Thanks for this. Lots of good practical advice here. Under point 3 you mention studying the works of others. This is one thing that I have found really helpful, particularly through looking at photo books. I find a physical book more engaging and compelling than an image on a screen, so my habit is to buy a new one each month, alternating between photographers whose works I know and those who are new to me. Visiting photo exhibitions regularly is also helpful.
I am interested in your process for processing your photos before printing. Any difference for digital or film? Do you soft proof using software like Lightroom. What software do you use to build a photo book. What format is best to send to a photo book publisher.
Thanks a lot Wesley for sharing this. Since the beginning of the year, I don't find the motivation to go out and shoot. I always have good excuses ...
You right, creating a routine is maybe the solution! I moved in a new country and I have some difficulty to take people in the frame. I don't feel in the mood and I am sad of that!
Thanks for the newsletter! I always enjoy reading. One thing I would like to learn more about is the process of finding and applying for shows, exhibitions, publications, etc..
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on AI. I think it will dramatically change photography forever- and greatly reduce the amount of work available. I realise no one can predict what the effects will be but I think it’s a good topic to discuss.
Hi Tash, I think some forms of photography will experience a lot of pressure from AI, like product photography, while others will not, like photo journalism and weddings and anything else that relies on real emotions documented and shared.
Thanks for this post Wesley! I'd really like to read about some of your influences, or maybe a specific series/photobook that inspired you to create Notice, for instance.
Wesley, thank you for such great advices! I don't usually have these kind of perception about creativity and I think it's really healthy to implement them into our routine.
About the question: I think it would be a nice topic if you discuss a bit about how implement/create your own style into photography.
Great list Wesley. One that I would add is publish regularly. The images don’t need to always be exhibition quality - just good enough. And social medias provide plenty of opportunity. Interested in your thoughts.
Social media certainly has its demons that must be managed but there are few barriers to entry. As a competent photographer, but one who does not (yet) stand out from the crowd, it is difficult to get published through more traditional publications or exhibitions. Would love to hear your thoughts on options for a not-yet-established photographer.
Often times the advice upstart photographers get feels like it is aimed at those who are in the early stages of life. I’d love an in depth article for advice for people at different stages of life. A forty something husband with a young child at home and a full time job to support said family will have it much harder allotting time to pursue the craft than his twenty something counterpart. Are you able to give advice based on the stations in life different people find themselves in?
I'd say that the advice remains the same, it's just that it will take a bit longer if there is less time to spend. On the other hand, being older also has its benefits, including things like feeling like you have a clear purpose, caring less about what other people think, etc. I myself didn't become a (part time and then full time) photographer until I was in my 30s and it's my third career, so I never really had the 20 year old level of time myself either. In the archives you can find my series on How I Became A Professional Photographer that goes into this a bit, might be an interesting read for you. Thank you for asking!
Being new to Process I'm not sure if you've ever written about this – or if it's the kind of subject you'd typically talk about – but I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on where things might be heading for photographers online today. We've had a decade of social media now and we can probably all agree that things are changing and won't ever return to what they were. Technology, trends, habits, our wants/needs, they all change and we evolve with them. The current consensus is that 'everyone should have a newsletter' – but that just won't work for every photographer, and many people just don't want yet more emails in their inbox. So I'm wondering what the next 'thing' could be that helps photographers share their work to a broader audience, and does it even exist yet? It feels more likely (to me) that it will be a shift in technology, not just another app. Just something I'm thinking about these days...
Thanks Tom, I appreciate it! I haven't written about this yet, mostly because while I was the very first photographer with a Substack I don't consider myself much of an innovator or first mover when it comes to these things. I am much more comfortable with and interested in focusing on "old school" things like writing and the actual craft of photography. I'm not saying that this is a good way to be, matter of fact in some ways it's probably less advantageous for me, but it's just that I generally have no idea what the next thing is going to be and I feel resistance to investing into anything that's not sure to pay back. For me starting a newsletter wasn't an innovation, more so a circling back to an older way of sharing things.
I write three pages a day (only have done it for a month so far) Im currently following the book The Artist Way that suggests writing morning pages everyday. It’s really been helping my creativity. I enjoy having a routine to help me be creative instead of pushing myself to find “inspiration” of some sort.
Can you make a newsletter about photo editing for beginners? It seems like a lot of what makes a photo a good photo happens in the editing….i just don’t know what that entails.
Thanks for sharing Erika! I actually would say editing is overestimated and that while it can have a huge impact the best pictures and especially the best experience is hardly having to edit your images. But I will think on this as a topic!
Thanks for this reflection on your creative habits! A quote that has been resonating for me: "What you pay attention to grows."
I find myself getting overwhelmed by my photography practice -- the sheer number of photos, having to organize all digital files, being organized enough to move from single images to a series or body of work, figuring out where to go next with many projects. How do you like to manage your projects? Is there a certain software or method you use? How do you map everything out to see the big picture of your work?
Thanks for this. Lots of good practical advice here. Under point 3 you mention studying the works of others. This is one thing that I have found really helpful, particularly through looking at photo books. I find a physical book more engaging and compelling than an image on a screen, so my habit is to buy a new one each month, alternating between photographers whose works I know and those who are new to me. Visiting photo exhibitions regularly is also helpful.
Oh, that is also a good idea. Thank you.
100% agreed Olli! Thank you for sharing. And I also find it inspiring to look beyond photography at other visual arts :)
I am interested in your process for processing your photos before printing. Any difference for digital or film? Do you soft proof using software like Lightroom. What software do you use to build a photo book. What format is best to send to a photo book publisher.
