The Friends, Family, and Heroes in my life.

DISCLAIMER: This is a 3 in the morning rant when I was feeling a bit emotional and is NOT camera related though there are photos 🙂 You guys know my blog can get totally random at times. This is one of those times. Some personal things here but you guys are all my friends 🙂 – Steve

Sitting here up and wide awake at 3am as my life has been through some ups and downs lately. Crazy ups and downs and I am surprised I have even been able to function lately. My brain has been overloaded with emotions with my personal life, my mother who was just in the hospital for heart surgery, giving it another go with my wife of 15 years that ended up emotionally draining me and stressing me out, my son who I worry about daily, my best friend who always looks out for me, and another special friend who I was not so kind to recently. Tonight though, my head is clear and I realized what is important in life. Not money, not material things, not status and not trying to please someone who is un-pleasable for you entire life.

No, what is important are friends and family and  those around you who think positive. Those who bring you up instead of down, and those who truly care about you. Those who support you in what you do and who you are. Those who give instead of just take. The ones who stick by you no matter what, through thick and thin.

With that said, here is a list of my favorite people in my life. Those who have helped me through tough times, helped me in good times, and given valuable advice that I did not always take and then later regretted. Maybe even my heroes. Yea, my heroes. Those who have affected my life and changed my life in many ways. Here we go…


My Mother, Cindy Huff

A HERO: My mom is the greatest. Since I was born she has taken care of me, nurtured me and has ALWAYS been there for me in every way. Just like a mother should be. She has never been mean to me, never shunned me, and always accepted me for who I am, no matter what mistakes in life I made. My mom was just recently hospitalized and almost had to go for open heart surgery. She is at home resting now, and I am thinking about her daily. I love you mom, will visit soon as I can.


My best friend in the world, Mike Smith

BEST FREIND: Mike Smith. Best of Friends since 8th grade, 1983. Pretty much my brother. This guy has went through all kinds of shit with me. Talk about life experience. I could write a book, or create a sitcom on our adventures while growing up. This guy is THE guy to go out drinking with. Funny, genuine and a guy that everyone gets along with. He would take a bullet for me, I know it.


My Son Brandon Huff

MY BEST FRIEND/SON: You all know Brandon as he has graced the pages of this website since day one, and many of you have witnessed him growing up with me! He is the most awesome son anyone could have. Kind, smart, and stays out of trouble. I love you Brandon, and will ALWAYS be there for you no matter what. Always know that and remember that. You mother also loves you with all of her heart. You are a great boy, but getting big!


My Sister, Wendy Johnston

HERO: I admit, I do not speak with her as much as I would like but I love her deeply. My sister has always been solid in her beliefs, her decisions, and is an incredible woman who takes rough things in life like they are nothing. She chews  them up and spits them out. She makes me look at myself and think that I can do much better than I do. I want to be strong like her. She has always been a great woman. I love my sister and plan to stay in touch with her more than I do now. Wendy, take it easy and get more rest. If you need a break, come to AZ for a few days.


Great friend, Ed Klein

LIFETIME BEST FRIEND: We do not always see eye to eye, especially in politics, but Ed has been a friend since 5th grade and we have always kept in touch. He lives 1800 miles away right now but we still talk every week at least. Facebook also helps 🙂 He is into Route 66 and helping keep it alive and well. You can see his Route66 web site here at route66world.com – Ed will always be a good friend. Me, Ed and Mike were known as the ‘Three Musketeers” in grade school. Check out our 8th grade pic below…

BELOW: Mike, Me and Ed – 8th Grade Graduation 1983 – still great friends today.


SEAL

ALL OF THE ABOVE: Seal has been so kind to me. He has been a great friend  to me for what will soon be two years. We talk on the phone every week, sometimes daily. He helped me through a very dark time in my life by inviting me on tour with him to shoot photos, and it was great therapy. Having heart to heart talks with him are amazing as he is filled with wisdom. Seal is a warm and REAL person. He is also a fantastic music artist and amazing photographer who is just as big of a Leica nut as I am. Thank you Seal, shooting your europe shows was the time of my life even though I was in a dark place! It helped me more than you know.

