In the Flash

'In the Flash' explores the intersections of photography with various aspects of culture, technology, and personal expression. It covers topics like the impact of social media and AI on photography, the creative process, industry challenges, and personal stories from the field, offering insights into both the technical and philosophical dimensions of photography.

Social Media and Virality AI and Technology in Photography Creative Process in Photography Personal Expression and Storytelling Professional vs Amateur Photography Cultural and Social Commentary Industry Challenges and Ethics Personal Development and Career Historical Perspectives and Influences Event and Documentary Photography

The hottest Substack posts of In the Flash

And their main takeaways

How I Approached Photographing a Trump Rally at Madison Square Garden (And Why I Got Heat For It)

1938 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Photography Election coverage Public Opinion Media Critique
  1. Photographing a Trump rally brings mixed reactions, especially from people on the Left who sometimes assume support based on the photos shared. This can lead to negative comments and unfollows on social media.
  2. It's important to treat everyone with respect when taking photos, no matter their political views. The photographer aims to capture the humanity in people rather than portraying them in a negative light.
  3. Understanding that not all Trump supporters are the same helps to avoid labeling everyone in a group. Many are motivated by personal concerns like economic stability, and it's essential to see them as individuals rather than stereotypes.

Photographing an Exposé Cover Story on Varsity Cheerleading for The New York Times Magazine

1638 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Photography Media Sports Athletics
  1. The article reveals that Varsity cheerleading, a major force in the cheer industry, has serious safety issues and has faced accusations of neglecting athletes' health.
  2. Access to photograph cheer events was very challenging, with many restrictions and a PR rep present at all times to control the situation.
  3. Despite frustrations during the photo shoots, creative solutions were found to achieve the desired shots, and everything eventually came together for the article.

Photos From New York City's Halloween Dog Parade

1378 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Events Photography Pets Community Tradition
  1. The Tompkins Halloween Dog Parade has been a fun event for 34 years, bringing together pet owners and dog lovers to show off their furry friends in costumes.
  2. Taking photos of the parade can be challenging because cute dogs often lead to predictable pictures, so it's important to think creatively about how to capture interesting shots.
  3. Photographing from a dog's perspective can create unique images, helping to show the event from a different angle and vibe.

How I Pieced Together a Personal Style in Photography

2238 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Visual Arts Creative Process Art history Personal style
  1. Developing a personal style in photography can take time and experimentation. It's normal to feel anxious about finding your unique voice.
  2. Originality in art comes from mixing ideas from different sources, not from trying to be completely unique. It's about remixing influences to create something new.
  3. Learning from other artists and styles can help shape your own work. It's okay to borrow elements that resonate with you to build your signature style.

Magnum Square Print Sale Announcement

679 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Curation Visual Arts
  1. There's a special photo print sale happening called the Magnum Square Print Sale, featuring work from famous photographers. Prints start at $100 and there's a deadline coming up soon.
  2. One of the highlights is a photo of people enjoying time in NYC that captures the city's vibes after the pandemic. The photo reflects beauty and stillness amidst the busy city life.
  3. The sale's theme is 'Eden,' showcasing the beauty of our planet and the need to protect it. Diverse photography styles are represented, but the focus is mainly on documentary and portrait work.
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Ina Garten Portraits for the New Yorker

1698 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Portraits Lifestyle Visual art Creative Process
  1. A photographer was advised to keep the shoot with Ina Garten simple and natural, avoiding anything unusual. This means sticking to natural light and straightforward setups.
  2. The photographer brought various tools for creativity but had to focus on a more minimalist approach as per the instructions.
  3. It's important in photography to balance creativity with the preferences of the subject or their team, ensuring everyone is comfortable.

The Colorful Fever Dream of Djeneba Aduayom

1039 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Contemporary Art Creative Process
  1. Djeneba Aduayom mixes color and black and white in her photography, choosing based on the story she wants to tell. This flexible approach helps her capture different feelings and interpretations.
  2. When dealing with creative burnout, she takes time to pause and reflect, engages in unrelated activities, and practices self-compassion. This process helps her recharge and reconnect with her creativity.
  3. Djeneba believes staying true to herself is the most important part of her art. Rather than following trends or fitting into categories, she focuses on creating work that reflects her unique experiences.

The Problem of AI Photography is Not the Medium, It's the Message.

