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Sad News Re Steve Karafyllakis

Sad News Re Steve Karafyllakis

2011-03-15 by ClaytonJ

I am sad to report that Steve Karafyllakis passed away recently after a year long struggle with cancer.

Long time forum members knew Steve as an excellent photographer and printer, active in this forum, and generous with his knowledge and skills.  Steve's web site is still up, I don't know for how long.  Last time I spoke with the family they were unsure how it would be handled.  If you aren't familiar with Steve's work I encourage you to have a look before it's gone

 http://stevekphoto.com/

Steve did a lot of shows here in Florida and more often than not came away with Best of Show/Category prize money or museum acquisitions.


* Personal Recollections
Steve was a good friend for many years, beginning back in the film/darkroom days.  Over the years we went shooting together (once on an extended trip to the California desert and to visit my brother & family), did some shows together, and were always supporting, comparing & critiquing each others work.  He was an inventive genius with camera gear and taught me many Photoshop tricks.  We also shared a fondness for Thai food and for years and would often meet for a meal at our favorite Thai restaurant.

He passed away in December after a year of struggle with cancer, including the whole surgery/radiation/chemo drama.  I visited him in the hospital the day before he died.  His death was sudden but not unexpected.  By then it was clear that he was on a steep downhill slide and it was a matter of time.  Doctors had said there were no more options and he spoke of going to hospice.  The next morning he went into a coma and slipped away.  He was a fighter the whole way, but I think at that point he finally let go and it's better to go quickly.

I should have posted this sooner but just couldn't bring myself to do it.  However a recent conversation with Shilesh made me realize it needed to be done.  I hope Shilesh will add his own recollections, as he also shared a lot with Steve.  


Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm
I-Trak 2.1   http://www.cjcom.net/itrak.htm

Re: Sad News Re Steve Karafyllakis

2011-03-15 by Rusty Sterling

It always saddens me to see an artist pass. I didn't know Steve, being relatively new to this forum, but I looked at his site and his work was awesome. Sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful photographic artist.

Re: [Digital BW] Sad News Re Steve Karafyllakis

2011-03-15 by Terry Ritz

On 11-03-14 9:52 PM, "ClaytonJ" <cj@...> wrote:

> I am sad to report that Steve Karafyllakis passed away recently after a year
> long struggle with cancer.

Although I'm an infrequent poster I've been on the list for many years. I'm
saddened to hear about Steve's battle with cancer and the ultimate toll that
it took. I do hope that his family chooses to leave his web site up for some
time. His floral work in particular, is an inspiration to me.

Clayton, please accept my condolences. You and Steve were obviously very
close, and I appreciate that you took the time to post this.

Terry.

Re: [Digital BW] Sad News Re Steve Karafyllakis

2011-03-15 by mrjimbo

Clayton,
I didn't know Steve but thru you I got a sense.. Sorry that you lost a good friend.. Your post was very appropriate ......  both sad and a celebration..

thanks

jimbo
Show quoted textHide quoted text
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: ClaytonJ 
  To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 9:52 PM
  Subject: [Digital BW] Sad News Re Steve Karafyllakis


    
  I am sad to report that Steve Karafyllakis passed away recently after a year long struggle with cancer.

  Long time forum members knew Steve as an excellent photographer and printer, active in this forum, and generous with his knowledge and skills. Steve's web site is still up, I don't know for how long. Last time I spoke with the family they were unsure how it would be handled. If you aren't familiar with Steve's work I encourage you to have a look before it's gone

  http://stevekphoto.com/

  Steve did a lot of shows here in Florida and more often than not came away with Best of Show/Category prize money or museum acquisitions.

  * Personal Recollections
  Steve was a good friend for many years, beginning back in the film/darkroom days. Over the years we went shooting together (once on an extended trip to the California desert and to visit my brother & family), did some shows together, and were always supporting, comparing & critiquing each others work. He was an inventive genius with camera gear and taught me many Photoshop tricks. We also shared a fondness for Thai food and for years and would often meet for a meal at our favorite Thai restaurant.

