HAMBURGER EYES

Photo by Ray Potes

You ever get a message that starts off saying, “I’m disappointed that..”? I have actually received this type of email more than once referring to the type of photography we are publishing or not publishing. It’s nuts to me. I understand constructive criticism and comments and suggestions, for sure, this is a community after all. A large one. But simply unfollow if you don’t like what we are making.

How am I supposed to respond? “I’m sorry our art practice doesn’t please you, we will make the proper adjustments as per your instructions until you are satisfied.”

I’m reverse disappointed. In this day and age it seems obvious to me that we should be encouraging each other to be as weird and nerdy and expressive as possible. Also, it seems even more obvious to me that other people, places, or things are not responsible for yours or my well being. If you don’t like something, keep it pushing till you find what you are looking for.

If you haven’t heard it lately, you’re hearing it from me – Shoot whatever you want, where ever you want, for as long as you want, however you want, why ever you want for no reason at all or all the reasons. And treat others as you like to be treated. That’s it.

Photo by Ray Potes

I am throwing around the idea of making a “How to Make a Zine” book. It would have detailed instructions but it would also have some of these philosophies and random thoughts on photography and self publishing that I have written here on this blog. I started digging around and realized there’s not much to work with. So, I have to write more. So, I have to blog. And, you have to read it since you’re here anyways.

The first reason to make this book is obvs, people are asking me how to make a zine. There are 1 million ways to make one but this will be about the way(s) I like to do it. The second reason is less obvs, people know how to make a zine but they are stuck. All kinds of overthinking and procrastination. This is where we can re-visit some blog posts and/or write some new ones attempting to address the sticking points.

It can be impossible to un-stuck someone. I’m thinking I have some beans to share and they may be magical, but it’s up to you to grow the beanstalk, kill the giant, save the girl, and get the golden eggs.