The hottest Photography Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Instagram is a Rural Cancer

Pursuits • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. Moving from town to country can bring significant changes and challenges, especially in dealing with an influx of tourists lacking rural norms.
  2. The invasion of social media influencers and disrespectful tourists in rural areas is causing tension and conflicts with locals, forcing some to seek more isolated areas.
  3. Respect for nature and rural communities is crucial; appreciate the environment by walking in it, rather than treating it as a backdrop for social media posts or disrespectful behavior.

If it seems too good to be true THEN IT IS, part 17:

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 05 Apr 16
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. Silicon Valley's unheard voices are being highlighted through 'The Techies Project', showcasing minorities in the tech industry.
  2. Be wary of online scams promising discounted designer dresses - if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  3. Our relationship with photographs is changing as we take more but look at them less, raising questions about the purpose of photography.

#your #authentic #self

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jan 16
🕹 Technology Photography
  1. Internet sleuth Daniel Luke started a website to explore the Halbach murder after watching 'Making a Murderer.'
  2. There was truth to the internet conspiracy that Michael Jackson wrote music for Sonic 3 as discovered by Sonic fandom.
  3. Gage Skidmore, a 22-year-old photographer, became widely known through crowdfunding and Creative Commons.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Architectures of Violence

Cybernetic Forests • 0 implied HN points • 16 May 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Design and architecture of online platforms can either promote harmful behavior or facilitate positive interactions. The same space used for innocent activities can also be exploited for dangerous agendas.
  2. Art can serve as a powerful medium to confront challenging topics and spark important conversations. It allows for direct engagement with uncomfortable realities and prompts reflection.
  3. Creating friction and discomfort through art can provoke critical thinking and awareness about social issues. By presenting overwhelming content, it emphasizes the need to address harmful elements present on mainstream online platforms.

Physics vs Surrealism

Cybernetic Forests • 0 implied HN points • 07 Mar 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Berenice Abbott used her art to make physics compelling and accessible, rather than using physics to create art.
  2. In the past, there was a fear in the scientific community that public engagement in science would corrupt the purity of science.
  3. Science communication should be seen as a form of research that extends understanding and application of knowledge, not just as PR for scientists.

Max Dauven: Esoteric Memes

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Max Dauven explores the visual language of memes through a photographic perspective
  2. The showcased artworks form a triptych depicting abstracted memetic symbols from the esoteric and spiritual meme subculture
  3. The pieces include 'Samsara Wheel,' 'Allegory of the Cave,' and 'Pondering / My green Pill,' all presented in inkjet-print with black aluminum frames

Julianna Ham: Starterpack

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. The post discusses a future scenario through the lens of a professional managerial class woman's belongings. It explores themes of scarcity, automated labor, and a commercialized spirituality.
  2. The image in the post is a mix of digital composition, sculptures, and photographs. It blurs the lines between real and fake, future and past, rich and poor.
  3. The artwork is created using a variety of materials like Crystal Clear film, Rockite cement, pink marble, and mid-20th century glass, highlighting a blend of modern and traditional elements.

Max Dauven: Assuming Control

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Max Dauven is a photographer from Cologne, Germany, who recently graduated from the Academy of Media Arts.
  2. In his diploma project, Dauven explored the visual aspects of memes through a photographic lens, connecting analog/digital photography with internet meme practices.
  3. Dauven's approach involved arranging and photographing key meme fragments as sculptures in a photo studio, minimally digitally processed to preserve their essence and showcased as art pieces.

🏌️‍♂️ Welcome to Rough Balls

Rough Balls 🏌️‍♂️ • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
🎾 Sports Photography
  1. Rough Balls is a Substack dedicated to tracking down lost and forgotten golf balls through photography.
  2. The newsletter encapsulates the thrill of finding lost golf balls and captures their beauty in different settings.
  3. Subscribers can expect intriguing tales, hidden golfing spots, and tips to prevent losing golf balls in Rough Balls.