  He passed away in December after a year of struggle with cancer, including the whole surgery/radiation/chemo drama. I visited him in the hospital the day before he died. His death was sudden but not unexpected. By then it was clear that he was on a steep downhill slide and it was a matter of time. Doctors had said there were no more options and he spoke of going to hospice. The next morning he went into a coma and slipped away. He was a fighter the whole way, but I think at that point he finally let go and it's better to go quickly.

  I should have posted this sooner but just couldn't bring myself to do it. However a recent conversation with Shilesh made me realize it needed to be done. I hope Shilesh will add his own recollections, as he also shared a lot with Steve. 

  Regards,
  Clayton

  Info on black and white digital printing at 
  http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm
  I-Trak 2.1 http://www.cjcom.net/itrak.htm



  

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: Sad News Re Steve Karafyllakis

2011-03-15 by GoldHorde

Thank you for this link to a passing artists work. I have never seen his photography and he did a fantastic job in black and white -particularly the foilage shots - amazing - I wouldn't have seen those shots in B&W. 

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Rusty Sterling" <rustysterling@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> It always saddens me to see an artist pass. I didn't know Steve, being relatively new to this forum, but I looked at his site and his work was awesome. Sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful photographic artist.
>

Re: Sad News Re Steve Karafyllakis

2011-03-16 by iweiner3637

Many, many thanks for bringing Steve's lifework into mine, his prints are and will always be magnificent.

My sincere condolences to his family.

irv weiner

Re: Sad News Re Steve Karafyllakis

2011-03-17 by shileshjani

Hello All,

I must confess that I knew of Steve's illness from a posting here or on some other forum, that he was putting his gear up for sale. What I did not realize was how serious his condition was. Recent email conversations with Clayton prompted me to look up Steve on Google, when I found his obituary. It was truly a disheartening moment for me - I double checked to make sure I had his name spelled correctly. Soon the realization sunk in that Steve was no more.

I never met Steve, but on one occasion in the early 2000s, I looked up his website, and was thoroughly impressed with his work. I happened to be coordinating a 13x19 print exchange at that time, and  had one participant drop out at the last moment. I fired off an email to Steve, inviting him to fill-in for the drop-out.  He willingly and expeditiously dispatched a set of prints. From that moment on, we communicated sprodically via email. We sent each other prints for no other reason than "hey, look at these." Other than Steve's photographic and printing skills, I was most drawn to his generosity. I have often been on the receiving end of packages from Steve with simple notes like: 

"Hey Shilesh, I have been trying out this new paper. I have enclosed a few sheets for you to try out. Let me know what you think." 

Such was his generosity and enthusiasm for his craft, and willngness to share with others. I have prints from other photographers scattered over my home. But only Steve's prints have ever graced the walls of my home office/studio. I think I will keep it that way for the foreseable future, in honor of my departed friend, Steve Karafyllakis. May he rest in peace.

Shilesh

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "ClaytonJ" <cj@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> I am sad to report that Steve Karafyllakis passed away recently after a year long struggle with cancer.
> 
> Long time forum members knew Steve as an excellent photographer and printer, active in this forum, and generous with his knowledge and skills.  Steve's web site is still up, I don't know for how long.  Last time I spoke with the family they were unsure how it would be handled.  If you aren't familiar with Steve's work I encourage you to have a look before it's gone
> 
>  http://stevekphoto.com/
> 
> Steve did a lot of shows here in Florida and more often than not came away with Best of Show/Category prize money or museum acquisitions.
> 
> 
> * Personal Recollections
> Steve was a good friend for many years, beginning back in the film/darkroom days.  Over the years we went shooting together (once on an extended trip to the California desert and to visit my brother & family), did some shows together, and were always supporting, comparing & critiquing each others work.  He was an inventive genius with camera gear and taught me many Photoshop tricks.  We also shared a fondness for Thai food and for years and would often meet for a meal at our favorite Thai restaurant.
> 
> He passed away in December after a year of struggle with cancer, including the whole surgery/radiation/chemo drama.  I visited him in the hospital the day before he died.  His death was sudden but not unexpected.  By then it was clear that he was on a steep downhill slide and it was a matter of time.  Doctors had said there were no more options and he spoke of going to hospice.  The next morning he went into a coma and slipped away.  He was a fighter the whole way, but I think at that point he finally let go and it's better to go quickly.
> 
> I should have posted this sooner but just couldn't bring myself to do it.  However a recent conversation with Shilesh made me realize it needed to be done.  I hope Shilesh will add his own recollections, as he also shared a lot with Steve.  
> 
> 
> Regards,
> Clayton
> 
> 
> Info on black and white digital printing at    
> http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm
> I-Trak 2.1   http://www.cjcom.net/itrak.htm
>

