The hottest Photography Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

A Search for Vulnerability in Photography

In the Flash • 2038 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  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.

Extreme Pain, Extreme Joy

Culture Study • 2090 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. Photographer Maggie Shannon explores women's health, focusing on childbirth and midwifery, to share stories often left untold. She wants to reveal the care and love that happen during this crucial time.
  2. Shannon emphasizes the importance of consent and building relationships with her subjects. She believes that creating trust leads to better, more authentic photographs.
  3. Her work captures the complex emotions surrounding childbirth, showing both the pain and joy involved. Shannon aims to highlight the gray areas of these experiences, rather than just viewing them in black and white.

Lesotho

Cosmographia • 1238 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. The content is part of an Atlas' Notes series, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to specific locations.
  2. Viewing the full post or subscribing may require payment.
  3. The post includes visual elements like images to enhance the content.

Ice and owls

Austin Kleon • 2757 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. February often feels repetitive, almost like every day is the same. It can serve as a reminder of life's cycles, feeling like we're stuck in an ice storm each year.
  2. A '30-minute noticing workout' can help people become more mindful and spark creativity. It encourages taking time to observe the world around us.
  3. With the right tools, like a spotting scope and a camera app, you can enjoy and capture nature, like watching owls in your backyard.
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Zanzibar

Cosmographia • 1138 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. The post is about Zanzibar and is part of the Atlas' Notes series on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography.
  2. The content is available to paid subscribers only.
  3. Readers can subscribe to access the full post and content on Cosmographia.

York

Cosmographia • 1118 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. This post is part of the Atlas’ Notes series on Cosmographia, centered around a specific place with a mix of art, poetry, and literature.
  2. The content in the post is exclusive for paid subscribers of Cosmographia, offering a deeper dive into a particular topic.
  3. The post features work by M. E. Rothwell and provides a link for interested readers to subscribe to access more content.

Crimea

Cosmographia • 1078 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. The post is about Crimea and is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place.
  2. The content seems to be for paid subscribers only.
  3. The post includes a link to subscribe to Cosmographia and a prompt to sign in for existing paid subscribers.

See You in South America

Bet On It • 85 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. A multi-city tour of Peru and Bolivia runs Dec 30–Jan 16 with stops including Lima, Cusco/Aguas Calientes, La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre, Potosí, and Uyuni.
  2. A public keynote for the Santa Cruz Economic and Political Forum is scheduled for Jan 10, 2026 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra; POPULI organizes the event, will cover participation and meals, and registration is free until Dec 25.
  3. There are invitations to meet up during the trip and to join nature outings like Amboro National Forest, Kaa‑Iya, Santa Cruz Wildlife Sanctuary, Lomas de Arena, and the Uyuni salt flats—interested people should respond in the comments or email to join.

Year in Review, 2023

In the Flash • 799 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  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.

Sir Elton, Props from The Crown and the Emperor's Crab

Dearest • 530 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. A 1855 gold, enamel, and hardstone vase depicting a Greek mythological story is up for auction at Sotheby's for $1.8-2.5 million
  2. An antique 16th-century Paduan crab desk ornament with intriguing imperial Habsburg provenance is being sold at Sotheby's for $25,000-35,000
  3. The collection of Sir Elton John, including unique items like rocket cufflinks and a wish-granting sand-fairy lighter, will be auctioned off at Christie's with diverse pieces from jewelry to photography

Tunis

Cosmographia • 1018 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
🎨 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 a specific place.
  2. The content is part of a paid subscription on Cosmographia's website, requiring a subscription to access the full post.
  3. The post includes a variety of visual content like images, making it visually engaging and likely exploring the theme of Tunis.

The Moleskine Notebooks: Lake Baikal

Cosmographia • 1018 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Lake Baikal is the world's most ancient, deepest, and largest freshwater lake, with fascinating dimensions and history.
  2. Vladimir Tomilovsky, a Russian artist, captured the beauty of Lake Baikal through his landscape paintings, influenced by his experiences in Siberia.
  3. Kate Marsden's remarkable journey in search of a leprosy-curing herb in Yakutsk, documented with a map, showcases the determination and challenges faced by an English nurse in the 19th century.

How to Edit Your Own Work

In the Flash • 579 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  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.

Faroe Islands

Cosmographia • 958 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series by Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to specific locations like the Faroe Islands.
  2. The content seems to be meant for paid subscribers, as indicated by the subscription prompt and sign-in options.
  3. The featured imagery suggests a visually engaging exploration of the Faroe Islands through different forms of art and storytelling.

WILD, WILD WOMEN

Secretum Secretorum • 1212 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. Women have unique qualities that make them strong and wild. Embracing those qualities can lead to empowerment.
  2. Celebrating women's individuality is important. Each woman's story adds to the rich diversity of experiences.
  3. Creativity and expression through art are key ways to showcase and appreciate women's strength.

