Thank you! This was my state-of-the-union-substitute. The SOTU will be later in November, but nevertheless, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm always determined to pack these newsletters as tightly as possible. And yes, the simple rule - definitely one I try to live by. Don't always manage it, but I do my best. ❤️🫡
Loss for Words by Jimmie Froehlich on Substack would like to be added to Photostack. Not sure if I have to subscribe to Photos, mostly first. Please advise. Thx.
For adding me and my Substack to your spreadsheet, something I find useful in seeing what some photographers are showing. It’s fascinating to see what others are posting.
I found your site with the keywords philosophy and photography among many other sites. I have been poking around books about the two and wondered if anyone was blogging about same.
After many years as a photographer, painter and teacher in Anchorage, I now live in Sitka, in the banana belt of Southeast Alaska where it seldom snows but makes up for it by raining a lot. I started my Substack three years ago with the intent to NOT monetize it, nor promote it much, either. I have been successful on both counts. I just like to share an occasional photo with some of my far-flung friends. I try to keep my comments to a minimum.
Thanks for the mention of Irn-Bru, I look forward to tasting it someday.
Hi Jimmie - sorry it took me so long to get back to you. Been a busy time of it lately and I've been away from Substack a bit. Irn bru is delicious, fruity chemistry. For christmas, my partner bought me the most orange piece of clothing I've ever seen in my life! An official retro irn-bru logo hoodie. I love it! Not great for street photography as you can see me from several miles away, but delightful nevertheless! All the best!
So much in here. Really worth the read! I also want to specifically comment that the image of the dog crossing the street as a pedestrian is magic. One of the best street photographs I've seen, to my eyes. And so you know, I don't throw out such statements lightly. Bravo.
I very much appreciate your thoughts here, especially about grappling with ethics and it being a continuous reflection. The Photostack has also been a great addition to our community’s toolbox!
Thanks, Chris. That regular analysis and self-reflection is something I've found comes much easier in my 40s than earlier. I'm also really glad that you feel that way about Photostack. What was originally just a way to index photography users of Substack is beginning to form into something more active, in my mind at least. Fingers crossed it takes on a life of its own. :)
Thank you! I really will reply to your email from 2006, I promise. I’m still winded from the beginnings of the MA 💨 but keen to re-engage on the comms 👍🏼
The conversation is still starred in my email, so I hadn't given up hope ;) But seriously, I figured that's exactly what happened. Similar story with me, tbh.
Yeah, it's going well. I'll need to start looking for a job to complement my studies soon, as money runs out in February, but other than that, all going well.
It's good to see another forty-something returning to education. Thanks for sharing your plans for the year. It's inspired me to make space to refine my plans for the next year.
Thanks Elle! Yeah, I think going back to school was a tremendous decision. My goal is to teach photography and qualifications are required over here. So I figured I'd correct a regret from my youth and get a degree, and the intention at least is to continue to a masters afterwards.
I think planning for the coming year has become a bit of an autumn tradition for me. I can say I rarely stick to it though, but I do try. ❤️🫡
Thanks for sharing your personal journey! The mid-life crisis is such a negative stereotype - having arrived here myself, now, it makes a lot more sense. The mid-point is the most natural of all times for reflection, assessment and adjustment. If we're sensible, we take stock at the mid-point of all kinds of things, from weekly groceries to any project to hikes and marathons. How's it been going so far? What have I got left to do? Am I on track? Course-correct? When it's our entire life, I suppose, we freak out and often respond to our mid-life assessment foolishly or badly. But I really like your course-correct - simply recognizing the truth about an industry you're in, and making a shift to one that's a better fit for the future. Well done!
And I enjoyed the selection of photos. I'm still mystified to some extent as to what makes a street photography image great. My favorites from this collection were: the monkey in the shop window; the mirrors; the horn. The first two were unexpected, a little jarring, and for that reason kind of made me feel like I was right there and curious. The third was just sort of personal, a tiny shared detail of everyday life far away.