Re: Sad News Re Steve Karafyllakis

2011-03-17 by shileshjani

Here are some comments made about Steve's contribution in that exchange by fellow participants (April through May 2003):

Steve Karafyllakis - "Dry Season, Suwannee River" It can be seen here

http://stevekphoto.com/html/So_Lands_pg_15.htm

Don Bryant: 
"Everyone that has seen this print really stops and looks at it closely. For those of you not familiar with this area of the world I can tell you Steve has done a superb job of making an interpretive photograph of this area. It's a wee bit contrasty but that is the way it looks there at times. I am curious to know what scanner Steve used."

Gary Benson: 
"Another beautiful print.  Great detail, depth to the composition and almost a surreal quality of light."

Alan Sanders:
"This has a busyness to it that belies the fact that it is actually a
simple and effective composition. There's almost this conversation
going on between these two trees."

Tom - PoutyBob
"Holy S#@t!!! Um, I mean this is nice..."

Shilesh Jani:
"Steve joined this group when another member dropped put. I was thrilled to receive this print, knowing it would be one of my favorites in the group. Must be why it was on top of the stack. Luminous highlights, brooding shadows, and detail galore. The print is tack sharp. I have had a number of my friends tell me it is "busy". I politely dismiss that comment. It is a superb composition. I assume the negative was 6 x 9 inches (rather than cm). A high resolution scan would surely allow this print to go mural size, which is where all the detail would be most apparent, allowing the viewer to immerse himself into the scene."








--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "shileshjani" <janishilesh@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Hello All,
> 
> I must confess that I knew of Steve's illness from a posting here or on some other forum, that he was putting his gear up for sale. What I did not realize was how serious his condition was. Recent email conversations with Clayton prompted me to look up Steve on Google, when I found his obituary. It was truly a disheartening moment for me - I double checked to make sure I had his name spelled correctly. Soon the realization sunk in that Steve was no more.
> 
> I never met Steve, but on one occasion in the early 2000s, I looked up his website, and was thoroughly impressed with his work. I happened to be coordinating a 13x19 print exchange at that time, and  had one participant drop out at the last moment. I fired off an email to Steve, inviting him to fill-in for the drop-out.  He willingly and expeditiously dispatched a set of prints. From that moment on, we communicated sprodically via email. We sent each other prints for no other reason than "hey, look at these." Other than Steve's photographic and printing skills, I was most drawn to his generosity. I have often been on the receiving end of packages from Steve with simple notes like: 
> 
> "Hey Shilesh, I have been trying out this new paper. I have enclosed a few sheets for you to try out. Let me know what you think." 
> 
> Such was his generosity and enthusiasm for his craft, and willngness to share with others. I have prints from other photographers scattered over my home. But only Steve's prints have ever graced the walls of my home office/studio. I think I will keep it that way for the foreseable future, in honor of my departed friend, Steve Karafyllakis. May he rest in peace.
> 
> Shilesh
> 
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "ClaytonJ" <cj@> wrote:
> >
> > I am sad to report that Steve Karafyllakis passed away recently after a year long struggle with cancer.
> > 
> > Long time forum members knew Steve as an excellent photographer and printer, active in this forum, and generous with his knowledge and skills.  Steve's web site is still up, I don't know for how long.  Last time I spoke with the family they were unsure how it would be handled.  If you aren't familiar with Steve's work I encourage you to have a look before it's gone
> > 
> >  http://stevekphoto.com/
> > 
> > Steve did a lot of shows here in Florida and more often than not came away with Best of Show/Category prize money or museum acquisitions.
> > 
> > 
> > * Personal Recollections
> > Steve was a good friend for many years, beginning back in the film/darkroom days.  Over the years we went shooting together (once on an extended trip to the California desert and to visit my brother & family), did some shows together, and were always supporting, comparing & critiquing each others work.  He was an inventive genius with camera gear and taught me many Photoshop tricks.  We also shared a fondness for Thai food and for years and would often meet for a meal at our favorite Thai restaurant.
> > 
> > He passed away in December after a year of struggle with cancer, including the whole surgery/radiation/chemo drama.  I visited him in the hospital the day before he died.  His death was sudden but not unexpected.  By then it was clear that he was on a steep downhill slide and it was a matter of time.  Doctors had said there were no more options and he spoke of going to hospice.  The next morning he went into a coma and slipped away.  He was a fighter the whole way, but I think at that point he finally let go and it's better to go quickly.
> > 
> > I should have posted this sooner but just couldn't bring myself to do it.  However a recent conversation with Shilesh made me realize it needed to be done.  I hope Shilesh will add his own recollections, as he also shared a lot with Steve.  
> > 
> > 
> > Regards,
> > Clayton
> > 
> > 
> > Info on black and white digital printing at    
> > http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm
> > I-Trak 2.1   http://www.cjcom.net/itrak.htm
> >
>

