191 ☼ How to Build Your Own Creative Practice
+ $250 GIVEAWAY w/ Moment
Dear friends,
Every so often, it’s good to stop and ask: Why am I doing this?
This week, I took a few hours to revisit the core idea behind Process, to remind myself what it’s really for, who it’s for, and why I keep showing up every Sunday. Below, I’ve written it all down below, in case you’re working on building your own creative practice or looking to reconnect with what matters in your work.
In this issue:
A reminder of why Process exists
A simple question to help clarify your own creative beliefs
A chance to win the $250 Moment x Process Giveaway
To break up the text, I’ve included recent portraits I made with writer and journalist
as she makes a strong push into Hollywood screenwriting. Such a talent!Quick Notes
The Best Medicine Zine Release — Join us for the release party on May 17 at De Balie (tix include a copy of the zine; grab yours here).
Cabin Photos — I created a new portfolio of images for the award-winning Cabin ANNA in Holenberg. The first photo went live on their Instagram yesterday.
Why Process Exists
At the heart of Process is a simple belief: You don’t need permission to make photos that matter to you.
You don’t need to go viral, be “discovered,” or wait for someone to hand you a platform. You can start with what you’ve got, where you are, and build something slowly, on your own terms.
That belief is what started this newsletter. And it’s still the reason I show up every Sunday.
I write Process for people who want to keep growing creatively, whether you're a hobbyist, part-time pro, emerging voice, or someone outside photography who still cares deeply about how creative work gets made. I write for people trying to find their voice, stay connected to it, or return to it after drifting.
Every week, I share what I’m working on, what I’ve learned, and what I’m still figuring out. Some issues are practical. Some are personal. But all of them are built on the idea that creativity isn’t just a career move or side project, but rather a way of moving through the world with more attention and care.
Process isn’t here to celebrate highlight reels. It’s here to normalize the messy middle: the doubts, the starts and restarts, the long stretches of figuring it out. It’s here to say: your work matters, even when it feels slow or uncertain. And it’s worth sticking with.
The 10 Beliefs That Shape Process
Over time, I’ve come to rely on a handful of beliefs that shape the way I approach this newsletter and my creative life in general. They’re not fixed rules. They’re reminders I return to when things get noisy, and as I learn and grow they evolve.
Creativity is a daily life practice — Photography, storytelling, and making things aren't just hobbies or career moves. They're a way to slow down, notice more, and stay connected to what matters. Process exists to support that kind of daily attention, not just the big splashes.
Small, steady steps beat big dramatic moments — We’re surrounded by stories of overnight success. But real creative growth usually looks like quiet, steady work over time. That’s why Process shows up every week, with a small, consistent step.
Taste is the real differentiator — In a world where almost everyone has access to great tools, what really stands out is how you see, what you notice, and what you choose to share. The goal isn’t to have the best gear. It’s to develop a point of view you’re proud of.
Honesty builds stronger connections — Showing the messy middle, the doubts, the experiments, the mistakes, the lessons learned, is more interesting and more helpful. Process is built on the idea that it’s better to be human than to be perfect.
A guided experience is better than an open-ended one — Creativity thrives when there’s some structure. Just enough to keep momentum without feeling boxed in. That’s why I release the Process Workbook assignments, prompts, and small invitations inside Process, based on what I learn myself with every job.
Real community beats a big audience — I’d rather build something useful for a few thousand committed makers than chase mass numbers or viral attention. Process is a home for people who want to build something lasting, not just something loud. There’s 17,000 of us now, by the way, super grateful for you all!
Physical things still matter — Holding a book, a zine, or a print in your hands creates a connection that scrolling can’t replace. It’s why I keep making tangible things, even in a digital world, and I hope to inspire you to do the same.
Independence is the goal — Creative independence, being able to make what feels true without waiting for permission, is something I work hard to protect. Process is built to help other folks build that kind of self-propelled practice too.
Long-term > Short-term — I try to make choices that make sense in five years, not just in five days. Process is a bet on deep roots, on slow, steady growth that lasts. And boy, long-term is slowwwww sometimes, but that is okay.
Storytelling beats selling — When I talk about books, sponsors, or anything else here, I aim to tell real stories and not just push “products”. And by sharing the story behind the story I hope to encourage you to tell your own confidently.
These beliefs aren’t about having it all figured out. They’re just the ideas that keep me moving when the work gets complicated or the path forward isn’t obvious. Staying curious is part of staying alive creatively.