His new album Seal 6: Commitment is coming out in less than two weeks. You can checkout his website HERE.

FINALLY, ALL OF YOU GUYS WHO VISIT, READ AND CONTRIBUTE TO THIS BLOG! THANK YOU!!!!

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94 Comments

  1. Hello Steve, I can’t tell you how much I relate to your recent life events. It really sucks to go through divorce and the rest that comes with it. I’m glad to know that the human spirit is still alive because that’s really all that can carry you through such a thing. I really respect that you opened your self up and shared tour experiences with everyone.

    Also, it really is NOT totally unrelated to photography since in so many (LEICA) photos, don’t you see that sliver of life and emotion that you went through and are still living every day? Don’t these fabulous, unobtrusive rangefinders with their romantic and expressive optics capture at least some of what you spoke of in your 1500 words? Sure they do.

  2. Love your Blog! I know these dark times too. And my friends helping me through it. Lucky who has friends as we do 😉
    Hope it is getting well with your wife!!!

    Big Hug from Berlin,
    Florian

  3. Dear Steve

    I read in an interview the other day regarding the guy’s definition of the perfect photo. He replied saying that it would be

    “the photo that is left after everything that does not add to it, has been taken away…”

    Hang in there.

    Love,
    your online family

  4. Steve

    Going through tough times and coming out the other side only make us stronger.

    There is no alternative but to keep going.

    Hang in there and it will all come out right.

  5. hi steve…

    you may never know me or you may never ever will.
    but i know you so well because of this site.
    i am one of your follower, and i believe in you.

    this site is full of love, laughter and pain.
    its life.
    it is part of life.

    always remember that no matter what happens… if ever there is a lot of pain in your heart, and you cannot think clearly anymore… just let it out.
    shout.
    cry.
    and ask for GOD’s LOVE.

    always remember that you are NOT ALONE.
    offer love to others and learn to receive love.
    life may throw you here and there, but always stay strong.

    think of your son.
    he loves you dearly.
    you are the only one he is counting on right now…as a parent.
    learn to fight.
    if ever you will fight in this life, fight harder!!!
    give all of your best shot.
    never give up.
    never give up!!!

    i remember telling you last time i wrote here that i feel like you.
    i feel like your my brother.
    i feel like you are my father.
    and i feel like you are my friend.

    we may never know each other.
    we may never ever will.
    but always remember…
    thru our hearts, no matter who we are, and where we are…
    we learn to share and communicate.

    more power to you.
    GOD bless you and your family.
    LOVE is the best gift of all.

    i wish you happiness and true love.
    i wish your mother good health.

    thanks steve.

  6. Hey Steve,
    thx for your Blog that I enjoy reading from time to time. Though I think your review are a bit over the top from time to time, your writing is a great gift for the community and me.
    Sorry to hear you have to cope with so much negative energy right now, I wish you strength and luck!
    Best wishes from Germany, Carsten

  7. Hi Steve,

    Been there, done that! Wouldn’t wish it on anybody! But it will get better, believe me. Hang in there, and keep snapping pics and writing blog entries. Even if they are Leica propaganda. 😉 j/k

    Regards,

    Rudi – (unabashed Canon and Olympus m43 shooter)

  8. I hope your Mom feels better soon. That’s scary stuff indeed. I know you’ll do okay. You’re strong and level-headed. Plus, you’re the only one I know who can do P90x the full course. (Sorry, a little humor there.) Things will get better. It just takes time.

  9. Steve,
    Many experience the same challenges, yet never share. This is really quite similar to the photographs you routinely post. There are so many photography blogs, image hosts, etc, but I felt a connection to you on my first visit here. Your work is expressive and beautiful! Thank you for trusting your online friends, and sharing a little of what makes “Steve” special.

    Joe

  10. Steve,
    I´m deeply impressed of your courage to share these emotionally thoughts with us.
    Good photographers are sensitive. Sometimes this karma is hard to take, but in genuine truth our sensitivity is our inner strength! Without her our picture frames would be very empty …

    Take care!

    Franz-Georg

  11. Nice post!
    Congratulations, im really happy to see you this well, take care and go on with this energy! 🙂

    I’ll like to write more but my english is not that good 😛

    Thanks and good luck!

