It’s almost March, yet I’m writing about the photo summary of the past year?
Well, it’s been tough. And with many things demanding my attention, re- and overthinking about a million life decisions a day, this post has been well forgotten. Almost March is as good of a time as any time to reflect on some 50-pages-worth of photography notes I’ve made in the past year and pick some of my favourites.

Favourite photographic work that I’ve seen this year

In a way, this has to be Ash Gilbertson’s “A city ruptured” story for the NYT. It is built on top of amazing series of reportages from 2020 that I featured in last year’s post, and it hits all the right spots. Beauty, raw emotions, incredible moments. It was a special piece in the NYT which I’m bummed I couldn’t get my hands on, but I’m definitely pre-ordering the book and here is a gentle nudge to Ash to get it the fuck out already.

Favourite newly-discovered photographer: Magdalena Wosinska

My first contact with Magda’s photography was through what seemed a deeply personal NYT article that is actually from 2020 (I’ve only discovered it in 2021) about reversing the role of motherhood as she cared for her “mamusia”. The story left me wanting to know more about her as a person, and more about her mum’s story. I’ve followed her instagram religiously since then, waiting for updates, and at the same time admiring the photography she produced along the way. Sadly, her mum passed away earlier last year, but the photographs and the legacy she leaves behind remain. Magda, being the badass that she is, keeps producing amazing commercial personal work.

A digression: a massive, massive shoutout to NYT photo team

Seriously, their editorial team was on another level this year. It is stunning to see how a major publication puts photography front and centre. It makes me feel optimistic about the future of photography as a medium.

Favourite photobook: Swimming Pools by Maria Svarbova

Well there you go. I’ve wondered for some 10 years how to combine the pool (my natural habitat) and photography (my favourite hobby), and Maria created a world of her own where they just somehow… fit together. It’s everything I would ever want an art project to be, and whilst I’m jealous of her work, I’m happy to see it done better than I ever could. You can get the book at the book depo (amongst other places) and I highly recommend checking out Maria’s book and give her a follow on instagram.

Favourite new IG personality: Shawn M Pridgen

Now, I don’t know anything about Shawn. I’ve just seen his work and BTS and felt an instant connection with a way he works. Can’t wait to see more of what comes out of his 365 project.

Favourite photography-related youtube video: Emile Ducke on LOBA

I’ve ran into Emile Ducke’s work when I was looking through the LOBA award last year and I found this video interview linked to their blogpost, and it was so refreshing and different. The photographer seems well educated, and speaks to the history and context of his work with such eloquence and compassion. He made this story personal to him, and it somehow shows through in the images. Each picture is thoroughly researched and has an almost painterly quality — if anything his work reminds me of John Stanmeyer’s best. Do check out their website (it’s incredible), give them a follow on IG, and definitely watch the video below.

Unsorted photography favourites

This year, I felt as if I was in a limbo between consuming “content” and admiring great imagery. Is there a difference between content for content’s sake and pictures that tell stories, broaden my horizons, or simply transport me to some other place. Hannah Reyes Morales’ image of a fisherman feeding the whale sharks for example, is perhaps the most unexpectedly beautiful and tender image I’ve seen this year. Ashley Gilbertson’s and Chris Lee’s coverage of the January 6th insurrection, despite having very little to do with me, gave me hope that amidst chaos and violence a single act of bravery can make a difference. Devin Oktar Yalkin’s haunting image of an empty Brooklyn cinema had some strong Sugimoto vibes that felt so apt to how the world felt in February. Beautiful portraits by the likes of Joey L (whose new book I’ve just preordered), Adam Ferguson, and Rena Effendi made me miss that moment of human connection when you just go out, and ask someone for a portrait. Santi Palacios’ image of Tunisians aboard a life boat had a very profound effect on me — maybe because it conveyed the sense of isolation and “strandedness”.

All photos in the gallery below are credited to their authors; images are screenshots from instagram or publications at a time.

Favourite new piece of gear: 50mm ‘lux

I tried not to buy new gear this year.
And this almost succeeded. I ended up with a used Nikon F3 (whilst my Leica was off to get CLA’d), and the only “new” gear I got was a much needed upgrade to my 50mm ‘cron. The summilux aspherical is just that little bit nicer (and works better on digital backs), and with the ridiculous prices of used gear, I got mine new with a trade-in for next to nothing.

Most used camera: M10 with a 50mm

Not much to say really. Film became expensive (this place usually belonged to my much loved M6), so majority of the work this year was done on M10/SL2 combo.