Searching For Ross McDonnell

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 727 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Ross McDonnell, a talented photographer and filmmaker, went missing in New York and was later found deceased on a beach in Queens.
  2. Ross McDonnell's work took him around the world, capturing impactful stories in places like Afghanistan, Mexico, and Ukraine.
  3. Ross McDonnell deeply touched the lives of many with his authenticity, talent, and ability to build genuine connections with the people he filmed.

Total Eclipse of the Heart

On Looking • 259 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Eclipses provide a unique opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of cosmic events, reminding us of the intricate alignment of celestial bodies.
  2. The experience of observing an eclipse challenges our perception of reality, showcasing how our brain interprets electromagnetic waves and alters our vision.
  3. Looking directly at an eclipse can be harmful and cause solar retinopathy, emphasizing the importance of protective eyewear and caution during such rare events.

Small wars

Vague Blue • 339 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Photographer An-My Lê captured a series of black-and-white photos of a Vietnam War reenactment, revealing a complex exploration of war and its representation.
  2. Lê's work explores the layers of simulacra, offering insights on the physical manifestation of virtual representations like hand-embroidered scenes from pornographic material.
  3. The staged nature of the reenactment blurs the lines between reality and simulation, prompting viewers to question the authenticity and implications of the images.

Advanced sun reproduction

Metabolic Repair • 19 implied HN points • 26 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Photography
  1. To make your indoor lighting like the sun, consider using bicolor lights that can change color temperature throughout the day. This can help your space feel more natural, but they can be more expensive and may not be as bright as daylight lights.
  2. Using an LCD HDR monitor can enhance your viewing experience, allowing for brighter images and better color matching with outdoor light. This can be especially useful if your current monitor seems washed out with your new lighting setup.
  3. If you want your lights to match outdoor brightness, consider measuring the light levels in your space with a lux meter. You may need to upgrade to higher wattage lights or adjust your room's surfaces to increase reflected light.

Capturing the Lesser-Known Golden Hour

The Planet • 452 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. The lesser-known golden hour is a beautiful time for capturing unique moments in photography.
  2. Nature holds a unique magic at dawn, providing moments of peace and connection with the planet's beauty.
  3. Silence in nature can be the best company, offering lessons and solace in the quiet surroundings.

Models Crying

SBJournal • 452 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. The 80s Lesbian Revolution in Photography challenged traditional beauty standards and stereotypes through provocative and empowering imagery.
  2. On Our Backs magazine broke barriers by featuring women photographers capturing diverse, sexual, and honest portrayals of women, disrupting the male-dominated photography industry.
  3. The models in On Our Backs were diverse and unapologetic, embracing their sexuality and challenging societal norms, sparking controversy and discussion surrounding women's desires and identities.

Calif US Offsite Summer 2023

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 718 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. Team Calif visited the US for their offsite summer 2023, but only 8 members could go due to visa challenges.
  2. For many team members, it was their first trip to the US and a memorable experience.
  3. Calif is hiring hackers, software engineers, system reliability engineers, and technical project managers.

Night-Hawks at the Nickelodeon

Flagging Down the Double E's • 432 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎶 Music Photography
  1. Bob Dylan was spotted around town in different cities during his tour.
  2. During a Toronto show, Dylan visited Ronnie Hawkins at a local music venue.
  3. The Toronto concerts included the first live performance of 'As I Went Out One Morning' and the cover photo for 'Blood on the Tracks' was taken at one of these shows.

Ali's Flair in Love and War

Ladyparts • 399 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Ali Smith, a former punk rock musician turned photographer and writer, reflects on her past experiences in the East Village and her band Speedball Baby.
  2. Despite her previous wild lifestyle, Ali Smith is now a thoughtful artist, mother, wife, and writer, living a cozy life outside London.
  3. Ali Smith's current interests include discussing her son's school activities, photography assignments, and her husband's career changes.

In Media Res

Crow & Colophon • 139 implied HN points • 15 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Abstract art can be bewildering and invoke a sense of wonder.
  2. Submit to TBLM's magazine by May 31, 2024, before reaching the submission cap.
  3. Photo-essays capture the essence of life through unique perspectives and storytelling.

The Dead Sea ים המלח

Cosmographia • 698 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. The post is about The Dead Sea and is part of a series called Atlas' Notebook featuring art, poetry, literature, and photography centered around a specific place.
  2. This post is for paid subscribers, and it encourages readers to subscribe to access the full content.
  3. The author, M. E. Rothwell, shares insights and content related to The Dead Sea through their publication on Substack.

The Anatomy of Photographing a British Party

In the Flash • 1199 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  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.

Croissants All Day, All Night

Wordloaf • 589 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🍲 Food & Drink Photography
  1. The book emphasizes technique over recipes, making it a great resource for home bakers wanting to master croissants.
  2. The unique and creative photography in the book adds a fun and interesting touch to each pastry featured.
  3. The author's personal story and passion for crafting the book shine through, making it more than just a boring cookbook.