  12. dear steve,

    it’s great to hear that you’ve found the clarity to put everything into context. it’s has been some trying moments for you and hopefully, this will be a new dawn for the rest of your life. indeed, i’ve had the same moment myself 2 years ago and funnily, your blog was the one that kept me from becoming a bitter, angry man. bought myself an e-p2 instead, thanks to your convincing arguments. i was in need of something to fill in my empty life and decided to pick up photography again after years of neglect. that made me happy and broke at the same time. never regretted finding your blog by accident, though. ;P

    therefore, i really want to thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. you’ve brought something very,very important into your site. you’ve put soul into your articles. always related to your life, reading it bring us closer to you than any could have imagine. this is not just a photography blog, this is your life journey put into words and pictures, and you let us share those moments, be it good, bad or downright horrible…

    again, thank you so much for sharing with us. i pray everything will be better for you and that this site will go on for a long, long time. \(^_^)/

    p.s. wish your mom a speedy recovery. please post up a pic of when she’s all well!

  13. E-hugs from Jakarta, Indonesia!

    So sorry to hear what you are going through. I pray things get better for you, your mother and family.
    I am very glad to be a part of your “web-life”…

    Just like many fans have said it above, I love your wonderful website. I always read it when I get back from my restaurant every evening. It’s so relaxing yet informative. In fact, you gave me the nudge to jump into the Leica wagon and I love every second of the ride. Your website feels more than just a website, there’s a warm connection that you put into each word on each page… Thank you…

    Here, I give you my favorite poem that has helped me through my tough times in life as well…
    ————————-
    Don’t Quit

    When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
    When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
    When the funds are low and the debts are high,
    And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
    When care is pressing you down a bit,
    Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.

    Life is queer with its twists and turns,
    As every one of us sometimes learns,
    And many a failure turns about,
    When he might have won had he stuck it out;
    Don’t give up though the pace seems slow–
    You may succeed with another blow.

    Often the goal is nearer than,
    It seems to a faint and faltering man,
    Often the struggler has given up,
    When he might have captured the victor’s cup,
    And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
    How close he was to the golden crown.

    Success is failure turned inside out–
    The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
    And you never can tell how close you are,
    It may be near when it seems so far,
    So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit–
    It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

    – Author unknown

    ——————-
    Andrew

  14. Steve, I am new to Leica and new to your site, and suddenly I am married to both! I can’t imagine one without the other. But I have a request: in your personal essay, you talk a lot about how women have shaped your life and photography. This is the first time I’ve seen more than the totem woman in your postings. Please invite contributions from more women photographers. I for one am tired of the male dominated photography sites. Enough Joe McNallyismo.

  15. As my brethren approach Yom Kippur, day of Atonement, I pronounce you as an honorary member of the tribe for your soul cleaning. Right on brother.

  16. Wonderful post Steve… thanks for sharing yourself all that much more with the rest of us who follow along and care about you! If you ever need anything, shoot me an email.
    I love your mom! She follows me on facebook and is always so encouraging and kind. My thoughts are with both of you for speedy recoveries… physical and emotional!
    <3

  17. Damn powerful post! And while not “camera related” as you pointed out in the first paragraph, still definitely “photography related” as life always is, I think.

  18. Hi Steve,
    I can tell that you are in a difficult place right now. I have been there too and I know pretty well how you will be feeling. It is good that your family and friends are there for you. I had the strong support of my parents and brother when my own marriage ended and this made a huge difference for me.
    Just know that things will get better. In the meantime, look after yourself, eat well, get enough sleep and do everything you can for your kids. It is a difficult time for them too.
    You have built a great little community with this blog and many, myself included, are very grateful for what you have given us. Keep up the good work if you can but look after yourself first.
    Stephen

  19. Dear Steve

    We have always been with you. After reading this post, I have even got more respect for you, for being a wonderful person, who is thankful to all the blessings showered upon him.

