Category: opinion

A while back, Josh suggested that I read a book by Austin Kleon, “Show your work“. I wasn’t convinced at first I’d be interested, but as he thought I would be, I gave it a chance and bought it. It turns out that the title and the blurbs are misleading and the book is in fact very interesting and overlaps significantly with what I write here.

One of the things Austin says is “become a documentarian of what you do”. When I read that chapter, I had the realisation that this is potentially the one thing I miss the most in the world of photography. It seems photography has lost its documentarians somewhere along the way.

Continue reading “Where Are The Documentarians?”

We’ve all heard many photographers talk about storytelling in their photography. How many YT videos can you find on the subject? It’s become such accepted wisdom in the creative world that questioning it feels almost heretical. But when we look at it closely, it doesn’t make sense, and it’s all about how we actually experience photographs.

Continue reading “Story Telling Is a Myth”

It seems that the majority of amateur photographers go through the same predictable journey that you can track through their gear. They begin their journey convinced that better gear will make them better photographers. Some end it knowing the opposite is true.

Continue reading “The Four Stages of Photographer Evolution”

In September, we organised a Substack event where people shared photos from a day in their life. Participants from all over the world took part and produced a book showing that day to everyone.

Continue reading “Document Your Life 2025”

Most great photographers are said to have a style. Something that instantly identifies their photographs as theirs to the initiated (think Ansel Adams, Cartier-Bresson, Moriyama). But is it something you need to pursue?

Continue reading “Should I develop a Personal Style?”

If you’re serious about photography, at some point the question will need to be addressed: should you become a professional?

Continue reading “Why Not Become a Photo Pro?”

Switching to monochrome has changed how I see photography from the conceptual viewpoint, but also from the process viewpoint.

Continue reading “What Monochrome Taught Me”

I never followed trends. Still don’t. The branded trainers, the tribal colours, the group signalling that consumed my schoolmates meant nothing to me (still doesn’t, I don’t wear brands). While they sorted themselves into neat categories of belonging, I couldn’t be bothered allocating brain resources to such nonsense. I cared that my parents bought me shoes, not which logo was on them. I wanted one decent friend to talk with, not membership in whatever faction was fashionable that term.

Continue reading “How Not Being Relevant Is Now An Advantage”