Seeking, Exploring, and Expanding
Most of what I’ve learned about making a photo book comes from studying books made by my favorite photographers. But, it is incredibly helpful to have directed assistance, teaching, and inspiration.
Toward the goal of learning more, this is what I am doing.
I’ve subscribed to Process ☼ On Photography, by Wesley Verhoeve. Every Sunday a newsletter arrives to my Inbox from Wesley. Currently, he uses these weekly posts to describe where he is in making his own book, NOTICE Journal, Volume Two (2026), which is available for pre-order now. I have ordered my copy and cannot wait to hold it in my hands and study each page with love and respect.
I’ve signed up for a series of four mentoring sessions with photographic artist and writer, Sal Taylor Kydd. I’ve admired Sal’s work for years and own several of her books. I’ve often dreamed of attending one of her workshops at Maine Media, but for a variety of reasons, attending those workshops is out of my reach. I was delighted when I discovered that I could still learn from her by way of online mentoring. You really never know if the person you admire from afar is anything like the person you imagine them to be. The best you can do is make a judgement based on their work, and try to choose a mentor whose opinion you value. And of course, keeping in mind: How do I balance a mentor’s feedback with my own gut instinct? Working with Sal has turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. She is warm and generous and kind. Her insights and editorial guidance have been invaluable. Within the first session, I was quickly able to narrow the focus of my project, recognize my own strengths, and begin to play with my work in a way that feels lighthearted and fun. She has the ability to offer constructive feedback that feels safe and encouraging.
Finally, I am taking another short online course, Stillness of Summer, with Paul Sanders. While this course ostensibly has nothing to do with my flower project, it has given me unexpected benefits. Assignments that involve slowing down to receive photographs, letting go of judgement about whether pictures are good or bad, noticing overlooked spaces and stillness and light, all lead to stronger pictures. Some of the photo assignments have dovetailed nicely with my floral portrait work, and Paul has offered feedback that advanced my work, too.