    I believe your acknowledgment of the fact that you guys gave everything to try it out, but in the end it did not work out. This acceptance will give you more strength to come out of this tough period in your life. You have a beautiful soul. May god bless you with love for others.

    with best regards,
    Hemant

  20. I just wanted to add my penny’s worth. I have been reading your site for a little under a year and feel like I know you pretty well. What I admire is that you have gathered a group of total strangers and turned them into friends – all via a photo website! Your site has created a warm and caring community all of whom really care for you. I don’t always get all of the photos, I don’t always get the total devotion to all things Leica (though I have and love the M9) but I do always get and appreciate your total openness, sincerity and lack of pretence. Keep going Steve. You can see from the responses above how much you mean to us.

  21. Beautiful tribute Steve, full of warmth and love, nicely done my man!!

    Time to turn the page, move on and live, you did it with class and love, it’s a beautiful thing!!

    Good luck on the next chapter of your life, when you are here in the Gold Coast (Ventura & Santa Barbara counties), let’s meet over a beer (or two)…

  22. Touching post Steve! Have to say that you are lucky man to be surrounded by all these people that love you and care for you! Chin up mate and go forward, maybe there is something just around the corner that will change it all! And yes i have not forgotten to say this for 1000th time, thank you for all your work and articles you put up!

    Cheers
    Vlad

  23. Steve,

    Thanks for sharing with all of us. Countless people feel like they know you because of the way that you share with us. You are having a tremendous impact on the people that you “keep in touch with” through this site. It is nice to see that you have more than just camera advice/reviews. It just proves that you are much like us. We all have a common passion and we all have hardships and hills to climb. Appreciate your willingness to open up. Enjoying the E-P2 and M8 that were purchased as a result of your reviews…

    Troy

  24. hi steve,
    sorry to hear about your tsuris with wife, but atleast you know you tried to make it work …that alone took a lot of courage on your part ! now a days most couples wouldent even have tried to make it work !, i went through a bad divorce my self a while ago & i can tell you it really changed my outlook on life & things in general…., when i was in process of divorce i didnt really have any close friends to turn too for support…i and my mother was in hospital for renal failure & other medical problems….so i was basically handling everything on my own with 0 support from anyone ! but somehow i managed to deal with everything 1 day at a time …and believe me it wasnt easy steve!!

    be greatful for everyday & take it 1 step at a time …. cherish your mother & son , and you will see as the days go by ,you will become a totally new person…things that mattered before wont have such a significance in your life…i think you will appreciate life in a new greater way !!
    just wanted to reach out to you and say thank you for your web site…i enjoy reading your articles ,
    although i like leica camera’s & lenses , i do feel the product is over priced !

    best & warmest regards
    boris

  25. I’ve been through some very heavy things in my life as well; one step at a time, one day at a time. I have found that when things happen, no matter how hard it may seem at that moment and no matter how ‘foggy’ our mind becomes, eventually, things become clear again.

    Within all the experiences are invaluable lessons that they bring us – it’s true that within hard times we can choose to learn and become stronger and wiser. You have a great site here, and it is appreciated, your candor is heartfelt – take care of family and do the best you can…..maybe give Carrie a call – friends that understand are a rare thing. One step at a time.

  26. Dear Steve, It is obvious that even before writing this post , you are a truly rare person. Your passion for what you do is evident and I so look forward to meeting you on the upcoming NYC shoot. Life is weird. Even the most successful people have had to pull themselves up by their bootstraps after an emotion or other type of “fall”. You are correct in saying that family and friends are the most important thing in life. I can only say that your “reach” is wider than you can imagine and the karma that you put out into the world will come back to you in spades. Thanks for sharing and just know that I know you have “fans” and future friends that will grace your life in times to come.
    See you on the streets of Manhattan soon and I know we will have a blast. Louis

  27. I really appreciate your sharing, hang in there Steve.
    First of all, hope your mom will get well soon.
    Every decision you/both of you had made, I believe that’s the best for you, Mina and Brandon. And I also believe all good people around you will do their best to help you go through your difficult time.

    Thanks for the great website.

    Cheers,

  28. Steve. Congratulations on having the guts and courage to tell those in your life what they mean to you, and the courage to share your thoughts with others.

    It’s not only heartwarming, but inspiring to us all.

    Thank you.

