221 ☼ My birthday, six years, and six stories worth revisiting
a mystery birthday giveaway (it's my bday!)
Dear friends,
It’s my birthday today, and I will be off-grid for our annual “reset and reflect” long weekend in the woods. Just a stack of notebooks, goal setting, reviewing, tea, and a forest walk after each meal. It’s one of my favorite times of the year.
I want to say thank for reading Process and showing up every Sunday to share your thoughts and questions in the comments. I love it, and your feedback and interactions keep me going. Whether you’ve been here since issue 001 in January of 2020 (!!) or found Process last week, I appreciate you.
This week, I’m sharing six of my favorite past issues from the last six years. Many of you joined along the way, so this is a little birthday retrospective to revisit the roots, especially for those who missed them back when they were first published. I hope they spark something for you in the way of inspiration and calmness.
Also: a group photo from the Process Photo Walk in Paris is below. I love how much joy is packed into this frame. Shout out to Alvin Toro for taking this image.
Quick birthday favor: if Process has been useful to you, would you mind sharing it with a friend or two? There’s a button below that makes it easy. It’s the best way to help keep this thing going, and I’d really appreciate it. Thank you. <3
Six years, six issues. Here are a few worth reading (or rereading)
Process 125 ☼ How to Keep a Photo Diary (And Why)
The most-read issue ever. I shared my 365 project shot entirely on a Kodak disposable camera. This is a love letter to noticing daily life, and about keeping diary for people who can’t stick to writing one. It’s about consistency, not perfection. It’s been so meaningful to me to do this, as I’m about to start on my fourth year of keeping up this habit.
Process 175 ☼ The Process Manifesto
This is the heartbeat of Process. Eight principles I’ve come up with for making creative work that feels real in a world that rewards sameness. Not rules. Just reminders.
Process 138 ☼ Street Portraiture As An Introverted Photographer
One of the most personal essays I’ve written. About learning to talk to strangers and finding connection through a camera. Especially for anyone who’s ever felt like an introvert doing an extrovert’s job.
Process 201 ☼ Don’t Wait for Permission. Create.
A newer one that still feels urgent. About making work now—not when it’s “ready,” not when you get picked. You are the permission.
Process 137 ☼ How I Build a Creative Habit
The backbone of my creative life. Small systems, low pressure, and showing up imperfectly. If you’re trying to restart something or start from scratch, this one’s for you.
Process 001 ☼ Visiting Bruce Davidson
The very first issue. A story about my visit with Bruce Davidson that helped spark this newsletter. A nice one to end on.
That ends this list of six of my personal favorites from the past years. You can dive in and find more than 200 other issues over at the Process Archive.
Your Turn - Process Birthday Giveaway
Do you have a favorite Process issue from the archive? One that stuck with you, or nudged you to make something you’re proud of? Share it in the comments, links are welcome, so others can check your favorite out too.
To celebrate my birthday and six years of Process, I’ll randomly pick three commenters to receive a mystery goodie bag from my studio. It might include a few rolls of expired film, a rare misprinted zine, a test print from a book, a camera strap, whatever’s in the studio drawer this week. A little analog surprise, just for fun.
Next week: I’ll share my complete photographer’s EDC, all the gear and tools I actually carry every day and when I travel.
Talk soon,
Wesley
PS If you happened to find yourself here but weren’t yet a subscriber, hit the button below and receive Process every Sunday:
A Few Ways To Support This Work
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This Week’s Camera + Tools
Camera: My current go-to set up is Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 24-70 mm f/2.8 L IS USM. Why? Read the full review here.
Process is supported by MPB.com, my personal go-to for buying, selling, or trading used gear. Everything comes with a 12-month warranty.
Lab: My film is processed by Carmencita Film Lab. They’re the best and put so much love and care into their work. Use code "PROCESS" for a free upgrade.
🗃️ Browse the Process Archive.
Heyyy! Happy Birthday! It was my birthday too on the 28th.
Process 192: Taking Back My Attention is the one that hit home for me. Made me realize again that the fight for our attention is real. If we don't fight for it, we'll always give in to being distracted.
I found your posts by searching for photo book design inspiration. Google offered me to your post #148 How to Make Smart Design Choices. I began looking around and liked what I saw, so I subscribed.