The bigger picture

A Lansing-area photography groupgathered at Perspective2 last Wednesday to pay respects to their formerleader, Brian Knoblock, who died unexpectedly on Oct. 2.

The Mid Michigan Photo Meetup was formedlast November by Knoblock and Mark Chamberlin. The pair met throughPerspective2 owner Lynne Brown.

The group originally planned a memorialwalk around Old Town — one of Knoblock’s favorite things to do — butpostponed it because of rain.

Knoblock, 47, was the owner of LansingIT, a consulting firm that works primarily with small businesses. Amaster of all things Apple and “i-things,” Knoblock helped Brown withcomputer issues a few times per year. They had been friends for over 10years.

“He had so many dot-coms in his head,”Brown said. She added that the “photo-geek” side of Knoblock’spersonality had a fascination with legacy equipment, like Polaroids andold film.

“One of the things he loved best was to teach,” Brown said, looking at a photo of Knoblock teaching a class in her studio.

Knoblock maintained a close relationshipwith many of his clients. The Michigan Federation for Children andFamilies, which worked with him for over 15 years, posted a tribute ontheir website, saying, “Brian did so many things that were thoughtful,sweet and considerate, not for the recognition or praise but simplybecause he had a huge heart.”

“He was such an understated guy,” Browncontinued. “He donated tons of time to animal shelters; he served inthe military. He had been caring for his elderly mother, who haddementia, for over three years, until she passed away a few months ago.”

Knoblock died of a heart attack. He had been complainingof stomach pains that afternoon, and his family believes it may havebeen related to an abdominal aneurism.

“He sent (the group) an e-mail that morning, and fourhours later he was gone,” Chamberlin said. “It makes you want to liveone day at a time.”

The group meets on the third Wednesdayof each month at Perspective2, 319 E. Grand River Ave. in Lansing. Moreinformation can be found at meetup.com/lansingphoto.