The hottest Photography Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

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

In the Flash • 1938 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Photography
  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

In the Flash • 1638 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Photography
  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

In the Flash • 1378 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Photography
  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

In the Flash • 2238 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  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

In the Flash • 679 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  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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Lisbon and Porto

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 1329 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. Lisbon is a beautiful city that some people fall in love with on their first visit. It has a unique charm and vibrant atmosphere that draws people back.
  2. Porto offers a different vibe, with its own lovely sights and experiences. Spending time there can be just as enjoyable as in Lisbon.
  3. Attending conferences in different cities like Lisbon can provide opportunities to explore and enjoy the local culture during free time.

Ina Garten Portraits for the New Yorker

In the Flash • 1698 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  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 toil of (blog) art

lcamtuf’s thing • 11019 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Illustrations often take the most work in a technical blog and can require as much or more time than writing the text.
  2. Building a simple, consistent workflow and a reusable library of elements (scale, line thickness, fonts, colors) makes creating clear technical diagrams much faster and keeps a coherent style.
  3. Use the right tools for the job — photography, CAD, Excalidraw, Affinity — and apply deliberate visual tricks like shadows, outlines, and afterimages to imply depth, motion, or emphasis in 2D illustrations.

For Paid Subscribers Only

The American Peasant • 1557 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. The first 100 Exeter hammers are on sale for $133 and come numbered. It's a great buy if you're into woodworking.
  2. You can learn more about the different types of hammers and their uses on the website provided. Knowing the right tool can really help your projects.
  3. Shipping for the hammers is free in the U.S., and you might want to check out the new T-shirts they offer too. It's a fun way to support a brand you like.

The Enigmas of Gerhard Richter

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 449 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Gerhard Richter is often seen as possibly the greatest living painter because of his extraordinary versatility, moving from photorealistic blurred images to grey monochromes across a seven-decade career.
  2. Even though Richter claims his paintings 'mean nothing,' they repeatedly engage personal and historical trauma—World War II, the bombing of Dresden, and intimate family tragedies—and often explore the experience of looking at photographs of loved ones and enemies.
  3. Key techniques and series carry clear critical readings: the 1965 photographic blur was a major innovation, the 1980s–90s smear paintings are read as reflecting art‑world financial cynicism, and some late works like the Birkenau paintings have been judged aesthetic and moral failures.

Through Autumn's Canopy

Holly’s Newsletter • 912 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. Autumn is a time of change and new possibilities, making it a reflective season. It's a chance to enjoy the beauty around us and think about changes in our lives.
  2. New England is at its peak foliage in autumn, offering stunning landscapes and colors. Driving through this area can be an enjoyable experience, taking in the vibrant sights.
  3. Engaging in activities like taking fall photos allows for appreciation of the season. Sharing these experiences can bring joy to others, whether through comments or just enjoying the views.

New England's October Glory

Holly’s Newsletter • 1170 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. October is a beautiful time in New England as the leaves change colors. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and take lots of photos.
  2. Spending weekends offline can be refreshing and gives a chance to appreciate nature. Long drives while taking pictures can be a peaceful escape.
  3. Finding new spots for photography can be thrilling. Even if some places are crowded, exploring new areas can lead to stunning captures.

The Colorful Fever Dream of Djeneba Aduayom

In the Flash • 1039 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  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.

Not Walking Chicago

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 2303 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. Spending a week inside a McDonald’s becomes a place to sit and think about the country.
  2. Top-40 pop music blares inside, creating a strangely upbeat soundtrack to the day.
  3. Unexpected snow keeps arriving — about four inches when it wasn’t forecast, and that surprise snowfall has been normal all week.

The Seydou Keïta Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1206 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Keïta ran a Bamako portrait studio where sitters picked fabrics and props and worked with him to stage poses, so each photo became a deliberate act of self-fashioning.
  2. His portraits show that style can be a form of self-determination and that cultural influence often comes from the margins, not just from major art centers.
  3. Although his negatives were nearly lost, his work was rediscovered and is now in major museums, and it has reshaped contemporary portrait and fashion photography around the world.