A great nature photo, to me, is one that draws you into connection in some way. This is why sharp eyes in wildlife are so effective - we connect to eye contact. But it's also why dramatic landscapes or soft lighting or motion work - they stir feelings and memories of awe or peace or presence. I'm not sure how this holds, or doesn't for street photography...Sorry for the long comment, but I'm new here and I guess I had a lot of initial reactions! 🤣
Hi Sydney! Thanks so much for such a thoughtful comment. Funnily enough, I had what I would consider a real mid-life crisis a couple of years before. The year I turned 39, I had a great deal of panic that I had so much to do before I turned 40 as if it was all over after that. When I turned 40, no problems. I agree that assessment and adjustment is the way we generally make our way through life - unless one is very impulsive indeed. I loved my time playing music and running my label, but it became more obvious over time that it was time for a change.
When it comes to street photography, I hope Photos, mostly will pull the curtain aside a bit. I didn't realise until now that my choice of photographs for the essay (the mirrors, the dog, the monkey) all came from my time in Paris last year. That was unintentional. The mirrors photo was taken around 7am on the Champs-Élysées as I walked some distance on my last day in the city. If I had been later, the photo would have been impossible, I think. There would have been too many people. The horn... sometimes you just see folk carrying odd stuff around.
In street photography, I feel human connection is important. Gesture, body language, eye-contact, expression all can make or break a photograph. The monkey photo works for me because the guy's arm is bent. It is subtle but it always makes me think the guy is about to break into miming a monkey. Maybe that's a stretch but it's what I see.
Hi Neil, thanks for the detailed response, it's super-helpful! That element of connection is really essential, no matter the subject. I think that I see connection in natural settings more easily, and it will be nice to cultivate a habit of observing those details of connection in street settings. I imagine people vary in whether they tend to connect more easily in the natural environment or the built environment - and then by choosing to take more notice, you can improve you ability to connect in the setting that comes less naturally. At least, that will be my working hypothesis :)
Lots to absorb and learn in your State of the Union address Neil. I particularly like your one simple rule. It can be used in any walk of life!
Thank you! This was my state-of-the-union-substitute. The SOTU will be later in November, but nevertheless, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm always determined to pack these newsletters as tightly as possible. And yes, the simple rule - definitely one I try to live by. Don't always manage it, but I do my best. ❤️🫡
Loss for Words by Jimmie Froehlich on Substack would like to be added to Photostack. Not sure if I have to subscribe to Photos, mostly first. Please advise. Thx.
Hi. No, not at all. You don't need to subscribe to me to be part of the list. I've added you on there now. Welcome! :)
Thanks, Neil, man,
For adding me and my Substack to your spreadsheet, something I find useful in seeing what some photographers are showing. It’s fascinating to see what others are posting.
I found your site with the keywords philosophy and photography among many other sites. I have been poking around books about the two and wondered if anyone was blogging about same.
After many years as a photographer, painter and teacher in Anchorage, I now live in Sitka, in the banana belt of Southeast Alaska where it seldom snows but makes up for it by raining a lot. I started my Substack three years ago with the intent to NOT monetize it, nor promote it much, either. I have been successful on both counts. I just like to share an occasional photo with some of my far-flung friends. I try to keep my comments to a minimum.
Thanks for the mention of Irn-Bru, I look forward to tasting it someday.
Jimmie
Hi Jimmie - sorry it took me so long to get back to you. Been a busy time of it lately and I've been away from Substack a bit. Irn bru is delicious, fruity chemistry. For christmas, my partner bought me the most orange piece of clothing I've ever seen in my life! An official retro irn-bru logo hoodie. I love it! Not great for street photography as you can see me from several miles away, but delightful nevertheless! All the best!
Lovely post, Neil!
Thanks Kinga. This was an odd one as it came from a lack of time to write what I had planned. Sometimes things just work out well.
So much in here. Really worth the read! I also want to specifically comment that the image of the dog crossing the street as a pedestrian is magic. One of the best street photographs I've seen, to my eyes. And so you know, I don't throw out such statements lightly. Bravo.
That is an incredibly lovely compliment. Thank you so much! ❤️🫡
I very much appreciate your thoughts here, especially about grappling with ethics and it being a continuous reflection. The Photostack has also been a great addition to our community’s toolbox!
Thanks, Chris. That regular analysis and self-reflection is something I've found comes much easier in my 40s than earlier. I'm also really glad that you feel that way about Photostack. What was originally just a way to index photography users of Substack is beginning to form into something more active, in my mind at least. Fingers crossed it takes on a life of its own. :)
Thanks so much for sharing. And happy anniversary! I thoroughly enjoy your work - written and taken - long may it continue 🎂
Thanks very much. ❤️🫡 It sincerely means a lot to me that you do as the feeling is very much mutual.