  29. Hey Steve,
    I can imagine what you have been going through… Please, for our sake and more importantly yours, keep the faith and continue your photographic contribution. There are those of us (even across continents) who look forward to your very positive and informative reviews and insights on a daily basis into this world we all love and want to be part of. I hope photography gives you the serenity you deserve by practicing it…

    Regards…

  30. Well done!

    It reminds me an advice I heard from a wise man, an architect from Egypt: “Wa all have good and bad days. On the good days you can re-evaluate your life and make plans and goals. On the bad days, don’t speculate that hard. Just follow the decisions you made on the good days and you will be all right.”

    We all have those bad days and dark periods. But we also have the bright and good days, the “Carrie period” being an example of that.

    And likewise, in reviewing ones life (and photos, by the way), always look for the good things, and aim to get more of those. As in this post by Steve.

    Thanks Steve, you are one of a kind.

  31. Look at all you give us for free, you touch a lot of people. Thank You.

    You are certainly not alone in the struggle but I admire you for being so open…many of us cannot. Its good to know we are not alone.

    Much Love Steve

  32. Steve

    I’ve been visiting your site daily for nearly a year and find it very inspiring. I especially enjoy reading your “real world” reviews.
    Wish you and your family all the best for the future, this too will pass………….

    Cheers
    Rum

  33. I love your site so much. It’s not only camera specs, rumors and photos. It’s more. This site is like a family, it has a mind and a soul, it’s real!. Every time i visit it, i rest down and feel better. Please Steve go on and i wish you all the best, for sure.
    Thank you!

    (sorry for bad english)

  34. Steve, great post. It is good to know who you can count on when the going gets tough.
    I actually enjoyed seeing the photos of your hero’s. This is the reason we take pictures. To cement those close to us in our minds. All of your pics showed something special in all your friends and family.
    Thanks for a great website
    Jonathan

  35. Steve,

    I’ve been reading your blog daily for quite a while, and just want to let you know how much I appreciate what you’ve done. You’ve been so honest, and not afraid of sharing your personal life, feelings, and vulnerability on this blog, as well as your passion for photography. Know that we appreciate you because you’re for real! I feel that all the love you have in your heart for life and photography, and for your friends and family will see you through the darkness. No need to despair, because you are blessed with your wonderful son, family, friends, supporters and your talents!
    Even in your darkest moments, the light in you shines,

    Dahlia Lee

  36. Hey Steve,

    Moments of clarity have a fun way of presenting themselves, they pay no mind to time or place. It sounds like its been a rough few months, but thankfully you have some great people to help you out.

    If things seem lonely when you sit at the computer, just know, we are out here, listening and excited to hear from you. If you made a nickel for every minute you spent on this site, I am sure you’d be worth about $75 million (I think you deserve it). I love your work, keep it up, and if we can do anything to help you along just let us know.

    Kindly-Adam

  37. Very moving post, Steve. Thanks for being…real! Your willingness to share of yourself in such an open forum is refreshing, and it informed my blog post today. I hope that is alright.

    With respect and admiration;
    Jacques

  38. Steve,

    No matter the relationship you have/had with your wife, your son will always be the beacon of all the good and love that was in your marriage.

    Chin up and thanks again for the post!

    John

  39. Hi Steve,

    Life is full of everything…. we live it, sometimes with other expectations as what should be good for each individual…there is no right or wrong, no direction good or wrong..,there is only now

    And i read you alsmost lifetime essay…you were in ‘The Now’
    For many here, as myself, we know your passion for photography… but the man Steve
    wrote this personal picture of his feeling!

    Chapeau..that takes more than you think

    Regards and enjoy you new journey
    Hans
    Netherlands

  40. I believe they call this time of the night *the hour of the wolf*, when the soul is laid bare, and you feel alone and vulnerable.
    I hope that you are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and with help from your friends and family I am sure it will come to pass.
    I read your site every day, and find your infectious enthusiasm for the craft of photography very appealing. The creative outlet of photography has taken me out of some dark areas of my life – so as you Americans say *keep on truckin*.
    Best of luck, Steve.

  41. Steve, it’s good you have reached closure and recognized you cannot live to please another. That is the real first step, and the most important.

    I hope your mum is better soon. As always all the best.