3756 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography AI Ethics Creativity Aesthetic
  1. The problem with AI photography is not the technology itself but the lack of creativity in the message
  2. The photography industry is facing challenges with AI technology affecting artistic integrity and empathy
  3. Artificial intelligence in photography raises concerns about originality, ethics, and the future of creative expression

How the NFL Sent me to Photograph My First Ever Football Game

979 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Photography American culture Visual storytelling
  1. The author had an unexpected opportunity to photograph an NFL game despite not being a fan of American sports, offering a unique perspective on capturing the event.
  2. Preparation for the photography shoot involved visual research on American football imagery, using different equipment from the usual professionals to create distinctive photos.
  3. The experience of photographing the game provided insight into the community bond and excitement of sports events, drawing a parallel between the fervor of sports fans and religious followers.

The Muddy Schadenfreude of Burning Man

1958 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Events Art Opinion Criticism Entertainment
  1. There is a collective backlash against Burning Man due to global warming leading to muddy conditions, criticized by journalists and intellectuals.
  2. Burning Man is not just about drugs and orgies; it also features art installations, interactive experiences, and a sense of wonder.
  3. Despite criticisms, Burning Man offers an escape from daily life, a space for freedom, creativity, and a reset from societal norms.

A Search for Vulnerability in Photography

2038 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Creativity Intimacy Writing Emotions
  1. Photography can serve as a shield to hide personal fears and insecurities, but writing can bring out vulnerability more easily.
  2. Starting a newsletter allowed the author to express intimate thoughts and emotions that were hard to convey through photography.
  3. Transitioning from amateur to professional photography can lead to a loss of personal storytelling and a shift towards voyeuristic work.

My Favorite Music of 2023

899 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎶 Music Reviews Recommendations Playlist
  1. The author shares their favorite music of 2023 including a variety of artists and genres.
  2. Music has played a significant role in the author's life, from childhood experiences to discovering new artists and albums.
  3. The post provides links to the Spotify playlist of the best music of 2023 and recommends other music writers on Substack.

Year in Review, 2023

799 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Creativity Feminism Technology Personal Development
  1. The author is thankful for the support and growth of their newsletter in 2023, especially from paid subscribers.
  2. Some of the most popular posts in 2023 focused on topics like viral fashion images, AI photography, and photography do's and don'ts.
  3. Personal stories and reflections on topics like vulnerability in photography and feminist representation also resonated with readers.

How to Edit Your Own Work

579 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Editing Creativity
  1. Editing in photography involves choosing images, while processing is post-work.
  2. Photography doesn't end after the shoot; editing is a crucial step that requires different skills.
  3. Editing requires focus and intent, contrasting with the more instinctive act of taking photos.

The Anatomy of Photographing a British Party

1199 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Visual Arts Event coverage
  1. Photographing parties can be a way to capture unique stories through observation of interactions and details.
  2. Adapting photography styles to different party atmospheres, like from New York to London, can result in new and creative visual approaches.
  3. Incorporating various inspirations like paintings, songs, or movies can enhance the storytelling and artistic elements in event photography.

Tick Tock to Photography’s Day of Reckoning

819 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
  1. Photography is evolving with the rise of TikTok and vertical videos.
  2. Professional photographers are facing challenges adapting to new social media platforms.
  3. The future of photography storytelling may involve incorporating video and audio content.

When Photos Go Rogue on Social Media

839 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
  1. There can be a difference between a photographer's intentions and how viewers interpret photos on social media.
  2. Photography can be a medium where intent and creativity play important roles.
  3. Exploring the impact and perception of photos online can provide valuable insights.

What Happens in Vegas (on Christmas) Gets Photographed

659 implied HN points • 26 Dec 22
  1. The post discusses documenting Christmas events in Las Vegas through photography.
  2. The content is part of a paid subscriber publication about intent and creativity in photography.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to access the full content.

Welcome to In The Flash

619 implied HN points • 14 Dec 22
  1. The newsletter 'In The Flash' explores intent, meaning, creativity, and inspiration in photography.
  2. The author, Dina Litovsky, shares stories, insights, and secrets from her experience in the photography industry.
  3. Paid subscribers of the newsletter get access to bonus content, community discussions, full archives, and special announcements.

The Strange Reality of Being a Woman Photographer Online

539 implied HN points • 19 Dec 22
  1. The article discusses misogyny faced by women photographers online.
  2. It addresses the impact of social media criticism on women photographers.
  3. The publication highlights the challenges unique to female photographers in the online sphere.