Made it to Bellingham

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. The trip to Bellingham involved a lot of help from friends along the way. Friends offered rides, places to stay, and even meals during the journey.
  2. Mount Baker is a great place for skiing and snowmobiling, providing a fun outdoor experience. The area has nice slopes that are considered safe and enjoyable for skiing.
  3. The writer plans to share more stories and photos from the trip as they add words to their images. They seem excited to continue their adventure and connect with others.

What's next for large language models? Some ideas

The Future of Life • 0 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Photography
  1. AI can create images and videos, which may lead to new uses like generating stock photos or even personalized content such as virtual travel experiences.
  2. Music and art can also be produced by AI, allowing for original compositions and visual pieces that follow current trends, even if they lack true originality.
  3. Future applications of AI could include cooking new recipes, giving fashion advice, or even creating customized entertainment like virtual pets or personalized adult content.

The danger of AI imposing reality by consensus

The Future of Life • 0 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Photography
  1. AI can change how we see reality by filtering information, making it hard to know what's true. It might replace our own observations with what it believes is true.
  2. When we're only getting information through AI tools, we risk seeing a version of reality shaped by consensus, not actual facts.
  3. Supporting different types of AI models can help keep our access to information diverse and prevent a single narrative from dominating.

Wait, America has always been in color?

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 Aug 10
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. Black and white photos can mislead us into thinking life was dull and colorless during tough times like the Great Depression.
  2. In reality, people wore bright colors and lived vibrant lives despite the challenges they faced.
  3. Seeing these color photos from that era can be surprising and change how we think about history.

The Drug Tourism Series: 2. Amsterdam [Photographs of Drug Related Places, Scenes & Cultures]

The Drug Users Bible • 0 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. Amsterdam is well-known for its history and culture surrounding psychoactive drugs. Visitors should be aware of local laws regarding drug use.
  2. There are many unique places in Amsterdam that cater to drug tourism, like the Hash Museum and various coffee shops. Each offers a different experience and insight into the city's approach to substances.
  3. Safety should always be a priority when exploring drug-related experiences. Learning about harm reduction and researching beforehand can help ensure a more enjoyable visit.

The Drug Tourism Series: 1. Varanasi, India [Photographs of Drug Related Places, Scenes & Cultures]

The Drug Users Bible • 0 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. Varanasi is known for its connection to psychoactive substances, especially bhang lassi, a cannabis drink. Visitors should be aware of the local laws and customs before trying these substances.
  2. The author had an unforgettable experience in Varanasi, full of excitement and some overwhelming moments, especially after consuming bhang lassi. It's important to be cautious and know your limits when exploring local drugs.
  3. Traveling safely and responsibly is crucial. It's best to research and follow harm reduction practices to enjoy the experience while minimizing risks.

iPhone 15 Camera Features Not to Use

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Photography
  1. Avoid using the flash on your iPhone 15 camera because it can ruin the natural look of your pictures.
  2. It is better to capture photos at 48 MP or higher. Lower resolutions might make the images appear darker or less detailed.
  3. Try not to use older video codecs like H264 and JPEG, as they can take up more space and may not give you the best quality.

Disposable cameras are back, baby

The Rectangle • 0 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. Disposable cameras are making a comeback, and using one can bring you joy while capturing moments. They make the act of taking photos feel special again.
  2. With limited shots, you think carefully about what to photograph, which makes each picture more valuable. This is different from smartphones, where you can take as many photos as you want and end up feeling overwhelmed.
  3. The surprise of seeing developed photos later adds to the fun. Since you forget what you've taken, it feels like unwrapping a gift when you finally see the images.