The China That Deng Built

ChinaTalk • 874 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. Economic opening turned Shanxi's coal into private fortunes, creating a new class of powerful, often corrupt coal bosses and party-connected entrepreneurs.
  2. Business in the region runs on guanxi, drinking, and bribery, with police and officials frequently taking payoffs so inspections, permits, and even identities can be bought or faked.
  3. The social fallout is clear: exhausted middle-aged workers, a macho, male-dominated official culture that sidelines women, widening class divides, and villages split between tourist facades and neglected everyday life.

Ink in the Stomach

The Map is Mostly Water • 1353 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. When you study or work deeply on something it becomes a kind of sense—an "ink in the stomach" that builds intuition and changes how you see and respect the world.
  2. Chasing only novelty leads to shallow disappointment, but persistent attention and curiosity reveal endless layers of detail in people and places that repay long-term care.
  3. Collecting memories and practicing sustained attention—through photos, craft, or relationships—creates a reservoir of understanding and pleasure, and many things only make sense in hindsight.

The Drug Tourism Series: 3. Nine Mile, Jamaica [Photographs of Drug Related Places, Scenes & Cultures]

The Drug Users Bible • 19 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. Nine Mile, Jamaica is known for its connection to Bob Marley, and visiting his home and mausoleum can be an amazing experience.
  2. When visiting places associated with drugs, it's important to know the laws and stay safe, especially if using any substances.
  3. Jamaica offers more than just drug-related tourism; it's also a place to enjoy beautiful beaches and local culture.

A pictorial report

Patti Smith • 16411 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Patti Smith shares a pictorial report on her recent journey
  2. She talks about her experiences in Paris and at the Rimbaud property
  3. Smith reflects on visiting the Reims Cathedral and lighting candles for her cat Cairo

Home

Patti Smith • 16234 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Patti Smith shares her morning routine and thoughts on being home
  2. She reflects on the current events happening globally
  3. There is a sense of comfort and familiarity in her own space with her books

Avedon 100

Patti Smith • 11910 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Patti Smith shares pictures from the Avedon 100 show
  2. The show featured portraits of old friends and Samuel Beckett
  3. Smith is looking forward to the upcoming Smithposium event

Chúng em xin hứa

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 3914 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. Sometimes participating in events just for the sake of being part of it can add some color to our otherwise dull lives.
  2. Not everyone accompanying a group is a part of it, some are there just for show and to take photos.
  3. Reflecting on the value of experiences and moments captured can make us appreciate the significance of each opportunity.

The Sun When It Is Behind Translucent Clouds, Pale, Moon-Like, and Painless to Gaze Upon

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 339 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. The Sun can look pale, moon-like, and surprisingly painless to stare at when it sits behind a thin, translucent layer of cloud; the solar disc can still appear well defined even though its brightness is much reduced.
  2. There is no widely accepted name for this common-but-unremarked phenomenon, so ordinary search terms return noisy or unrelated results; short candidates that work best include "pale sun," "overcast sun," or "filtered sun."
  3. Both scientific studies and painters have noted similar muted-sun effects—science uses phrases like "filtered sun" or "sharp-edged sun" while art sometimes depicts dull, moonlike discs—but the effect is lightly studied and not an established concept, so broader use and shared photos could help a canonical name emerge.

New York City part five

Tao Lin • 779 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. It's okay to choose comfort over appearance sometimes, as it can lead to a more enjoyable experience. Being comfortable helped relax during the NYC trip.
  2. Less phone use during social situations was noticeable and appreciated, showing how people can enjoy the moment without distractions. It's nice when people are focused on conversations rather than taking pictures.
  3. Thoughts about big changes in the world, like the magnetic pole shift, can be overwhelming but also interesting. It's important to reflect on our existence during such significant events.

