207 ☼ Why we call photography a practice (not a performance)

new video!

Hey there,

I've been thinking about something this week while going through the work I made in Ukraine recently. Judging by the internet, we have convinced ourselves that making art should look effortless. That the best photographers just wake up and capture magic without breaking a sweat.

But that's not how any of this works, is it?

This week I want to share some thoughts on why photography is a practice (not a performance), show you a quiet little video we made about daily creative habits, and say thank you to everyone who's already preordered the new Process Workbook 3 or joined the Process Photo Club. Means the world and keeps this all going.

Also in this issue, I'm sharing some new Amsterdam shots from my summer photo walks with the Hasselblad.

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Art Is Something We Practice

Dam Square, summer 2025

Have you ever thought about the fact that we call it an art practice? That's because we always knew it wasn't a case of divine inspiration or a specific talent that some of us are just born with.

We don't expect musicians to play perfectly without rehearsal. We don't expect writers to publish their first drafts. But somehow, with photography, it can feel like we're supposed to get it right on the first try, especially online, where everything is a performance.

But photography is a language and a craft and it takes time to develop. It's a way of learning how to find and tell stories. And like any of those things, it takes repetition.

I think about Vivian Maier, who shot every single day for decades, most of it never seen by anyone. Or Henri Cartier-Bresson, who said he spent his whole life learning to see. Even Ansel Adams, who we think of as this master but he was constantly experimenting, constantly failing, constantly trying again.

They all knew what we sometimes forget: the magic isn't in getting it right once. It's in showing up again and again.

Which brings me to why I made Process Workbook Vol. 3. It's built around this idea that small, daily acts of seeing can transform how you make pictures.

The prompts are small, manageable, and designed to help you see in new ways. You can do them in five minutes. You can make them your own.

A New Video on Daily Practice

Speaking of daily practice, my friend Alex filmed me during the Vancouver photo walks that would become my first photo book NOTICE. Four years later, we turned it into a proper video with the help of Harry Orange who worked his editing magic. I’m excited for you to see it, here it is!

Last Week to Preorder Process Workbook Vol. 3

The preorder closes on August 31st. If you've already ordered, thank you so much. If you're still deciding, here's what two fantastic photography friends had to say after getting an early look:

"Simple, actionable prompts that are guaranteed to get the over-thinker out of their own way and in to making pictures. When I feel stuck or need a bit of inspiration, this will be in my play book." — Matt Day

Thanks Matt! If you haven't seen his legendary YouTube channel, there's lots to learn there too.

"A thoughtful collection of accessible prompts that make photography more fun while helping you discover and refine your unique style. Essential for photographers at any level." — Lucy Lumen

Thanks Lucy, who you probably know from her own Substack. If not, get on it!

If you're already a member of the Process Photo Club, Volume 3 is waiting for you (along with Volumes 1 and 2) at no extra charge, just like everything else we're building together. And if you just joined this week: WELCOME! Honestly, knowing there are people who believe in this work enough to support it means so much.

And we're just getting started. This fall, I'm sharing the behind-the-scenes stuff that actually keeps my creative life organized, including the templates and systems I've built over years of figuring out what works:

• My personal roll notes and file management system templates

• A project planning checklist for starting and finishing photo projects

• A How To book about making photo books and zines

Right now, membership gets you all three Process Workbooks (€30 value), plus yearly members save 50% on my photo books and up to €100 off mentoring sessions. It's €9/month or €90/year, and it make Process and my work here possible. Click here to join or hit the button below.

Everyone who preorders is entered into a raffle to win one of four prize packs: three Kodak Tri-X disposable cameras each, which is enough film to shoot one photo per day for the full 100 days.

Preorder ends August 31st, so grab yours here for only €9.99 (it goes up to €14.99 Sept 1st) or click the button below.

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Alright, that's me for this week. Go make something, even if it's small. Even if it's imperfect. Especially if it's imperfect.

Talk soon,

Wesley

P.S. Seriously, thank you for being here. These letters to you and hearing from you have become one of my favorite parts of the week.

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📷 What I Used This Week

People often ask what I’m using and here’s this week’s setup:

Camera: Hasselblad 500cm.

My digital go-to is: Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 24-70 mm f/2.8 L IS USM.

This issue is supported by MPB.com, which is my personal go-to for buying, selling, or trading used gear. Everything comes with a 6-month warranty.

This issue is also supported by picdrop.com, which my preferred tool for building online galleries to let my clients review, select, and download photos from shoots. Use “PROCESS” at checkout to get a free 2-month trial.

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.

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Next Week

I'll be sharing some photos from my daily walks through Italy last year, and talking about how consistency in practice doesn't teach you to see like the place you're in, but to see like you, everywhere. Same eye, different stage.

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🗃️ Browse the Process Archives.
📜 Read the Process Manifesto.
🚧 Currently Working On¹

1. Currently Working On / Project Updates (r = release date)

• Process Workbook, Vol. 3 — Pre-Order Up! (r: Aug)

• Creatives In/AMS — Pitching potential sponsors (r: Sept)

• NOTICE Journal, Volume Two — Developing concept

• 25 in 2025 — Preparing for September shoots (r: Nov 7)