Monday Muse: Amanda Greene

Picturing the South in words and images

Years ago, I published a photoblog. Remember those? The premise was simple: a photo a day with some links to see more of that artist’s work. Instagram changed everything, so I’m trying something new: the Monday Muse, a visual inspiration for your email inbox. No algorithms, no ads. Just a picture to start your week. Would you like to show something of yours here? Please email anytime! —AA

Amanda Greene

When I think of Amanda Greene, I think of the American South. She lives in Georgia, and her images are dripping with Southern vibes. Some photographers are like that — their work is so uniquely tied to a region that it shapes how you see the place.

I first learned about Amanda’s photography years ago at my buddy Mark’s wedding in Palm Springs. Small world: It turns out she was a friend of his fiancée, Kristina, and I wanted to hear more. One thing led to another, and I ended up meeting Amanda online, like so many photography folks in the FlakPhoto universe. We’ve stayed in touch over the years, and she’s always working on something cool.

Amanda messaged me last week to announce that she was making the leap to Substack and would experiment with a newsletter as part of her MFA studies in narrative nonfiction. Photographers who write are special because they can show and tell, which isn’t always easy. 

I’ve been enjoying Amanda’s dispatches and thought you might, too. If a photographer who writes nonfiction appeals to you, you’ll dig her stuff.

Saeed Jones Takes Us To Church

I subscribed to Amanda’s newsletter and was poking around her website again today. It’s a treasure trove of vibrant imagery, a blend of commercial, editorial, documentary, and personal work. There’s a lot to look at — her Elvis series is particularly fun. She’s on Instagram, too; you can follow her at @amandagreenephotographs. 

I’ll leave it there today. If you like what you see, please let me know in the comments. And thanks so much to the nearly six hundred readers who responded to my virtual artist talk poll yesterday. I appreciate the feedback.

Take care, friends, and have a great week!

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