Ah, that time of the (photographic) year is upon us again. The one I both love and dread in equal measure.
I love the moment I get to hold a fresh copy of Drops of Life in my hands – that new-zine smell, those crispy pages, the satisfaction of something tangible. But getting there? That’s the tricky bit. It’s a labor of love… heavy on both the labor and the love.
Now, don’t get me wrong – some parts of the process are a joy. My personal favorite? Pairing photos for facing pages. It’s a bit like setting up friends on a blind date: sometimes it just clicks, sometimes… not so much. But that challenge . finding that visual chemistry . keeps me hooked from start to finish.
And yes, part of the art is in letting go. Not every photo makes the cut, even if it took blood, sweat, and tripod tears to capture. It’s tough, but as the old adage goes:
Photography is the art of leaving things out – from the frame and from the book.
All said and done, I’m really happy with how this year’s edition turned out. At this point, I’ve designed enough books and zines that the layout flows fast — faster than waiting for the proof copy, anyway (seriously, printers move at their own pace).
And now for the big moment: Drops of Life / MMXXV is officially available – in glorious print and (cue the dramatic cymbals)… digital format!
Go give it a look. Flip it, scroll it, sniff it (if you’re holding the print version – I don’t judge).