What a year it has been...
I don’t know how many times in the past I have been sitting on the couch, scrolling through my newsfeed on Instagram seeing all the advertisements and videos from companies and people I did not follow and getting annoyed that I barely got to see what I came for in the first place: the photographs from friends, family and colleagues and all the other people I was following.
It was so frustrating. And sad. I have been on Instagram almost from day one. And I loved it. So much. Sharing photos, seeing other people’s photographs, finding inspiration, and connecting with people from all over the world. It was my favorite place on the whole World Wide Web.
Until it wasn’t.
In the end, I felt like I was in an unhappy and unhealthy relationship. Instagram and I had grown apart. So many things had changed. And not for the better. The excitement to open the app and see who had reacted to my posts and seeing new posts from the people I followed was gone, and had been replaced by frustration. This wasn’t the place I used to know and love anymore.
I needed a change. First, I reanimated my Tumblr account, but it didn't feel right. I tried Vero - the new hope for photographers - wished it would be a worthy replacement for Instagram. But it wasn’t. At least not for me.
And just when I was giving up hope to ever find a place to share my photographs and thoughts on the internet again, I saw Andy Adams from FlakPhoto Digest sharing a post on Instagram inviting everyone to join him on Substack. I hadn’t heard of it before but was intrigued. I opened an account and subscribed to several newsletters. I was so excited. It felt so different and fresh. Only to see and read what I wanted to, and not what an algorithm was telling me to watch and read. I kept spending more and more time on Substack and barely opened the Instagram app anymore.
And then, a crazy idea popped up in my head: I should start my own newsletter! I was so excited about the idea of having a new place for my photography, my art and other musings. A place, where I could share whatever I want and maybe someone else will be interested in reading it.
Now a year later, my little Substack has taken on a life well beyond anything I have ever imagined. In no way, did I imagine, that this little project -which was really the result of a whim- would turn into something so special to me.
It takes up much more time to write here every week, than the time I spent posting and scrolling on Instagram. But it is different. It doesn't make me feel like I am wasting my time. I enjoy curating my photographs for my bi-weekly series for My Visual Journal. I enjoy studying photobooks and writing about them. I enjoy researching certain topics, that interest me and that I want to write about.
Writing this newsletter has been a great experience: I learned more about photography and my own photography in particular. It also kept me motivated to go out photographing. It improved my writing skills (which still could be better, but I am working on it) and it restored my faith in the internet.
Writing on Substack has shown me that the internet isn’t a bad place. It can indeed be a wonderful space. A place with kind, generous, encouraging and like-minded people (yes, I mean you!).
Every time I finish a newsletter and push the “sent to everyone”- button I get a little nervous. Was my writing okay? Will it be interesting to read? Should I have given the topic more thought? Self-doubt creeps in. Every single time.
But then I receive your kind comments and likes, seeing you sharing my newsletter with others and I know, I must be doing something right.
I will not talk numbers, because they aren’t important to me (at least I try not to give them too much attention). Important to me are the people behind these numbers: my readers - (yes, I mean you again)! When I started this newsletter one year ago, I would never even have dreamt of having so many people, who would spend their precious time reading my ramblings or looking at my photographs. But I am truly grateful for everyone who does.
When I received my first notification that a reader had turned his free subscription into a paid one, I thought it must be a mistake. An error on the subscriber’s or Substack’s side. That somebody would be willing not only to spend their time but also their money on what I had to say, truly blew my mind. Well, it still does to be true. So, if you are one of them: Thank you for blowing my mind! Your subscription makes it possible for me to justify spending my time (the time I usually would work on creating art) on writing these posts instead.
But I truly appreciate every form of feedback. Whether it is likes, comments or shares - every single one means so much to me. It all gives me the confidence and motivation to keep on writing.
So, do I have any plans for my Substack for the new year ahead? Not really. I know, I will keep on writing every week: sharing a new edition of “My Visual Journal” every other week alternating with writings on different topics, which most likely will be related to photography. But I would like to stay open-minded to whatever my creative muse is offering me.
And because it is my anniversary, I have a wish. I would love to know, what made you subscribe (if you are a subscriber), and what you like or enjoy the most about this newsletter. Any kind feedback (good or bad) is appreciated.
Next week, I will publish the second part of “My Visual Journal” from Denmark. I hope you will enjoy it!
That all being said, I am really looking forward to another year with you! Thanks again for being here.
X,
Susanne
If you are enjoying My Morning Muse, you can support me by subscribing to my newsletter, liking the post, and sharing it with friends. It would mean the world to me! ❤️
I thoroughly enjoy your visual journals, especially the walk in the park you took us on late last year. I like seeing how you glean inspiration from other photographers and apply it to your practice.
On a personal level, I'm drawn to your work/Substack because you are a fellow self-taught female creative on her own unique path. I would love to read your thoughts on more photobooks or work from non-male-identified photographers. The photography world is a tad heavy on male representation, and there are so many incredible photographers out there who identify differently.
❤️
My journey to substack was almost identical to yours, except that I had been looking for an outlet for my writing. I’ve been a FlakPhoto person since around 2005 and trust Andy’s sensibilities. I found your newsletter on my first day! The intersection of writing and photography is where I live as well. I so enjoy your newsletter and your photography. Thank you for sharing!