well deserved features. :)
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Nancy. Agreed, fortunate is the right word. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
Tenee Attoh
Well done, giving him a good place, thank you. Well Done :)
Steve Buffington replied
And thank you. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
RealPainter
he was one of my favorites also….....cant believe it…......thanks for sharing the photo,so sorry to hear about the situation…........concerning him.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
SMOKEYDOGSOCKS
GREAT SHOT, I FEEL LIKE I’VE LOST A FRIEND EACH TIME ONE ACTOR THAT I’VE WATCHED ALL MY LIFE DIES. THE HEAVENLY SCREEN ACTORS GUILD IS GETTING PRETTY FULL, I CAN’T WAITE TO SEE THE MOVIE THEY ALL MAKE TOGETHER. BOB :)
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you for such a nice comment. I have the same feeling as each one passes on.The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
BarbaraManis
Fabulous work, Steve~
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Barbara. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
shadyuk
Congratulations on your features !
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you. That is very nice. It was fully unexpected. As I have mentioned to several people, this was a picture I felt strongly about sharing, regardless of whether it would be featured at all. That it was then featured 5 times in 12 hours is 99% David Caradine and 1% my shot. He touched a lot of lives.
Shaun Whiteman
Just a stunning portrait, Steve, he will be sadly missed. Congrats on your features mate!!
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Shaun. I can take credit for the shot, but the fire fueling it is David. As it should be. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
BarbL
I was stunned when I read the news about David’s passing. I think a lot of us internalized him into our lives when we were young and I, for one, have always had a great respect for a man who seemed to be a dignified and lovely celebrity. May he rest in peace. Thank you for sharing this lovely image…..
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Barb. What nice words. I have the same feelings as you express. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
Lois Bryan
... you know … on second glance (or more probably third or fourth as I’ve come back) .. personally I think you’ve caught something very special in this image about who this man really was. There’s the hint of a smile … a friendly welcome … the kind of look we all yearn for from our friends and family when we walk into a room. It’s just beginning at the mouth, see it?? But there’s something deeper in the eyes … a question … or a hope. A something so universal … that we all share with one another when our guard is down … that it appeals to the “everyman” within us all. That, my friend, is the genius of a good man, David himself, as well as of a great photographer … YOU.
Steve Buffington replied
Well, thank you very much-
for David and myself. You are very perceptive about this shot. If I would have posted it when David was still here I would have made the subject of the text much as you have written. There was something special about this shot the way it happened. He was the only actor on stage at the time and he very deliberately looked for me and when he spotted me he gave me this look-which as you have noticed, is special. It was only a second, but time seemed to stop as it was just he and I connecting through the lens. I wondered about it at the time, as he had not done that before. You are very perceptive to pick this up.—SteveHarlan Mayor
Great portrait of one of my favorite actors! Such a tragedy, his passing. He was truly an Icon.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Harlan. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
Linda Syms
I cannot remember the name of the series,he was traveling and he came across a Chinese man called grasshopper who was blind and he taught him martial arts,I think i am showing my age now Lol.
Steve Buffington replied
You have the series right. It changed a lot of people’s thinking on spirituality. It gave the idea there is more to life than meets the eye. And there is. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
mikebov
stunning photograph
You have caught the essence of the man perfectly
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Mike. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
shellbee
wonderful shot, so real , natural
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you. The RB community never ceases to amaze me. The comments I have gotten on this have all been so positive and supportive. They do well by David and really shows just how popular the man was.—Steve
Sassafras
May he rest in peace. Your portrait of him is beautiful!
Very well done and deserving of the honors of being featured.
Peace,
Sass
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Sass. That is appreciated. His fellow artists at RB have certainly shown their support in the replies I have gotten.—Steve
Judith Oppenhe...
ditto what Sassafras said. Beautiful portrait.
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Judith. Appreciate that, especially from someone who takes such stunning portraits as you do.—Steve
kangarookid
i absolutely love this photo! i could not believe it when i heard he died… i watched kung fu a lot as a little kid, though i really only remember the scene with the burning cauldron and the branding of his arms… it’s a shame that this had o happen to him, hopefully he’s at peace now…
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you. I certainly feel he is doing just fine. He lived a full life and made a good impression on, well, millions. I believe good things like that come back to one, in life or afterwards.—steve
arteology
he was and will continue to be a great creator and inspiration for many that will follow…...and he will be missed, however thru memories he will live on…...simply a great portrait shot, gallo
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you for such nice words Gallo. I certainly agree with all you say.—Steve
Nancy Stafford
congrats you been featured in California Sound..
David going to be missed.. I always love to watch Kung fu.
even as a child… thank you for sharing this image of him
Steve Buffington replied
You are very welcome and thank you for all the nice words Nancy.
Bunny Clarke
A wonderful capture of a wonderfual man. Thank you for sharing this.
Steve Buffington replied
You are welcome Bunny and thank you for the nice words.
Blaze66
Wonderful capture! I have adored him since his work in the miniseries of long ago North and South! I watch it yearly from beginning to end and he will definitely be missed.
Nancy Stafford
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Nancy!! Much appreciated.
genaro1
Excellent shot
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you. And your work is great. Really enjoyed a visit.
Starz
excellent capture ~ i love him so much
wonderful image
Steve Buffington replied
Thank you Karon. He was a good man.—Steve
Rany Lutz
Super natural shot. Well done!
Steve Buffington replied
Thanks so much Rany.—Steve
Carol Barona
perfect capture! great lighting!
LumenLux
A fine portrait. I also appreciate your related insite.
phillip wise
rrrsssooo….grasshopper !....great shot steve !
Patrick Monnier
Congrat! A portrait you ‘ve got to be proud of!
What about a b&w version?
Nira Dabush
This is WONDERFUL, dear Steve… super capture..
wonderful expression in this portrait.
BRAVO!
Lucindawind
fabulous shot of him .. he will be missed