Excellent questions! Will work these into the new book I am making.
Thanks a lot Wesley for sharing this. Since the beginning of the year, I don't find the motivation to go out and shoot. I always have good excuses ...
You right, creating a routine is maybe the solution! I moved in a new country and I have some difficulty to take people in the frame. I don't feel in the mood and I am sad of that!
Your edition gives me the energy !
So glad to hear that!
Thanks for the newsletter! I always enjoy reading. One thing I would like to learn more about is the process of finding and applying for shows, exhibitions, publications, etc..
Good one!
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on AI. I think it will dramatically change photography forever- and greatly reduce the amount of work available. I realise no one can predict what the effects will be but I think it’s a good topic to discuss.
Hi Tash, I think some forms of photography will experience a lot of pressure from AI, like product photography, while others will not, like photo journalism and weddings and anything else that relies on real emotions documented and shared.
Thanks for this post Wesley! I'd really like to read about some of your influences, or maybe a specific series/photobook that inspired you to create Notice, for instance.
Good idea, especially in the run up to my next book, NOTICE Journal Vol 1!
Wesley, thank you for such great advices! I don't usually have these kind of perception about creativity and I think it's really healthy to implement them into our routine.
About the question: I think it would be a nice topic if you discuss a bit about how implement/create your own style into photography.
Thanks for the kind words Henrique! And noted!
Great list Wesley. One that I would add is publish regularly. The images don’t need to always be exhibition quality - just good enough. And social medias provide plenty of opportunity. Interested in your thoughts.
I'd have to agree! But would recommend not making social the main way of publishing as a goal
Social media certainly has its demons that must be managed but there are few barriers to entry. As a competent photographer, but one who does not (yet) stand out from the crowd, it is difficult to get published through more traditional publications or exhibitions. Would love to hear your thoughts on options for a not-yet-established photographer.
start a newsletter, mainly
Often times the advice upstart photographers get feels like it is aimed at those who are in the early stages of life. I’d love an in depth article for advice for people at different stages of life. A forty something husband with a young child at home and a full time job to support said family will have it much harder allotting time to pursue the craft than his twenty something counterpart. Are you able to give advice based on the stations in life different people find themselves in?
I'd say that the advice remains the same, it's just that it will take a bit longer if there is less time to spend. On the other hand, being older also has its benefits, including things like feeling like you have a clear purpose, caring less about what other people think, etc. I myself didn't become a (part time and then full time) photographer until I was in my 30s and it's my third career, so I never really had the 20 year old level of time myself either. In the archives you can find my series on How I Became A Professional Photographer that goes into this a bit, might be an interesting read for you. Thank you for asking!
Being new to Process I'm not sure if you've ever written about this – or if it's the kind of subject you'd typically talk about – but I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on where things might be heading for photographers online today. We've had a decade of social media now and we can probably all agree that things are changing and won't ever return to what they were. Technology, trends, habits, our wants/needs, they all change and we evolve with them. The current consensus is that 'everyone should have a newsletter' – but that just won't work for every photographer, and many people just don't want yet more emails in their inbox. So I'm wondering what the next 'thing' could be that helps photographers share their work to a broader audience, and does it even exist yet? It feels more likely (to me) that it will be a shift in technology, not just another app. Just something I'm thinking about these days...
Loved this post by the way.
Thanks Tom, I appreciate it! I haven't written about this yet, mostly because while I was the very first photographer with a Substack I don't consider myself much of an innovator or first mover when it comes to these things. I am much more comfortable with and interested in focusing on "old school" things like writing and the actual craft of photography. I'm not saying that this is a good way to be, matter of fact in some ways it's probably less advantageous for me, but it's just that I generally have no idea what the next thing is going to be and I feel resistance to investing into anything that's not sure to pay back. For me starting a newsletter wasn't an innovation, more so a circling back to an older way of sharing things.
I write three pages a day (only have done it for a month so far) Im currently following the book The Artist Way that suggests writing morning pages everyday. It’s really been helping my creativity. I enjoy having a routine to help me be creative instead of pushing myself to find “inspiration” of some sort.
Can you make a newsletter about photo editing for beginners? It seems like a lot of what makes a photo a good photo happens in the editing….i just don’t know what that entails.
Thanks for sharing Erika! I actually would say editing is overestimated and that while it can have a huge impact the best pictures and especially the best experience is hardly having to edit your images. But I will think on this as a topic!
Since you love music and often shoot square format -> please share some of your photos that could make a great album covers and explain why.
just realized I did write about this a bit already haha https://wesley.substack.com/p/process-036-how-to-create-an-album
:) thanks for sharing, that was a good read!
oh that's a very clever idea, thank you!
I would like to see you write on the topic of printing and displaying your work for a gallery setting in a future issue of Process. Thanks!
great suggestion, thank you!
Very good advice! I couldn’t agree more with you!
thank you Susanne!
Thanks for this reflection on your creative habits! A quote that has been resonating for me: "What you pay attention to grows."
I find myself getting overwhelmed by my photography practice -- the sheer number of photos, having to organize all digital files, being organized enough to move from single images to a series or body of work, figuring out where to go next with many projects. How do you like to manage your projects? Is there a certain software or method you use? How do you map everything out to see the big picture of your work?
Great question Jessye! Will pick this up for a future issue
Digicams
noted!