Re: [Digital BW] Re: Sad News Re Steve Karafyllakis

2011-03-17 by Phil Elsham

I have to confess I never knew Steve and I'm afraid I wasn't even aware
of his work, but from the comments on here and from seeing his website
it's clear I've been missing a lot.

It says an enormous amount about Steve that purely through seeing his 
work and more importantly, hearing from others about the kind of man he 
was, that I feel moved to write this. My sympathies to his family and friends.

Phil Elsham





________________________________
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: shileshjani <janishilesh@...>
To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, 17 March, 2011 4:09:11
Subject: [Digital BW] Re: Sad News Re Steve Karafyllakis

  
Hello All,

I must confess that I knew of Steve's illness from a posting here or on some 
other forum, that he was putting his gear up for sale. What I did not realize 
was how serious his condition was. Recent email conversations with Clayton 
prompted me to look up Steve on Google, when I found his obituary. It was truly 
a disheartening moment for me - I double checked to make sure I had his name 
spelled correctly. Soon the realization sunk in that Steve was no more.

I never met Steve, but on one occasion in the early 2000s, I looked up his 
website, and was thoroughly impressed with his work. I happened to be 
coordinating a 13x19 print exchange at that time, and  had one participant drop 
out at the last moment. I fired off an email to Steve, inviting him to fill-in 
for the drop-out.  He willingly and expeditiously dispatched a set of prints. 
From that moment on, we communicated sprodically via email. We sent each other 
prints for no other reason than "hey, look at these." Other than Steve's 
photographic and printing skills, I was most drawn to his generosity. I have 
often been on the receiving end of packages from Steve with simple notes like: 


"Hey Shilesh, I have been trying out this new paper. I have enclosed a few 
sheets for you to try out. Let me know what you think." 


Such was his generosity and enthusiasm for his craft, and willngness to share 
with others. I have prints from other photographers scattered over my home. But 
only Steve's prints have ever graced the walls of my home office/studio. I think 
I will keep it that way for the foreseable future, in honor of my departed 
friend, Steve Karafyllakis. May he rest in peace.