  42. I previosly posted this on Steve’s Facebook page – but wanted to repost this for those who might come here instead of FB:

    I will add one person to the list – Otis ‘Ollie” Huff – Steve’s Father.
    I have been friends w/ Steve for 31 years and have always considered his family my ‘2nd Family’ and his father was no exception. He was a big bear of a man (both good and bad!) from the hills fo Kentucky and he kept us all in line and was always there for us. I always enjoyed having dinners around the kitchen table with the Huff’s and spent quite a bit of time at their house while we were growing up.
    Ollie passed away several years ago and still, to this day, I do miss him. He was like a 2nd father to me – and I will always remember the last two things he said to me:
    “I know you and Steve were sneaking my booze…” (we were 17 when we did it!!) and “I am thankful that you and Steve were such good friends.” The last one hit me the hardest. Steve is the kind of person he is and the kind of father he is because of his dad (and he has the heart he has because of his mom). His dad was the law – and his mom was the love (though she never had a problem giving us the occasional crack upside the head when we got out of line!!) I am thankful to have had him in my life and will always remember the love he not only had for his family – but to his children’s friends….

  43. Hi Steve,

    Its late here in Sri Lanka and you made me cry man.
    With all the problems you have, I can see the light shining through for you bro.

    Your mountain climb is happening… hard but beautiful at the top.
    Cheers.

  44. Hi Steve,
    Although not an active contributor to your blog, I visit your site almost daily as I greatly enjoy the informal atmosphere and your photos. Wish you much love and support in your trying times.

  45. Steve, very moving post. I hope excellent health and full recovery for your mother. I’m sorry to hear about your marriage but believe good things will come out of this in the end.

    Take care,

    -Dan

  46. Thank you all for your kind words. I find it amazing that I can write out my personal feelings here and all of you are OK with that, and reply back with kindness and support. This site, MY SITE, is so cool. 🙂

    Thank you all! There will be more camera talk ASAP. Promise!

    Steve

    • Steve….of course we are OK with this! A post like this is what sets your blog apart from every other photography blog out there!! You are a passionate guy…whether it be about cameras, this blog, your family or friends…your passion is from the heart, and it is the reason your blog is so popular!!

      Keep your spirits up…good things always happen to good people!!

  47. Steve,
    It takes a real man to accept the responsibility of his own actions and to speak with honor
    and respect for your ex wife.The personal growth and wisdom gained through this trying and
    difficult time will enhance the remainder of your life,God gives grace for those who ask.praying
    the best for you and yours.Thanks for the great site.

  48. Fascinating dialog, Steve, between you and your audience. You truly are blurring the line between what is technical gear-speak and the longing for emotional connectedness; real world living and online community; and heart-felt joy and sadness. Like Ashwin, I’m excited to have been able to post a few articles and to have ridden along with you as you continue your journey.

    You need to put together a pilot for a reality show … Steve Huff: Aperture Priority.

  49. Eloquently written, Steve. Through the hard times we can only hope to gain some insight to help us deal with whatever life throws at us in the here and now and the future.

  50. Steve: I wish your mom a speedy recovery.
    Hang in there, Mr.
    You will weather all the ups and downs
    of what it means to be human.
    Thank you so much for sharing your
    knowledge and enthusiasm
    Day in and day out
    24-7
    I don’t have a Leica,
    yet
    But I think you have already changed my life
    for the better.

    You will be just fine.

  51. Steve, your site has taught me so much and inspired me even more. From loving my D-Lux3, to pondering an X1, to now learning more about rangefinders and M (of course). It’s all because of your shared love and passion. So I want to also reach out and say God bless. And best wishes, all the way from Singapore.

  52. Hi Steve. Like you always said: “We only live life once, live it to the full”. Be strong buddy!!!

  53. Been thinking of you each and every day…Wishing you light and love and healing…also sending thanks to you for the many many things you teach us- Lifewise and Leicawise…
    sori

  54. Steve,
    A very heartfelt post. We all know you to wear your heart on your sleeve, and doing so here is both humbling and revealing in an elemental way. I consider you one of my best buds in the Leica world, having communicated for now 2+ years regularly. Thank YOU for reaching out to me and allowing me to share my thoughts and participate in your site. Your site has become a regular foray for me, a daily check (on top of CNN, NPR, ESPN, and a few other sites), and you have always been so gracious in all that you have done for this community. I wish you the best of luck in the twists and turns of life, through what must be a very difficult times of highs and lows for you. I hope you can find peace with Mina in whatever fashion that it takes, and continue to see Brandon grow, as we all, have into a young man. Most of all, I hope that we can hang out ourselves someday soon, hit the road on a photostroll or the like. Finally, I look forward to many more emails, articles written, and happiness for your spirit.