Thank you! I really will reply to your email from 2006, I promise. I’m still winded from the beginnings of the MA 💨 but keen to re-engage on the comms 👍🏼
The conversation is still starred in my email, so I hadn't given up hope ;) But seriously, I figured that's exactly what happened. Similar story with me, tbh.
I thought so! 20 hours a week they said... they lied 😆 Are you coping okay?
Yeah, it's going well. I'll need to start looking for a job to complement my studies soon, as money runs out in February, but other than that, all going well.
And yeah, 20 hours a week... forget it! :D
It's good to see another forty-something returning to education. Thanks for sharing your plans for the year. It's inspired me to make space to refine my plans for the next year.
Thanks Elle! Yeah, I think going back to school was a tremendous decision. My goal is to teach photography and qualifications are required over here. So I figured I'd correct a regret from my youth and get a degree, and the intention at least is to continue to a masters afterwards.
I think planning for the coming year has become a bit of an autumn tradition for me. I can say I rarely stick to it though, but I do try. ❤️🫡
I wish you all the best with your studies. It’s tough, but incredibly rewarding.
Thanks for sharing your personal journey! The mid-life crisis is such a negative stereotype - having arrived here myself, now, it makes a lot more sense. The mid-point is the most natural of all times for reflection, assessment and adjustment. If we're sensible, we take stock at the mid-point of all kinds of things, from weekly groceries to any project to hikes and marathons. How's it been going so far? What have I got left to do? Am I on track? Course-correct? When it's our entire life, I suppose, we freak out and often respond to our mid-life assessment foolishly or badly. But I really like your course-correct - simply recognizing the truth about an industry you're in, and making a shift to one that's a better fit for the future. Well done!
And I enjoyed the selection of photos. I'm still mystified to some extent as to what makes a street photography image great. My favorites from this collection were: the monkey in the shop window; the mirrors; the horn. The first two were unexpected, a little jarring, and for that reason kind of made me feel like I was right there and curious. The third was just sort of personal, a tiny shared detail of everyday life far away.
A great nature photo, to me, is one that draws you into connection in some way. This is why sharp eyes in wildlife are so effective - we connect to eye contact. But it's also why dramatic landscapes or soft lighting or motion work - they stir feelings and memories of awe or peace or presence. I'm not sure how this holds, or doesn't for street photography...Sorry for the long comment, but I'm new here and I guess I had a lot of initial reactions! 🤣
Hi Sydney! Thanks so much for such a thoughtful comment. Funnily enough, I had what I would consider a real mid-life crisis a couple of years before. The year I turned 39, I had a great deal of panic that I had so much to do before I turned 40 as if it was all over after that. When I turned 40, no problems. I agree that assessment and adjustment is the way we generally make our way through life - unless one is very impulsive indeed. I loved my time playing music and running my label, but it became more obvious over time that it was time for a change.
When it comes to street photography, I hope Photos, mostly will pull the curtain aside a bit. I didn't realise until now that my choice of photographs for the essay (the mirrors, the dog, the monkey) all came from my time in Paris last year. That was unintentional. The mirrors photo was taken around 7am on the Champs-Élysées as I walked some distance on my last day in the city. If I had been later, the photo would have been impossible, I think. There would have been too many people. The horn... sometimes you just see folk carrying odd stuff around.
In street photography, I feel human connection is important. Gesture, body language, eye-contact, expression all can make or break a photograph. The monkey photo works for me because the guy's arm is bent. It is subtle but it always makes me think the guy is about to break into miming a monkey. Maybe that's a stretch but it's what I see.
Thanks again for the comment! ❤️🫡
Hi Neil, thanks for the detailed response, it's super-helpful! That element of connection is really essential, no matter the subject. I think that I see connection in natural settings more easily, and it will be nice to cultivate a habit of observing those details of connection in street settings. I imagine people vary in whether they tend to connect more easily in the natural environment or the built environment - and then by choosing to take more notice, you can improve you ability to connect in the setting that comes less naturally. At least, that will be my working hypothesis :)
It's a pretty strong working hypothesis, I'd say. :)