Shilesh

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "ClaytonJ" <cj@...> wrote:
>
> I am sad to report that Steve Karafyllakis passed away recently after a year 
>long struggle with cancer.
> 
> Long time forum members knew Steve as an excellent photographer and printer, 
>active in this forum, and generous with his knowledge and skills.  Steve's web 
>site is still up, I don't know for how long.  Last time I spoke with the family 
>they were unsure how it would be handled.  If you aren't familiar with Steve's 
>work I encourage you to have a look before it's gone
> 
> http://stevekphoto.com/
> 
> Steve did a lot of shows here in Florida and more often than not came away with 
>Best of Show/Category prize money or museum acquisitions.
> 
> 
> * Personal Recollections
> Steve was a good friend for many years, beginning back in the film/darkroom 
>days.  Over the years we went shooting together (once on an extended trip to the 
>California desert and to visit my brother & family), did some shows together, 
>and were always supporting, comparing & critiquing each others work.  He was an 
>inventive genius with camera gear and taught me many Photoshop tricks.  We also 
>shared a fondness for Thai food and for years and would often meet for a meal at 
>our favorite Thai restaurant.
> 
> He passed away in December after a year of struggle with cancer, including the 
>whole surgery/radiation/chemo drama.  I visited him in the hospital the day 
>before he died.  His death was sudden but not unexpected.  By then it was clear 
>that he was on a steep downhill slide and it was a matter of time.  Doctors had 
>said there were no more options and he spoke of going to hospice.  The next 
>morning he went into a coma and slipped away.  He was a fighter the whole way, 
>but I think at that point he finally let go and it's better to go quickly.
> 
> I should have posted this sooner but just couldn't bring myself to do it.  
>However a recent conversation with Shilesh made me realize it needed to be done.  
>I hope Shilesh will add his own recollections, as he also shared a lot with 
>Steve. 
>
> 
> 
> Regards,
> Clayton
> 
> 
> Info on black and white digital printing at 
> http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm
> I-Trak 2.1 http://www.cjcom.net/itrak.htm
>


 


      

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: Sad News Re Steve Karafyllakis

2011-03-17 by Don

Hello Shilesh,

Thanks for reminding me of that comment. Yesterday when I read Clayton's announcement of Steve's passing I recalled that print exchange. Steve was a true talent, perhaps he will receive more recognition posthumously. 

Sorry to hear of his passing.

Don Bryant 

> Don Bryant: 
> "Everyone that has seen this print really stops and looks at it closely. For those of you not familiar with this area of the world I can tell you Steve has done a superb job of making an interpretive photograph of this area. It's a wee bit contrasty but that is the way it looks there at times. I am curious to know what scanner Steve used."

Re: Sad News Re Steve Karafyllakis

2011-03-17 by shileshjani

I forgot to add these rather eloquent comments from Frank Ward:

Frank Ward:

"Another print about water is Steven Karafyllakas' Dry Season, Suwannee River. Done with a 6X9 view camera, this image makes me just want to pack it up and forget about being a photographer. Steven nailed it with this one. If the natural landscape can look as beautiful as this, then this must be heaven. Bury me along the Suwannee River."