The Nikon Aculon 7x50 Is Great

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Photography
  1. The Nikon Aculon 7x50 binoculars are a great option for their price, offering good performance for everyday use. They provide 90% of the quality of a more expensive model, the OceanPro, but at a much lower cost.
  2. While both binoculars perform well at night, the Aculon is lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry around. This makes it a good choice for people prioritizing practicality.
  3. If you're new to binoculars or on a budget, the Aculon is highly recommended. It offers a significant quality upgrade compared to cheaper models, like the Trailblazer 8x25.

Sunflowers

laserllama's blog • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Sunflower fields are currently blooming beautifully in Raleigh. They should be at their peak for about a week.
  2. Photographers can capture stunning images with a few selected Canon lenses. Different lenses can create unique effects.
  3. Nature, like sunflower fields, can bring joy and beauty to our surroundings, making it worthwhile to visit and appreciate.

Lighting Setup: More Power with Genaray LED Panels + Additional Shots

laserllama's blog • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Using Genaray LED panels gives more lighting power than traditional CFL softboxes. This makes a big difference in the quality of photos.
  2. The Westcott X-Drop stand is a good choice for background support, and the fabric tarps hold up well in practice.
  3. Shooting handheld with the new lights allowed for clearer photos at lower ISO settings, showing improved results even at f/22.

Canon R3 + New Lighting Setup

laserllama's blog • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. The Canon R3 camera is great for photography, especially for indoor shots with low light. It offers fantastic image quality without needing expensive gear.
  2. A good lighting setup is important for taking good pictures of small items indoors. The use of affordable softbox lighting can make a big difference.
  3. The autofocus feature on the R3 is really impressive, locking onto details like the eyes of action figures. This makes capturing sharp images much easier.

VFYW: Yacht, See!

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. Many participants identified the view as Annapolis and the Annapolis Yacht Basin by zooming in on boat details like the "Lady Jane III" and confirming with online listings and marinas.com.
  2. The contest evoked strong personal memories and emotions, with contributors sharing stories of engagements, honeymoons, community ties, and even a poignant note about a father who recently passed near the Chesapeake.
  3. Creativity and clever sleuthing were on display, from imaginative "Reimagined" scenes (swapping cars and boats or turning the marina into a board game) to the concept of a "reverse red herring" clue that nudges solvers in the right direction.

VFYW: Zen And The Art Of Window Sleuthing

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. The contest uncovers surprising small-town history and quirky local facts, linking ordinary streets to famous people and odd events.
  2. A lively community shares photos, travel snaps, pet pics, and personal stories, making the game a friendly social ritual.
  3. Sleuthing is playful and detective-like, full of helpful clues and red herrings (like signs reading “Zen Den” or “Phoenix Block”) that send people down deep online and local searches.

VFYW: The Eyes Have It

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. The puzzle asked readers to identify a Central/Eastern European town from a photo, with the building’s “eyes” (dormer windows), red-tile roofs, and rolling cultivated hills acting as the main location clues.
  2. Solvers used a mix of deliberate searches and lucky mistakes—searching phrases like “houses with eyes,” misreading roof patterns as signage, and locating a distinctive library skylight—to find the hotel and town.
  3. The contest showcases an engaged community trading local knowledge, archival detours, and clever sleuthing methods, turning each round into a collaborative detective exercise across multiple countries.

VFYW: A Medieval Mecca

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. The VFYW contest highlighted a picturesque medieval cliff-side town in Bulgaria, with clear clues like a vertically displayed Bulgarian flag, murals of knights linked to Crusader/Templar history, and the Boris Denev State Art Gallery that began life as an Ottoman konak.
  2. The Dish readership is highly engaged and communal; readers contribute detailed sleuthing, travel memories, and heartfelt dispatches, even responding to tragic events like the Bondi Beach massacre with reflection and solidarity.
  3. Subscribers exchange practical travel tips and human stories, from a 12-point travel rules list to a warm conversation with a restaurant owner, and many are planning trips to the Balkans including Danube cruises and Bulgarian towns.

