I swept into 2024 with all the dedicated intention of a determined toddler. This was going to be the year that I took Photos, mostly from the wonderful 1k readers I had to the next step. I had a long list of article topics, a longer list of side projects for paying readers, and a desire to get to 1500 readers by the end of the year.
Almost immediately the year skipped the tracks. It hasn't been all bad - only terribly busy. I began working for an agency which, through necessity, pushed me from film towards digital photography for the 1st time since 2010. As such, alongside my photographic work, I took some corporate work, allowing me to buy a new digital camera and a spectrum of lenses, but taking much of my time. With 2 full-time jobs, an active activist life, and a partner I was careful not to neglect, I found little time for other things.
From documenting the protest encampment of the students of Warsaw University, to football fans suffering Poland’s unceremonious departure from the 2024 Euros. From military parades to political commemorations of tragedy. From religious festivals to life out on the street. This year has kept me busy.
Each month I planned a come back to Photos, mostly and then more would be ladled onto a plate already saturated with metaphorical (and at times, literal) calories. In July, I was just about ready and then after a short illness, our beautiful, beloved dog Bajka died, leaving a gaping hole in our lives and in our hearts - a hole I'm sure will never fully be filled.
And so here I am, around a month and a half after that. Working as often as I can both for the agency and on personal work, yet still wondering when I will be able to return to writing here on my newsletter which despite evidence to the contrary, means the world to me.
For those few paid subscribers who have persisted through this barren time, thank you so much. 10% of everything I've earned, even in my absence, has still been going to progressive and left-wing causes. It means the world. When I begin writing regularly again, which I expect to be sooner rather than later, I will gift each of you a free year. Given that several of you paid for that and didn't get much for it, this feels only fair.
As for the future of Photos, mostly, I think it's clear to me that I bit off a little more than I could chew with my intention to go once per week with all my different plans and schemes. I suspect I'll go back to twice a month at most for the time being, however, I will find ways to thread all the rest of the ideas and thoughts I have into the schedule over time - and will develop some plan for my paid subscribers.
So what now? What is this post other than an explanation of absence? I decided to bring you a collection of photographs from the last 6 months or so - the 1st 6 months of working with the Leica M11-P and (for the most part, though not all) my new go-to, daily-carry lens, the 35mm Summicron f/2.
With all the photos, this post will, I’m sure, exceed the length of an email, so it may be better to have a look on Substack’s platform. I hope you enjoy the photos included below, and I look forward to a return to more regular writing soon.
Free Palestine.
Some Photos. Extended edition
And Finally…
Thank you again for sticking around in my absence, and if you’re new here. I promise, it’s not always this quiet. More sooner rather than later.
Photos, mostly and Dispatches are free to read, however, paid subscriptions and donations help me keep making photographs and writing. All labour required to publish Photos, mostly is undertaken by me alone. As I strive to better live by my anti-capitalist beliefs, I will donate 10% of all income to anti-capitalist, leftist or progressive causes or organisations.
You can buy me a roll of film by clicking here, or by aiming your smartphone camera at the QR code below.
I'm partial to some of that Tri-X 400 if you're asking. Thank you!
Hello Neil, good to hear from you.
Good photos! Nice to see your new work.