Is Zoom fatigue a thing?

Some odds and ends from FlakPhoto HQ

Phoenix Kanada

Hey, everyone! Thanks so much to each of you who emailed me with feedback on my previous post about how I can expand the newsletter. Based on your comments, you want to see more photography portfolios and book recommendations this year. I appreciate the suggestions and am developing some ideas for incorporating those requests into my 2025 program.

Another request that kept popping up was to organize a series of virtual photography events. That surprised me since I assumed most folks aren’t interested in spending more time on computer screens. However, the prevailing sentiment is that online programs are a valuable way for people (like me) who aren’t in major photography centers to connect with artists and fellow creatives. I want to experiment with video, so this inspired me.

I plan to give it a go this year, and I’ll keep you updated as the project takes shape. I may make these online programs a benefit for paid subscribers — we’ll see. Are there artists in particular you want to see? Or specific topics you want to hear discussed? Please email me anytime with your requests. If you use Substack, you can offer suggestions in our group chat:

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I learned this week that Cig Harvey’s new book, Emerald Drifters, ships in late March. Do you know her work? I have long-appreciated Cig’s photography. She’s very inventive, and her sense of color is phenomenal. Cig describes the book as “A catalog of pleasures and heartbreaks.” I love that! She’s offering a presale and previewing some of these images on her website. Check it out.

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It’s always nice when something you write resonates. This week, The Phoblographer wrote about My Big List of Photography Videos. I mentioned my YouTube habit last fall. In case you missed it, there is a LOT to look at, and the list keeps growing. Feel free to bookmark my playlist and share this link with photo friends:

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One more thing…

Philip Heying sent me this link, and I thought some of you might appreciate it: Art Frame interviewed Steve Bisson, founder of Urbanautica and Head of Photography at Paris College of Art, about the role of contemporary photography. It’s a wide-ranging conversation from a thoughtful curator and champion of the medium.

Finally, following Meta’s announcement that it would cease fact-checking and moderation on its platforms, a social media migration may be afoot. Lately, I’ve seen quite a few photo people logging on to Bluesky. If you're exploring that platform, please send me a link to your profile — You can find me at @flakphoto.news. I’d love to connect. Okay, that’s all for this week. Take care!

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