So, I’ve been meaning to start writing something about photography (and share images, links, etc.) for a while now. Like a lot of things I plan to do, it either takes time to get started, because I want to do it right, or at some point I lose steam.
The immediacy and connection that Substack offers is intriguing. It’s an email new letter, it’s a blog, and now a live chat as well.
About a month ago I watched the Netflix documentary Stutz, about the actor Jonah Hill’s psychotherapist Phil Stutz. It’s a lovely movie, especially because I don’t particularly like or care for Jonah Hill so for me it was more about a good human discovery, less so about a movie star being treated for mental issues. There are various tools discussed in the movie - I need to rewatch it - but after seeing it I decided to keep a personal journal, simply write down what a little bit about each day, at the end of the day. Writing this quick, short personal journal got me to think about writing about photography as well, an integral part of my life that I don’t write about often. (I settled on Day One app - I like the ability to write both on my phone and desktop, as well as attach photographs).
Hopefully the (writing) spigot will open - and I’ll continue writing personal notes in my journal, as well as explore writing about photography here. I know it’s important - it’s just not easy to do, and as a visual person - and as an immigrant (English is my second language) - not something I am completely comfortable with.
I’ll end this intro with a photo. The photograph I currently use for the header (severely cropped but I am not against cropping).
4 seconds of Metronorth train
This image was made after a real estate shoot that I had down the Hudson River in New Hamburg. I knew that the house will be very close to the river and figured that if I’ll have enough time afterwards I can do a bit of scouting and get a personal project shoot as well. It’s been a recurring theme of mine - as I switched from design to photography - to make sure I can give myself enough time do personal work. I hope to explore and write more on the struggle between commercial and personal work later. For now I’ll just add that this long exposure train photograph is part of my Locomotion Series.
Until next time, have a great end of 2022 and a fruitful 2023.
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I'm going to take a look at that writing app, my only concern is I'm already writing pretty much every day for my substance. I notice there is starting to be a decent-sized group of people on substack writing about photography. Maybe that will help with the quality of the photos I see, as so many on other services don't want to say anything about their photos. I'm pretty sure it will lead to some new discoveries. Keep writing.
Great to see you here, Alon!