A couple has come under fire online for posing on the edge of an infinity pool to capture the perfect photo for Instagram. Travel blogge...
A couple has come under fire online for posing on the edge of an infinity pool to capture the perfect photo for Instagram.
Travel bloggers Kelly Castille, 33, and Kody Workman, 32, who are based in Bali, but are originally from Louisiana and Michigan respectively, shared a dramatic photo of themselves posing at the Kayon Jungle Resort in Ubud on April 3.
The photograph shows Kelly bravely hanging off the edge of a three-story swimming pool while kissing boyfriend Kody who was standing in the water and holding her up by the arms, leaving her legs and torso to dangle freely.
But while the couple insists that they took every precaution while shooting the image, they have faced a bitter backlash from Instagram followers who have blasted them for seemingly putting their need for likes before their own safety.
American travel bloggers Kelly Castille and Kody Workman, who are based in Bali, shared a photo of themselves posing on the edge of an infinity pool on Instagram
The adventurous pair insisted they were 'super slow and cautious' when they took the picture of the stunt - and they 'hold ourselves accountable for the decisions that we make'
The photo has prompted a ferocious debate in the comments section, with many people blasting the couple's actions as 'dangerous' and 'stupid' and pointing out that they may inspire copy-cats to put themselves in danger by trying to replicate it.
Others have spoken out to defend their actions however, insisting that they should be allowed to do as they please provided they feel safe.
Many critics suggested the stunt was not worth the risk
Ironically, the couple addressed this topic in their original caption for the photo, which read: 'Our greatest strength in life, our most important principle, is discernment. Only you can know your body, feel the space around you and understand your capabilities.
'We would all do well to remember this, knowing that not every action, style or path we witness through others is or should be, replicated.
'At the end of the day we are to hold ourselves accountable for the decisions that we make.'
After receiving a slew of negative comments, the couple then went on to defend the image, insisting that they were 'super slow and cautious' when setting up the shot, and adding that they had no fear while doing the stunt because they are 'full of trust for each other'.
'It was a blast setting this up,' Kelly said. 'Kody had a very good hold of me. We trust each other entirely.
'It was such an amazing feeling to have this come out exactly as we planned. We are safe and sound.'
The pair responded to fans saying they were 'full of trust for each other' when posing for stunt
Some critics have responded by saying it was a 'dangerous' picture to take
Speaking to Business Insider, Kody also fired back at those who slammed him for allowing Kelly to put herself at greater risk for the shot - while his feet remained safely on the ground.
'What is probably most surprising to any audience is that this photo was actually Kelly's idea,' he said. 'We are both in good shape, we know our bodies and in turn, we know our limits.
'We had faith in each other and trust to pull this off and so we made the choice as a team to shoot it.'
The travel blogger went on to insist that the photo might appear much more dangerous to some than it actually is, explaining that there was a 'lip' on the edge of the pool that gave Kelly a 'solid grip'. He added that the stunt 'wasn't a concern for us at all'.
But the couple's confidence hasn't stopped people from criticizing their actions in the comments section of the image, with many people labeling them 'stupid' for 'risking their lives'.
'Whether there is a pool at the bottom or not, whether this is the Grand Canyon or not, there will be stupid people who doesn’t have enough strength as these two who will wanna have "cool" Instagram photos and try to replicate something like this, and someone could get seriously hurt or worse!' one person wrote.
'I feel like these "influencers" are influencing people to risk their lives for a dangerous photo.'
Another said: '[You're] teaching other people how to be stupid and risk their life,' while one person admitted: 'I love the picture but I don't think the risk is worth it. Even if it was her idea.'
Other concerned followers said the stunt 'looks so dangerous' while some urged the couple to avoid taking a similar picture again.
'This picture is beautiful, but please don't do like this anymore, life is too beautiful than lost your life [sic],' one person said.
'Why is the woman always the one risking themselves for pictures... never see a guy hanging over a cliff,' another commented.
'This is such a great pic but kinda scary how you're hanging off there,' one said.
Another said: 'Oh my gosh was this not terrifying?!!'
Despite the concerns, others praised the couple for taking a 'beautiful' shot.
'This is terrifying, but what a shot,' one said.
Another person said: 'That's the definition of trust. Looks beautiful but stay safe.'
'Oh my god so freaking but should admit that the result is amazing,' one person said.
Many people said they were nervous just looking at the picture but they were 'amazed' by their brave stunt.
'To be honest, it makes me a bit scared to see that pics but I love the pics,' one said.
And another person commented: 'Oh my goodness what a daring shot! Of course you got it perfectly though.'
"Who have blasted them for seemingly putting their need for likes before their own safety."
ReplyDeleteI fear for the who knows how many "copy cats" who do not have the ability to pull off these dangerous stunts. Its a dangerous world out there. I shudder considering all the dangerous stunts I pulled as a teenager.