    My very best,
    Ashwin

  55. God bless you,Steve. Your blog has been a daily companion for almost a year now. Keep up the awesome work. My wife and I love the shoe factory print we bought and get compliments every time we have guests. Peace!

  56. Hi Steve is because of this website that I got to know you. Even though we have not meet or spoken formally but from the review that you have written that i can tell that you are a very real person. I am feeling you that you have to go through this but there is always a saying that you get stronger after walking through a hard time.
    Just continue your love for photography and Leica is because of you that I switch camp from DSLR to rangfinder. So for your dreams man I am sure all of us will support you . Cheers !

  57. I wish you the best. I don’t believe in happiness but I believe in taking on life with joy and positiveness even in the tough times. I have been divorced once, It was the worst time of my life, and I trusted my family to take me thru the emotional mess I was. Good luck my friend.

  58. It’s not the real one, whom you can live your life, but, without whom not.
    If you really love someone, let him go. When he comes back to you, for you will remain forever. But if not, it was never really yours.

    László Dobronay from Hungary

    • It’s not the real one, whom you can live your life, but, without whom not.
      If you really love someone, let her go. When she comes back to you, for you will remain forever. But if not, it was never really yours.

      László Dobronay from Hungary

      (Sorry, this is the correct citation)

  59. Hi Steve
    This is something REALLY personal you here share with us..! Not something you normally read such a place here. And that explain why there have been some quitness around you lately.
    Sometimes life hits you hard. So hard that the normal way to bee in it and behave to life, disapear, the ground becomes unsolid, and just to survive can seems like an surrealistic task at all.
    And at this point values seems to disapear, but at the same time a certain feeling of what meens something here in life and what dont, comes up in the horison.
    So the hard times in life can make you see life in a different way, and the meening and the values in life takes a quiet turning-point.
    And thats perhaps not so bad after all, even and allthough it has its coost.
    Best wishes…..and take care to keep your head up…!
    Thorkil
    (sorry for my bad english)

  60. What makes your work great is your ability to capture the moment. You’ve done it countless times in pictures and again in this post. It makes this site better than a gear blog and you a superb man, father, son, and friend. And, if you can find the ability to love and trust again, possible a husband again. 15 years is great, but you’ll be friends forever to raise you son. And, judging from the people on the list, you understand the value of friends forever.

  61. Steve that’s so moving I’m speechless also having experienced something similar. I’m also very moved by all the pictures too, especially I wanted to complement the Seal shot which is simply stunning (you may remember in took some too at the Warsaw concert so I really have a reference point) don’t stop what you are doing – just keep doing it – it’s great!;-) Richard from Warsaw

  62. I’ve only been following this blog for a month or so and its already changed what photos I’ve been taking. I may be quite a few years your junior but like others, I’ve been through life’s ups and downs and all I can say is time does heal, and things do get better, the honestly do. A famous Steve Jobs once said, “..you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards..”

    Keep up the great post!

  63. Remembering the past is a way of reliving your youth–. Those memories, uniquely ours, remain waiting until a certain scent, a sentimental song or an old photo brings them vividly to life. I love you son.

  64. Wow Steve, from the heart. We have probably all had some dark days during our lives. Sometimes we use them as stepping stones, but it doesn’t always work that way. I hope you will stay close to yourself and the things that have your passion in life.

    You have brought back passion for photography to me with your site and I owe you one for this. You deserve a donation from me for all the advices I found through all the great articles from you and your contributors. I hope it helps.

