A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Smoking Doesn’t Kill People, Marketing Does

Photo: Russkin

Comments

128 responses to “Smoking Doesn’t Kill People, Marketing Does”

  1. Lydia Avatar

    Sensitive subject, I guess. I, on the other hand am not a smoker but love the look of smoke in photos.

  2. Lydia Avatar

    Sensitive subject, I guess. I, on the other hand am not a smoker but love the look of smoke in photos.

  3. cuntcumber Avatar

    Many people have issues with smoking that stem from things other than the smoking killing themself. For example:
    *Smoking creates a tremendous amount of waste, from the processing to the packaging to the disposable lighters used to the butts left over
    *Smoking supports an industry which make a huge majority of its political donations to conservative parties (http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/indus.asp?Ind=A02)
    *It hurts AND KILLS other people
    *It fucking stinks
    *And it makes going to concerts a hell of a lot less enjoyable

    And to the people saying things like this:
    “Im pretty surprised too see so many people, especially in this community, so non supportive of one’s own decision.”

    I have one question. Do you support every single decision that every single individual makes? How about when those decisions hurt other people?

    If not, then shut up.

  4. cuntcumber Avatar

    Many people have issues with smoking that stem from things other than the smoking killing themself. For example:
    *Smoking creates a tremendous amount of waste, from the processing to the packaging to the disposable lighters used to the butts left over
    *Smoking supports an industry which make a huge majority of its political donations to conservative parties (http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/indus.asp?Ind=A02)
    *It hurts AND KILLS other people
    *It fucking stinks
    *And it makes going to concerts a hell of a lot less enjoyable

    And to the people saying things like this:
    “Im pretty surprised too see so many people, especially in this community, so non supportive of one’s own decision.”

    I have one question. Do you support every single decision that every single individual makes? How about when those decisions hurt other people?

    If not, then shut up.

  5. Trisuff Avatar
    Trisuff

    from Russia with love )

  6. Trisuff Avatar
    Trisuff

    from Russia with love )

  7. Joshua_toy Avatar
    Joshua_toy

    the tattoo is super cool
    and as for the smoking in the picture it looks amazing
    yeah people die but the addiction IS to strong
    i know
    but still its a wicked picture

  8. Joshua_toy Avatar
    Joshua_toy

    the tattoo is super cool
    and as for the smoking in the picture it looks amazing
    yeah people die but the addiction IS to strong
    i know
    but still its a wicked picture

  9. Simon Avatar
    Simon

    For what it’s worth… I’ve seen better smoke-photographs than this one.
    I guess this picture was more of a ‘start of a very very very obvious discussion’ than a ‘god this picture rocks because the guy has a smoke’…

  10. Simon Avatar
    Simon

    For what it’s worth… I’ve seen better smoke-photographs than this one.
    I guess this picture was more of a ‘start of a very very very obvious discussion’ than a ‘god this picture rocks because the guy has a smoke’…

  11. Jenny Avatar
    Jenny

    Smoking is fine, but he’s prematurely balding to the max.

  12. Jenny Avatar
    Jenny

    Smoking is fine, but he’s prematurely balding to the max.

  13. Pearly Avatar

    Smoking does contribute to improved aerodynamics, google doesnt lie!

  14. Pearly Avatar

    Smoking does contribute to improved aerodynamics, google doesnt lie!

  15. Ninha Avatar

    I lol’d @ people getting mad at smoking pictures on ModBlog

  16. Ninha Avatar

    I lol’d @ people getting mad at smoking pictures on ModBlog

  17. destros.secret Avatar
    destros.secret

    I think it would look cool to see someone with a stretched labret(s) to blow smoke out of the hole, while wearing tunnels in their lip.

  18. destros.secret Avatar
    destros.secret

    I think it would look cool to see someone with a stretched labret(s) to blow smoke out of the hole, while wearing tunnels in their lip.

  19. possessed Avatar

    “to say that smoking doesn’t kill people is dishonest.”

    I don’t think it would be too much of a stretch to suggest that Shannon may not have been seriously implying that smoking isn’t bad for you.

  20. possessed Avatar

    “to say that smoking doesn’t kill people is dishonest.”

    I don’t think it would be too much of a stretch to suggest that Shannon may not have been seriously implying that smoking isn’t bad for you.