A Trip To Chernihiv

Phillips’s Newsletter • 282 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. The war has brought horrific crimes and destruction to Chernihiv—villagers were forced into cramped basements, people were killed, and missile strikes hit civilian sites.
  2. Chernihiv is rich in history and beauty, with Romanesque medieval cathedrals and wide agricultural landscapes that look striking, especially under the snow.
  3. Despite the horror, people show resilience and moments of joy, but the region faces big challenges rebuilding, bringing people back, and clearing dangerous landmines.

Kraków

Cosmographia • 1597 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. The founding legend of Kraków involves a cobbler's apprentice named Krak who cleverly defeated a dragon that terrorized the land.
  2. Kraków has been an inspiration to many artists, poets, and writers, with its beauty and history influencing pieces of literature, art, and photography.
  3. Poland's history is marked by partitions and invasions, leading to a period of Great Emigration, and subsequent efforts by Poles to fight for freedom and independence.

Captioned photos (9)

Tao Lin • 439 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. Cats are always a fun topic, and they often bring joy in different ways.
  2. John Hutchison has done some unique experiments with electromagnetic fields that people find fascinating.
  3. It can be interesting to explore personal items, like unusual tools, and their stories behind them.

Make an appointment with yourself

Austin Kleon • 4376 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. Making time for yourself is important, and you should commit to it like an important appointment. It's easy to forget self-care in our busy lives, but it can greatly improve your happiness.
  2. Creativity is essential to many artists, and being away from their art can hurt their well-being. Finding ways to create regularly can help maintain a good quality of life.
  3. Explore new books, music, and films to inspire creativity and reflection. Engaging with different forms of art can spark new ideas and perspectives.

The Ring of Fire

Cosmographia • 1697 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. The post is titled 'The Ring of Fire' and is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content for those who have subscribed.
  3. The author of the post is M. E. Rothwell, and it was published on February 25, 2024, with a link to their profile for further exploration.

Yukon River

Cosmographia • 1158 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. The Yukon River is named after the color of the glacial runoff that feeds it, and it travels almost 2000 miles from British Columbia to the Bering Sea, draining a land area 25% larger than the State of Texas.
  2. Robert W. Service, known as the 'Bard of the Yukon,' was a Scottish-Canadian writer and poet who spent years in the Yukon wilderness, inspired by the Goldrush.
  3. The Yukon River is home to the longest salmon run in the world, with king salmon traveling two thousand miles against the current to return to their spawning grounds and then die, exhausted from their journey.

Captioned Photos (22)

Tao Lin • 479 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. The post features a collection of personal photos with captions. It showcases moments with family, pets, and nature.
  2. There is a focus on sharing memories and connections with loved ones. The writer emphasizes the importance of these simple, joyful experiences.
  3. The writer invites readers to subscribe for more content and offers a free trial, suggesting an ongoing engagement with their work.

Petra

Cosmographia • 1557 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to specific places.
  2. This post is for paid subscribers of Cosmographia, offering exclusive content for those who have subscribed.
  3. Samantha Childress, an American essayist living in Amman, Jordan, wrote a guest post featured in this publication.

Borobudur ꦕꦤ꧀ꦝꦶꦧꦫꦧꦸꦝꦸꦂ

Cosmographia • 1198 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple, remains a mystery in terms of its origins, being built with 1 million stones weighing 100kg each.
  2. The temple's construction in a Hindu area, far from Buddhist thought, and its sudden decline after completion add to the curiosity surrounding its purpose.
  3. Borobudur's significance goes beyond its structure, shedding light on the ancient Javanese society, their resources, and devotion to a peaceful philosophy.

Edinburgh

Cosmographia • 2036 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place like Edinburgh.
  2. To access the full content of this post, you need to be a paid subscriber to Cosmographia.
  3. The post by M.E. Rothwell was published on January 25, 2024, and includes a rich blend of creative elements related to Edinburgh.

Heliopolis

Cosmographia • 1897 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific place.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, with an invitation to subscribe for access to the full post.
  3. The post features M. E. Rothwell and includes a collection of images for engagement with the audience.