Shilesh
--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "shileshjani" <janishilesh@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Here are some comments made about Steve's contribution in that exchange by fellow participants (April through May 2003):
> 
> Steve Karafyllakis - "Dry Season, Suwannee River" It can be seen here
> 
> http://stevekphoto.com/html/So_Lands_pg_15.htm
> 
> Don Bryant: 
> "Everyone that has seen this print really stops and looks at it closely. For those of you not familiar with this area of the world I can tell you Steve has done a superb job of making an interpretive photograph of this area. It's a wee bit contrasty but that is the way it looks there at times. I am curious to know what scanner Steve used."
> 
> Gary Benson: 
> "Another beautiful print.  Great detail, depth to the composition and almost a surreal quality of light."
> 
> Alan Sanders:
> "This has a busyness to it that belies the fact that it is actually a
> simple and effective composition. There's almost this conversation
> going on between these two trees."
> 
> Tom - PoutyBob
> "Holy S#@t!!! Um, I mean this is nice..."
> 
> Shilesh Jani:
> "Steve joined this group when another member dropped put. I was thrilled to receive this print, knowing it would be one of my favorites in the group. Must be why it was on top of the stack. Luminous highlights, brooding shadows, and detail galore. The print is tack sharp. I have had a number of my friends tell me it is "busy". I politely dismiss that comment. It is a superb composition. I assume the negative was 6 x 9 inches (rather than cm). A high resolution scan would surely allow this print to go mural size, which is where all the detail would be most apparent, allowing the viewer to immerse himself into the scene."
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "shileshjani" <janishilesh@> wrote:
> >
> > Hello All,
> > 
> > I must confess that I knew of Steve's illness from a posting here or on some other forum, that he was putting his gear up for sale. What I did not realize was how serious his condition was. Recent email conversations with Clayton prompted me to look up Steve on Google, when I found his obituary. It was truly a disheartening moment for me - I double checked to make sure I had his name spelled correctly. Soon the realization sunk in that Steve was no more.
> > 
> > I never met Steve, but on one occasion in the early 2000s, I looked up his website, and was thoroughly impressed with his work. I happened to be coordinating a 13x19 print exchange at that time, and  had one participant drop out at the last moment. I fired off an email to Steve, inviting him to fill-in for the drop-out.  He willingly and expeditiously dispatched a set of prints. From that moment on, we communicated sprodically via email. We sent each other prints for no other reason than "hey, look at these." Other than Steve's photographic and printing skills, I was most drawn to his generosity. I have often been on the receiving end of packages from Steve with simple notes like: 
> > 
> > "Hey Shilesh, I have been trying out this new paper. I have enclosed a few sheets for you to try out. Let me know what you think." 
> > 
> > Such was his generosity and enthusiasm for his craft, and willngness to share with others. I have prints from other photographers scattered over my home. But only Steve's prints have ever graced the walls of my home office/studio. I think I will keep it that way for the foreseable future, in honor of my departed friend, Steve Karafyllakis. May he rest in peace.
> > 
> > Shilesh
> > 
> > --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "ClaytonJ" <cj@> wrote:
> > >
> > > I am sad to report that Steve Karafyllakis passed away recently after a year long struggle with cancer.
> > > 
> > > Long time forum members knew Steve as an excellent photographer and printer, active in this forum, and generous with his knowledge and skills.  Steve's web site is still up, I don't know for how long.  Last time I spoke with the family they were unsure how it would be handled.  If you aren't familiar with Steve's work I encourage you to have a look before it's gone
> > > 
> > >  http://stevekphoto.com/
> > > 
> > > Steve did a lot of shows here in Florida and more often than not came away with Best of Show/Category prize money or museum acquisitions.
> > > 
> > > 
> > > * Personal Recollections
> > > Steve was a good friend for many years, beginning back in the film/darkroom days.  Over the years we went shooting together (once on an extended trip to the California desert and to visit my brother & family), did some shows together, and were always supporting, comparing & critiquing each others work.  He was an inventive genius with camera gear and taught me many Photoshop tricks.  We also shared a fondness for Thai food and for years and would often meet for a meal at our favorite Thai restaurant.
> > > 
> > > He passed away in December after a year of struggle with cancer, including the whole surgery/radiation/chemo drama.  I visited him in the hospital the day before he died.  His death was sudden but not unexpected.  By then it was clear that he was on a steep downhill slide and it was a matter of time.  Doctors had said there were no more options and he spoke of going to hospice.  The next morning he went into a coma and slipped away.  He was a fighter the whole way, but I think at that point he finally let go and it's better to go quickly.
> > > 
> > > I should have posted this sooner but just couldn't bring myself to do it.  However a recent conversation with Shilesh made me realize it needed to be done.  I hope Shilesh will add his own recollections, as he also shared a lot with Steve.  
> > > 
> > > 
> > > Regards,
> > > Clayton
> > > 
> > > 
> > > Info on black and white digital printing at    
> > > http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm
> > > I-Trak 2.1   http://www.cjcom.net/itrak.htm
> > >
> >
>

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