  21. noname Avatar
    noname

    It’s not like there’s a little demon running around forcing people to smoke until they get addicted. People know smoking kills and chose to smoke anyway, so please lighten up a little

  22. noname Avatar
    noname

    It’s not like there’s a little demon running around forcing people to smoke until they get addicted. People know smoking kills and chose to smoke anyway, so please lighten up a little

  23. Sara Avatar
    Sara

    If people are so worried about smoking killing people, how about not smoking?

    A lot of other things kill people just the same as smoking does. Obesity, Heart Disease, HIV, Car Accidents, etc. I don’t see a whole lot of people cutting out unhealthy foods, being abstinent (even using a condom), or not driving a car either. Live healthy, die anyways. Who is to say that someone who smoked for 30 years, gets lung cancer and dies wouldn’t have gotten lung cancer regardless? Not saying they are GOOD for you, simply saying if a butterfly flaps it’s wings the outcome might or might not be the same.

    Point is? There are a lot of things people do that are not healthy. Who cares, it’s that person’s choice. Do you slap a cheeseburger out of someone’s hand at McDonald’s? No (and rightfully so, because you’d probably get knocked the fuck out).

    If you’re gullible enough to say “Wow, that guy on BMEzine was smoking and he looked awesome – I think I’m going to go buy my first pack of cigarettes!”, then you’re a fucking moron.

    Yes, it’s the cigarette companies fault your ass picked up a cigarette and smoked it. Just one more copout in our world to teach us to be less responsible for our own actions. Joy. Remember kids, always blame what you do on someone else!

  24. Sara Avatar
    Sara

    If people are so worried about smoking killing people, how about not smoking?

    A lot of other things kill people just the same as smoking does. Obesity, Heart Disease, HIV, Car Accidents, etc. I don’t see a whole lot of people cutting out unhealthy foods, being abstinent (even using a condom), or not driving a car either. Live healthy, die anyways. Who is to say that someone who smoked for 30 years, gets lung cancer and dies wouldn’t have gotten lung cancer regardless? Not saying they are GOOD for you, simply saying if a butterfly flaps it’s wings the outcome might or might not be the same.

    Point is? There are a lot of things people do that are not healthy. Who cares, it’s that person’s choice. Do you slap a cheeseburger out of someone’s hand at McDonald’s? No (and rightfully so, because you’d probably get knocked the fuck out).

    If you’re gullible enough to say “Wow, that guy on BMEzine was smoking and he looked awesome – I think I’m going to go buy my first pack of cigarettes!”, then you’re a fucking moron.

    Yes, it’s the cigarette companies fault your ass picked up a cigarette and smoked it. Just one more copout in our world to teach us to be less responsible for our own actions. Joy. Remember kids, always blame what you do on someone else!

  25. adam Avatar
    adam

    as a designer and someone who works in a marketing department, i am totally offended by this post!

  26. adam Avatar
    adam

    as a designer and someone who works in a marketing department, i am totally offended by this post!

  27. wiggledance Avatar
    wiggledance

    great photo and nice twist on the traditional tribal design. I’m sure the title wasn’t meant in any serious manner.

    Any pot related post never seems to get this many negative responses about the effects on lungs etc.

  28. wiggledance Avatar
    wiggledance

    great photo and nice twist on the traditional tribal design. I’m sure the title wasn’t meant in any serious manner.

    Any pot related post never seems to get this many negative responses about the effects on lungs etc.

  29. Tisch Avatar

    I understand what you’re trying to get through with the title, since smoking can look artistic in well done photos.

    11/Greg really needs to chill. Jesus fucking Christ.

  30. Tisch Avatar

    I understand what you’re trying to get through with the title, since smoking can look artistic in well done photos.

    11/Greg really needs to chill. Jesus fucking Christ.

  31. Sixums Avatar

    Look. Everyone knows smoking kills. It’s slapped all over the labels of the boxes, the tv, and hello, it’s the internet. Google it. I’m not advocating smoking because honestly I’m not for it, but come ON people. What a stupid thing to start freaking out about.

    I think he looks sexy. I think photographs of people smoking, especially in B&W, adds a sex factor.

    …oh yeah, and I love his tattoo, considering that’s kinda the point.

  32. Sixums Avatar

    Look. Everyone knows smoking kills. It’s slapped all over the labels of the boxes, the tv, and hello, it’s the internet. Google it. I’m not advocating smoking because honestly I’m not for it, but come ON people. What a stupid thing to start freaking out about.