If you’re interested in a more distilled version of these principles, you can also check out the Process Manifesto in Process 175, a short statement of what I believe about creativity, community, and making work that matters.
Your Turn
What’s one belief, big or small, that keeps you going creatively?
I’d love to hear it. Let’s learn together, in public.
Scroll down to the Giveaway section for details on how to share your answer and enter to win this month’s $250 Moment x Process Giveaway.
Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this issue, I’d love for you to share it with a friend.
Let’s keep shooting, learning, and sharing together—one messy, human step at a time.
Warmly,
Wesley
📷 What I Used This Week
People often ask what I’m using and here’s this week’s setup:
Camera: Canon EOS R5 and the Canon RF 24-70 mm f/2.8 L IS USM + Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM lenses. Also, the Fujifilm X100F.
(For a full review of this Canon set up, check out Process 173. For a review of the X100F check out Process 157.)
This issue is supported by MPB.com — my go-to for buying, selling, or trading used photo and video gear. Everything comes with a 6-month warranty, and their support helps keep Process going.
Lab: My film is processed by Carmencita Film Lab. I trust them fully for both their work and their humanity. Use code "PROCESS" for a free upgrade on your next order.
Process Giveaway — $250 Moment Gift Certificate
I like sending small thank-yous to people who read and support Process.
This week: I’m giving away a $250 gift card to Moment, good for photo and video gear, accessories, or creative courses.
To enter, just answer the following question:
What’s one belief, big or small, that keeps you going creatively?
Let me know in the comments before 11 a.m. EST on May 11th. A winner will be selected at random and announced in next week’s issue.
Recent Giveaway Winners — Congrats to who won the mystery pack of expired film from my personal freezer.
Next Week — Reclaiming My Attention
I’ve been working on reclaiming my attention lately. From limiting distractions, to protecting deep focus time, and finding more clarity in both life and work. I’ll share what’s been working, what hasn’t, and a few tools and changes that might help you too.
Also:
An exciting announcement about my upcoming solo exhibition this summer.
Testing a brand-new black-and-white 120 film
Support Process & Elevate Your Photography
If these Sunday issues give you something—energy, motivation, a new way of seeing—you can support Process by picking up a book or joining the Process Photo Club.
Process Workbook Volume One & Two: Creative prompts and assignments designed to get you out of your head and into action with your camera.
€8.99 each (free for Process Photo Club members)
NOTICE Journal, Volume One: A fresh perspective on beauty and rebirth, shot in Amsterdam.
€40 (or €20 for Process Photo Club members)
📚 Order here and you help keep Process accessible to all.
🗃️ Browse the Process Archives.
📜 Read the Process Manifesto.
📷 Add yourself to the Process Photo Assistant Database
🚧 Currently Working On1
Currently Working On / Project Updates (r = release date)
The Best Medicine — Final design off the the printer! Prepping show. (r: May 17)
Process Redesign — Waiting on sketches from Maxwell (r: Jun)
NJV1 Exhibition — Finalized selection, printing on Wednesday. (r: Jun)
Process Workbook, Vol. 3 — Writing assignments (r: Jun)
Creatives In/AMS — Started pitching sponsors, scheduling last shoots (r: Sept)
NOTICE Journal, Volume Two — Developing concept
25 in 2025 — Planning shoots (r: Nov 7)
Really enjoyed reading this week's text. To be honest i do struggle creatively with photogrpah. There's also a matter of constant comparison with other photographers who so to speak "made it", and on top of that there's this tiny tiny voice in my head, saying that whatever photograph I will ever take is going to be average at best. Still, regardless of those things, I've been doing it, for now 14 years! Despite all my struggles, I still find joy in photographing and I have this need to know more, to discover more. What's the most important is that even my very judgemental self, can see the progress, growth and the joy it brings. I guess my one belief is that, if it brings me joy, I will be doing it, regardless if I'm good at it or not... It is difficult, but somehow it kept me going through all those years and hopefully I'll be doing it with the same amount of joy till the very end.
A grounding belief I have about creativity is that it’s inherent to who I am and when I lean into my own versions of creative acts, I’m ME, if that makes sense. It’s where I feel the most alive. And then being able to share that, to potentially positively impact others, connects the dots between me and another person. It’s incredibly meaningful. Thanks for all you do, Wesley!