My Morning Muse turns 2!
And it's time to thank you!
Two years ago, on January 16th, 2023, I sent out the very first edition of My Morning Muse. Like so many others, I came to Substack because I had grown tired of Instagram and Facebook — the time-consuming doom scrolling, the limitations of these platforms, and, most of all, the algorithms that constantly pushed content I wasn’t interested in.
It was Andy Adams who at that time encouraged people to check out Substack - this great online space for creatives to connect, collaborate and share their work. I immediately signed up. At first, I joined as a reader, but it didn’t take long for me to realize this could also be the perfect place to write my own newsletter.
Thank you, Andy!
When I began, I had no idea where this journey would take me. I didn’t have a specific concept or plan for my newsletter. All I knew was that I wanted to create a space to share my work, thoughts, explorations, and any interesting discoveries I made along the way.
And here I am, two years later, sending out my 100th newsletter! I can hardly believe it — 100 newsletters written by me, and read, liked, and shared by so many of you.
This might not seem like a big deal, but for me, it truly is. I often find myself brimming with ideas for new projects, eagerly starting them, only to abandon them a few months later. Sometimes it’s because something more intriguing catches my attention, other times because I didn’t think things through properly, or simply because I no longer feel connected to the project. Imagine a kid in a toy store, running from one aisle to the next, in awe of everything and wanting it all - well, that is me sometimes…
Besides the fact of sending out my 100th newsletter today, something even more incredible - and quite unfathomable - thing has happened: over 2,000 people have subscribed to my newsletter. Some of you have found my content valuable enough to become paid supporters.
And although I started this newsletter with the intention not to focus on numbers, likes, and whether anyone would actually read my newsletter, I have to admit: I probably wouldn't have come this far without the incredible support you have shown me over the past two years.
Thank you!
So, what has happened in the past two years?
Of the 100 newsletters I sent out to you, 40 were editions of My Visual Journal. A series I started in July 2023 with the motto “more photos, fewer words”, usually sharing a sequence of photos I take during walks with my dog Ben. Over time it has become a great way to practice selecting, analysing and sequencing these photos. I have been sending these out bi-weekly ever since and it has become a favourite of many of you. Something that makes me happy, because I truly enjoy making them.
Another series I have been doing for almost a year now is writing about Female Photographers. Something I started doing, because I noticed how heavily dominated my bookshelf was (and still is to be honest) by male photographers. I wanted to change that and challenge myself, to explore and share more of the inspiring work of women working in the field of photography.
I also have been experimenting with using my photography creating several zines and booklets in the past two years. I love making something tangible - something you can hold in your hand, and enjoy without relying on an electronic device. Zines are a great and affordable way to do that. They allow me to explore different concepts and ideas, to find inspiration and to engage with my own photographs on a deeper level than just looking at them on a screen.
Many of these projects, I have shared in my section of Personal Projects and it is exciting to know that some of you also have found inspiration in these works. Please continue sharing your thoughts and creations with me — I love hearing from you!
Thank you!
Besides all the content I shared in my newsletter with you, I can say I have grown more confident in sharing both my work and my thoughts here. I am well aware that many of my readers are far more skilled and knowledgeable as writers and/or photographers than I am. And although I never experienced any negative feedback on what I share, hitting the “publish” button still is a nerve-wracking undertaking - even after all that time.
But what I’ve also come to know is this: every time I send out a new edition of my newsletter, I know I will learn something new from you. Whether it’s through your added perspectives, opinions, or facts, the memories you share, or simply a note saying that my writing or photographs resonated with you — each response brings me so much joy and gratitude.
This connection is the reason I love writing and sending out this newsletter every week.
Thank you!
Beyond publishing my own newsletter, being part of Substack has been an absolutely wonderful and rewarding experience for me. Watching the community of photography lovers grow, having private conversations about photography, being invited to collaborate with other creatives - this all have been highlights for me.
What stands out to me the most, however, is the kind, respectful, supportive, and inspiring atmosphere here. This is something that is so hard to find on the internet. It is truly a treasure.
Thank you!
Many of my readers have supported me in the past, buying zines or photo prints, becoming paid subscribers or simply by sharing my newsletter with others. All this support truly means the world to me.
All my content is free for everyone to read - there is and will be no paywall. However, if you enjoy my weekly newsletter and would like to support my work, becoming a paid subscriber is a great way to help me continue creating these articles.
As a thank-you, I’m offering 30% off annual subscriptions (just €35 instead of €50) through the end of January.
If you are looking for something tangible in return for your support, ordering one of my zines is a wonderful option too.
Your support means the world to me.
Thank you!
That’s all from me this week.
Oh, wait - have I thanked you already? ;-)
Well, I truly mean it.
Thank you! ❤️
X,
Susanne
happy anniversary! to many more to come 🥂
Congratulations, Susanne! You're an inspiration to all of us.