    I think he looks sexy. I think photographs of people smoking, especially in B&W, adds a sex factor.

    …oh yeah, and I love his tattoo, considering that’s kinda the point.

  33. Mitsko21 Avatar
    Mitsko21

    Who cares about smoking-he’s gorgeous!

  34. Mitsko21 Avatar
    Mitsko21

    Who cares about smoking-he’s gorgeous!

  35. eep Avatar
    eep

    I work for a marketing company that only does promotions for a large tobacco company and I LOVE the headline!! good job!

  36. eep Avatar
    eep

    I work for a marketing company that only does promotions for a large tobacco company and I LOVE the headline!! good job!

  37. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    wiggledance – Pot doesn’t cause lung cancer. In fact, the latest research suggests it actually STOPS lung cancer.

  38. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    wiggledance – Pot doesn’t cause lung cancer. In fact, the latest research suggests it actually STOPS lung cancer.

  39. wiggledance Avatar
    wiggledance

    but the majority of people smoke pot with tobacco…or at least around here they do.

    I guess I’m being kinda hypocritical though, lots of people here are offended because they’ve lost people due to lung cancer and, although it is not the same, most of my friends turned into complete bums who’ve wasted their life due to pot and I ‘lost’ them, so I tend to have something against it.

  40. wiggledance Avatar
    wiggledance

    but the majority of people smoke pot with tobacco…or at least around here they do.

    I guess I’m being kinda hypocritical though, lots of people here are offended because they’ve lost people due to lung cancer and, although it is not the same, most of my friends turned into complete bums who’ve wasted their life due to pot and I ‘lost’ them, so I tend to have something against it.

  41. CX Avatar
    CX

    what’s the commotion for people? it’s just a picture. well, anyway smoking prevent you from growing old….cos you die young..haha cheers!

  42. CX Avatar
    CX

    what’s the commotion for people? it’s just a picture. well, anyway smoking prevent you from growing old….cos you die young..haha cheers!

  43. Duck Avatar
    Duck

    FIRST) The actual point of the post: The shading in the background of the tattoo is actually accented by the smoke from the cigarette which is what makes it a great picture – even if the tattoo is only mediocre / “good”.

    Pot actually stops lung cancer? That’s one I haven’t heard before. I would really appreciate if you could provide a link to where ever you found or read about that study – seriously – I would be genuinely interested in reading it for work purposes.

    Beyond that I feel that people need to fucking chill when it comes to issues regarding others freedoms. He’s smoking, yes smoking is bad for you, you’re not leaking breaking news on that one and it’s not as if he is blowing the second hand smoke in the faces of babies. So seriously… what the fuck?

    As an ex-smoker (for many years) I still think smoking LOOKS bloody hot despite the impact it has on ones health or the health of others, the way its smells etc. The world’s become toxic because of a multitude of reasons not just cigarettes… it’s something that we have to come to terms with.

  44. Duck Avatar
    Duck

    FIRST) The actual point of the post: The shading in the background of the tattoo is actually accented by the smoke from the cigarette which is what makes it a great picture – even if the tattoo is only mediocre / “good”.

    Pot actually stops lung cancer? That’s one I haven’t heard before. I would really appreciate if you could provide a link to where ever you found or read about that study – seriously – I would be genuinely interested in reading it for work purposes.

    Beyond that I feel that people need to fucking chill when it comes to issues regarding others freedoms. He’s smoking, yes smoking is bad for you, you’re not leaking breaking news on that one and it’s not as if he is blowing the second hand smoke in the faces of babies. So seriously… what the fuck?

    As an ex-smoker (for many years) I still think smoking LOOKS bloody hot despite the impact it has on ones health or the health of others, the way its smells etc. The world’s become toxic because of a multitude of reasons not just cigarettes… it’s something that we have to come to terms with.

  45. JenO33 Avatar
    JenO33

    I’m not too sure how pot ’cause *stop* lung cancer considering it has 3 to 5 times higher levels of tar and carbon monoxide than tobacco ciggies, it certainly could help for the pain caused by lung cancer though which is a very nice thing.

  46. JenO33 Avatar
    JenO33

    I’m not too sure how pot ’cause *stop* lung cancer considering it has 3 to 5 times higher levels of tar and carbon monoxide than tobacco ciggies, it certainly could help for the pain caused by lung cancer though which is a very nice thing.