VFYW: Herding CATs

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. Sleuths chased a tough View From Your Window photo that centered on a Caterpillar dealership in the American West, with the picture eventually traced to a spot north of Farmington, New Mexico.
  2. The newsletter bundles lots of side content and trivia — from Tom Clancy’s influence on video games and European Christmas markets to eclectic facts like a bird that hibernates and other regional highlights.
  3. Readers were given a heads-up about an upcoming price increase for new subscriptions and urged to lock in the current rate or buy gift subscriptions for the holidays.

VFYW: A City With Nine Lives

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. A crowd of sleuths uses close observation and online research to identify places from a single photo, and they successfully pinpointed the Darul Hana Bridge in Penang, Malaysia.
  2. Readers actively spot and correct factual errors or unclear details, such as mistaken city-population claims, historical inaccuracies, and misread signage.
  3. Local cultural clues — food items like Teh C and Char Koay Teow, Burning Man gear, and distinctive bridge architecture — often provide the decisive hints for solving the mystery.

VFYW: Horsing Around

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. A window-view puzzle hinged on small clues — a ‘‘Riley Oil’’ sign and a partial ‘‘Willa-’’ street name — which readers used to pinpoint a spot in Kentucky.
  2. An engaged community of sleuths swapped tips, local knowledge, and jokes while narrowing the location, showing how collective detective work makes the game fun.
  3. The writeup paired the geography hunt with regional food, including a Kentucky-style fried chicken and succotash, linking the place to its culinary culture.

VFYW: Bigfoot's Trap House

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. A weekly window-location contest brings a lively online community together to sleuth, share photos, and trade stories and follow-ups.
  2. Solvers lean on tiny visual clues and online tools — chain stores, license plates, gas prices, and Google Street View — to pinpoint exact locations, sometimes landing on surprising finds like a spot in Oregon.
  3. The contest sparks travel plans, local-history tidbits, recipes, creative reimaginings, and friendly banter, making it about more than just identifying a window.

VFYW: A Red Taxi To Rick's

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. Small visual details — the red taxi (a Dacia Sandero), Norfolk Island pines, and clay tennis courts — were the key clues sleuths used to narrow the view to a warm, coastal North African setting.
  2. The community drove the story: readers supplied follow-ups, reimagined images and logo ideas, and shared practical tips like how to download the high‑res photos, making the contest a lively, collaborative puzzle.
  3. The series blends travel‑spotting with bite‑sized trivia and incentives for submissions, inviting readers to send horizontal window photos for a chance to be featured and to earn subscription time.

VFYW: Breaking Bad Bunny

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Photography
  1. The VFYW contest brings a global community of sleuths together to solve window-photo puzzles and share entertaining facts and reactions.
  2. The project produced a 200-page photo book now sold via print-on-demand at a relatively high price, whereas earlier bulk printing made copies much cheaper.
  3. Winners often crack the locations by spotting tiny visual clues—like license plates, hotel logos, tree types, and parking structures—and participants trade follow-ups, stories, and local knowledge.

VFYW: Having A Gas

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. A mountain-view photo with a Valero gas station was the week’s puzzle, and sleuths used small clues — the gas brand, building details, and mountain shapes — to narrow the location and eventually find the town.
  2. Gas stations proved unexpectedly interesting: some are architecturally notable, others rely on color and logo more than signage, and historic design styles crop up in ordinary service stations.
  3. The community around the contest is lively and personal, trading travel tips, weather and life anecdotes, postcards, and oddball trivia like swim-bladders and fish farts alongside their sleuthing.

VFYW: Hitting The Bricks

The Weekly Dish • 0 implied HN points • 21 Feb 26
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. The window-view puzzle was unusually hard and required patient, detailed sleuthing rather than a quick guess.
  2. A small triangular CCTV sign with blurred Spanish wording was the decisive clue that pointed investigators to a Latin American location.
  3. An active community of sleuths and readers contributed research, regional knowledge, and creative responses, spawning side conversations about things like gas-station customs and the lunar new year.