  65. Lovely people all (although I am not sure I would want to meet up with the Musketeers on a dark night! ;D lol), Steve. It takes someone strong to bare their soul to the general world so I hope you take encouragement from the fact you were able to do just that.
    Tell your mom to take it easy, listen to the docs (and this is from someone who had a triple bypass 15 years ago & is still kicking and even did a decade AFTER the bypass as a staff photographer for a weekly newspaper, i.e., me on the sidelines carrying a 300mm f2.8 on a D2h, an 80-200mm f2.8 on another D2h, a 12-24mm f4 in one pocket, along with extra cards and battery – all in a day’s work!) and that is a great image of your mom!
    Wish you and your family, friends, and heroes all the best in the future….

  66. Steve, it’s as if you could read my mind! I was just about to send you an email as I was wondering how you were doing and how the things were in your life, when I saw you had just posted this. I think this is a great tribute to those who play an important role in your life, and I find it very brave to write about this highly personal topic on your blog.
    Best wishes!

  67. Steve, I’m sorry to hear that things didn’t work out, but you have the rest of your life in front of you. Live for Steve. I can speak from experience that the pain will fade. Best wishes.

  68. Your best blog ever Steve. Sharing such emotion and showing the people who are close to you in photographs is very moving. Growing pains and life’s lesson’s never stop, no matter what stage of life we are in.We come to terms with our situations and it seems to me you are coming out the other side of a very tough time. It’s been great following your blog but for me this site is way more a Leica ‘fan’ site, it’s all abut the images and reflections of what we all see from all over the world and you have been responsible for bringing so many of us to one place on a ‘personal’ level that not many other photo site could achieve. I’m sure wherever you travel in this world Mr Huff, you’ll never need to book a hotel room…

    God bless and best wishes to your mum, son and family n friends,

    Andy

  69. Hi Steve,

    Just wanted to say BIG thank you for everything you do here on this site for us photographers.
    Your posts are always inspiring and your pictures just beautiful.

    And I believe that there are only good things coming for you, just wait a bit. 😉

    Thank you and I wish you all the best in your life!

    David

  70. Steve,

    I’m not much of a polished writer- but here it goes

    I’ve learned it the hard way that I should Embrace the moment for what is and then make the best of it. In doing this, you limit your pain’s hold on you and may even turn that sadness into a type of joy.

    You have found your passion and are doing such a wonderful job helping your readers find theirs..that is such a noble thing to do…Virtually it may be- but you are a vital part of aspiring Leica’istas reading…and your words have a positive impact on your readers.

    Keep this in mind- plod on in the journey of your life with intention, courage, and commitment. You have our love and support for all your endeavors .

    Thank you for being such a genuine human being.

  71. Time is a great healer but one must give Time, time. Good luck with getting everything sorted and may each day get better.

    Best,

    Stephen

  72. Hi Steve,

    I’m a daily reader of your blog from 6 months and now have an M9 and spend money on Leica gear because of you!;)

    But this is probably the post that I Can relate more from your site.
    Just wanted to say that I love your blog and that I’m glad you have so many heros In your life…I know most of us have them but never cherish them enough. So thank you to make me think in things that are not Leica or photography related.

    Be happy!

    Paulo

  73. Hey Steve,

    So sorry for all the hardship. Life does throw some major curve balls at times and it is hard to find the strength to look up and keep going. I know the feeling, as having gone through some very dark days myself, not very long ago. You are like to have such good friends and especially Brandon who I am sure will always be there for you, like you for him. That is THE brightest of all spots.
    Good luck my friend. Time does heal things and I’m sure you will get through this phase with renewed confidence and outlook.

    Best,

    Max

  74. Steve – sorry to hear of the hard times. I went through something similar. It gets better. So much better. Until then you have fostered strong friendships, and a wonderful Leica community – people you may never meet, but who look forward to every contact. You take care.

  75. Introspective and reflective thought is sometimes necessary to keep us all honest. One of the big reasons I like this site is because of the REAL vibe about your reviews and the fact this is a rare combination of a site. It provides real world reviews with an accommodating blog or forum feel. May God continue to bless you and your family (blood or chosen) through the harder times you have right now.

  76. God bless you Steve. I guess we (all your regular readers) knew stuff was happening. Thanks for letting us be a part of your life – and may things only get better from here on…

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