Wow. Friday August 30th is the anniversary of my first weekly Substack letter, one year ago. I began by writing How to Finally, Happily, Leave a Career, emphasizing curiosity. It seems so long time ago. In that letter I established a goal, and it had nothing to do with writing. It was about becoming a great portrait photographer.
I’ve put energy into portraiture and visual storytelling over the last year, but somehow I’ve also spent a lot of time here, and somehow a few hundred of you subscribe and follow. I didn’t ask you to, so thanks for your attention.
When I think of the last year I’m reminded of a question that is sometimes asked of younger people - “What do you want to be when you grow up?” That’s a very interesting question. Sort of a nice cocktail hour prompt, isn’t it? Many of us really have no conviction behind any answer. Long ago I decided that reframing the question is a reasonable thing. How about, “Who do you want to be, today?”
Writer and philosopher Robert Pirsig on enjoying the journey:
"Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you're no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn't just a means to an end but a unique event in itself. This leaf has jagged edges. This rock looks loose. From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer. These are things you should notice anyway. To live only for some future goal is shallow. It's the sides of the mountain which sustain life, not the top. Here's where things grow."
And fly. Thank you Allan Edwards, for introducing me to Persig.
Given this authorship anniversary, I spent some time looking at last year’s topics. It’s misleading to identify which ones resonated based on raw numbers, because more of you are tuned in now. But I’ve listed some of the more popular themes and stories below. If you haven’t been here from the beginning, one or more of these might suit you. Or if you’re like me, you might have already forgotten things you read just the other day.
By category, here are selected works. If you’re curious, read them “with as little effort as possible and without desire.”
Inspiring People
Power Without Force is Greater than Force with Power, about the poet who leads corporate executives.
An Influencer Who Avoids Social Media, about a person who tries to connect with kindness
Stumbling into Purpose, about helping people find theirs
An Ordinary Person with an Extraordinary Tale, about the lady who saved the owl.
Techniques
Can Marketing be a Joyous Thing? Wait, What???, about the construction of an image
Can You Photograph Menopause?, I think it’s possible
Making it interesting, finding ways to make good images in a limited situation
One that Did Get Published, about a full-page magazine submission
Crafting the Cycling Story, working with different perspectives
Can a Private Person be Expressive on Camera?, about getting comfortable
Interesting People
Whittling Trixie, profiling a master craftsman
From Hozier to Classical, Loving Strings, about connections between partners
Making Adjustments: When the Old Way Just Won’t Work Anymore, profiling a recumbent cyclist
The Beat of His Own Drums, profiling a very happy musician who loves the ocean
Philosophical Themes
It’s Personal, about criticism, our responses, and how to get value while recognizing the source
Briefly Slowing Down, and What Opened Up, reflecting on my typical way of being
Putting a New Face on Time?, my vain struggles to defeat time
Not Pretty. Real. looking at order and how we contribute to disorder
Excuses to Show a Bunch of Photographs
(to be fair, you could say that about every one of these weekly letters!)
Lines, Lines, and More Lines, some of my favorite approaches to composition
Hozier, Live, shots from a joyous concert
Gone Fishing, four very different lakes in four very different places
Angelic Wings, my love affair with egrets
Hurray, It’s a Snow Day!!!, a transformed look at Goose Creek
Final Words for Today
I’ve got no desire to create a paid version of this. I’ve been asked about contributions though, and this feels like time for some sort of celebration. So if you insist, you may Buy Me A Beer here.
Next week, a new year will begin with something completely different, with help from an old friend.
Until next time,
Limited Edition Prints for Sale
I’ll switch out this set of Limited Edition prints available for purchase soon.
Each edition consists of ten Numbered Prints and two Artists Prints, 16x24” silver halide, with certificate of authentication. As before, these are limited both by number and duration of the offer. If you’d like one or more for that special person, don’t hesitate. You wouldn't want to become he who is lost!
Is there something here you like or dislike? Questions? Have anything else to say? Let us all know by clicking on the Comments button below, and express yourself. Don’t be shy, now.
If you like this post you’re bound to like the next one as well. I’m sending them weekly. Quit any time, or better yet, stay and read on!
Know anybody who should hear about all this? Be a friend and let them know!
Or, are you interested in seeing more work? My website welcomes you. We may even want to work together. I promise a joyous and productive experience if we do.
I am sure you had a great year here on Substack Donn. I have enjoyed reading your posts. Look forward to more!
congratulations and happy anniversary!
looking forward to more years to come!