  47. hannah Avatar
    hannah

    27 – how dare people support an industry that in turn supports a political ideology that you disagree with – that’s scandalous.

    Back to the picture – he’s fucking hot.

  48. hannah Avatar
    hannah

    27 – how dare people support an industry that in turn supports a political ideology that you disagree with – that’s scandalous.

    Back to the picture – he’s fucking hot.

  49. Nyarlathotep Avatar

    Chaq: you most certainly can get high off a cigarette; it’s called hypoxia. If you smake a cigarette very fast (for instance, on a two minute break from work), you’ll dump enough CO and CO2 into your lungs that you don’t get enough oxygen into the blood. This causes a light-headed sensation similar to being mildly drunk or stoned that lasts for about 3-5 minutes.
    Secondary point: I’ve noticed a lot of people engaging in drunken body play in various photos on modblog, but I’ve never once seen someone complaining about promoting alcohol abuse…
    Response to Cuntcumer: *Smoking creates a tremendous amount of waste, from the processing to the packaging to the disposable lighters used to the butts left over
    See also: alcohol. Production of beer uses grains (and hence arable land) that could be put to much better use, such as growing organic produce.
    *Smoking supports an industry which make a huge majority of its political donations to conservative parties (http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/indus.asp?Ind=A02)
    How is this relevant? Do you not want companies to donate money to political parties, or do you only want them to donate to parties that you support?
    *It hurts AND KILLS other people
    See also: alcohol. Alcohol is the contributing factor in roughly 40% of all motor vehicle fatalities per year in the United States.
    *It fucking stinks
    This is your opinion. Even before I was a smoker, I liked the way smoking smelled (and no, I was not raised by smokers, nor was I exposed to many people who smoked while I was growing up). While it it your right to dislike the smell, and to be presonally opposed to smoking on that basis, in a debate about the rightness or wrongness of smoking it holds little place.
    *And it makes going to concerts a hell of a lot less enjoyable
    Again, this is your opinion. I find that alcohol makes concerts a lot less fun. I like to listen to the music, not get sucked into drunken fist-fights, step in vomit, or have someone spill their beer all over me.
    I’m not supporting smoking, because I agree that it’s very bad for you, but if you are going to go off on people that make poor health choices, you’re gonna have to go after a lot more people than just smokers to avoid hypocrisy.

  50. Nyarlathotep Avatar

    Chaq: you most certainly can get high off a cigarette; it’s called hypoxia. If you smake a cigarette very fast (for instance, on a two minute break from work), you’ll dump enough CO and CO2 into your lungs that you don’t get enough oxygen into the blood. This causes a light-headed sensation similar to being mildly drunk or stoned that lasts for about 3-5 minutes.
    Secondary point: I’ve noticed a lot of people engaging in drunken body play in various photos on modblog, but I’ve never once seen someone complaining about promoting alcohol abuse…
    Response to Cuntcumer: *Smoking creates a tremendous amount of waste, from the processing to the packaging to the disposable lighters used to the butts left over
    See also: alcohol. Production of beer uses grains (and hence arable land) that could be put to much better use, such as growing organic produce.
    *Smoking supports an industry which make a huge majority of its political donations to conservative parties (http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/indus.asp?Ind=A02)
    How is this relevant? Do you not want companies to donate money to political parties, or do you only want them to donate to parties that you support?
    *It hurts AND KILLS other people
    See also: alcohol. Alcohol is the contributing factor in roughly 40% of all motor vehicle fatalities per year in the United States.
    *It fucking stinks
    This is your opinion. Even before I was a smoker, I liked the way smoking smelled (and no, I was not raised by smokers, nor was I exposed to many people who smoked while I was growing up). While it it your right to dislike the smell, and to be presonally opposed to smoking on that basis, in a debate about the rightness or wrongness of smoking it holds little place.
    *And it makes going to concerts a hell of a lot less enjoyable
    Again, this is your opinion. I find that alcohol makes concerts a lot less fun. I like to listen to the music, not get sucked into drunken fist-fights, step in vomit, or have someone spill their beer all over me.
    I’m not supporting smoking, because I agree that it’s very bad for you, but if you are going to go off on people that make poor health choices, you’re gonna have to go after a lot more people than just smokers to avoid hypocrisy.

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