Newsletter: week of 1/20

The S25 series is here! And I really enjoyed reading what you folks had to say about them in the chat. Many of you seemed to be ok with the small, incremental changes, explaining that you are happier for companies to take it slow and get it right and that you don't expect large leaps. Cory made a great point about phones being "equal parts gadget and appliance nowadays" and likening writing about them to writing about washing machines. Elliot pointed out that we might not be all that excited because Samsung didn't go the mile to get us excited--noting that the event lacked excitement, in contrast to Apple's, whose "events generate so much hype, it’s a fun event to watch."

Thanks to everyone who weighed in! I generally agree with you. If you have thoughts, let me know in the comments. For the next two weeks, I'll be working towards my "1,000 photos with the S25 Ultra" video, so this is all top of my mind.

But! It hasn't been the only thing on my mind. Here is everything I read, watched, and listened to this week.

I love this account so much. 

What I read this week (not much, sadly):

While waiting far too long for an oil change, I saw this very interesting-looking camera that I can't stop thinking about. I have only just begun my journey down the rabbit hole, but this line on the camera wiki is so much to unpack: "The Japanese police wanted a camera which would be easy to aim without raising it to the eye, and a pistol-shaped camera was considered ideal because the policemen are supposedly good at gun handling."

What I watched this week:

Our homes burned down
This video really puts into perspective just how devastating the LA fires have been and continue to be. If you are able to donate, this is a good resource.

Becoming a parent changed my photography
Our Patreon bud, Tom, created a great video about photography and being a father. It features some great writing, photography, and videography! Thanks for sharing it with me, Tom. As always, if you make stuff, please send it my way. I would be honored to tune in.

Timothée Chalamet & Saoirse Ronan Reunite
Come for Ronan's great accent, stay for two friends chatting about friendship and growth.

OK Go - A Stone Only Rolls Downhill (Official Video)
It took eight days and 1,043 takes for them to shoot the 64 one-shot videos used in this video. BTS video here!

What I listened to this week:

This week, I spent a lot of time on planes listening to dance music, including Tiesto, Overmono, and KAYTRANADA. However, as I write this, my partner Hannah has been belting out " But it's all coming back to me now" over and over. So, the rest of my week will be spent listening to Céline Dion's 1996 smash hit, "It's All Coming Back to Me Now."

-----
Okay, one last thing. Given the state of the US and how emotionally taxing the next four years are going to be, I think it's important to say that in my little corner of the internet, everyone is welcome, heard, and cared for regardless of what uneducated, good-for-literally no one but his wealthy 1% friends who don't give a fuck about anyone else decisions are being made. (See this TikTok for my recent feelings about the incredibly harmful, recent anti-trans executive order.) Community is at the top for me, and I will continue to build one that is supportive and helpful rather than fueled by hate and bigotry because I believe that that is how we progress and make a world better for everyone. We are in this together!

with a big breath out,
-becca