Diary of an Overthinking Photographer

Random but potentially helpful thoughts from this week

I was born with an active mind. On the outside, I look pretty calm(and most of the time, I am), but in my head are flashes of color, sparkling imaginations, and deep ponderings of things that might not even matter. Some call this anxiety and overthinking. Others call it creativity. I just call it normal.

On one end, it's been really helpful in my career as a Marketing Director—the idea-generating machine I call my brain has come in handy. But on the other end, all my thoughts cause me to spin in circles (literally and physically) until I organize them into submission.

I've learned to manage my thoughts(most days), but it took a lot of time. One thing that helps is writing and creating lists.

This segment of my newsletter will be random thoughts and ramblings that might be helpful, inspirational, entertaining, or educational to you.

Here's page one of my diary...

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It's easy to get caught up in the hurried culture that tells us we should always be doing something or constantly creating and consuming. Sometimes, I wonder if we'd all be happier if we accepted that normal and boring are okay.

Moving from Portland, Oregon to Kentucky in 2015 was a huge shock. I was used to city lights and the city's constant entertainment. But in Kentucky, it was low-key, with not much to do. It drove me insane the entire time I lived there. I found myself constantly bored and depressed.

As the years have flown by, I've grown and have learned to be content with a "normal" paced life.

Earlier this week I documented all the mundane moments of my day. I was curious to see how it would translate into pictures, and secretly, I was hoping that documenting my boring would make you more comfortable with your boring.

Looking at these pictures, I can see the romanticism of everyday life.

You know it’s real like when you can see my dog’s slobber on the floor.

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I am headed to Puerto Rico in March and am already planning what cameras to bring and what film to use. Most of my time there will be spent enjoying ocean views whilst eating yummy food. On a couple of those days, I’m going on a zip-line excursion and a walking tour through Old San Juan.

Did I ever tell you how much I love zip-lining?!?!? It's such a rush.

My favorite zip-line was a free fall into a zip-line—I had to jump off a 200 foot(60 meters) platform, which then had me fly above a lake(I was so close I was able to touch the water) for another 500 feet(152 meters). So, I am really looking forward to the zip-line portion of the trip!

Anyways, I wanted to make this trip interactive by having my Substack friends choose the film I bring.

I already know I am bringing Fuji Industrial 400 and FujiColor 100, but the rest I would LOVE your help with!

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This is probably the most annoying thought swirling around my head this week—I am thinking about changing the name of my publication.

I don't like changing things once they've been established, so it's driving me nuts.

Literally me overthinking everything in life.

When I started this publication in February 2024, I thought I would use it with my Etsy business(which was named The Analog Aesthetic). Since I shut that business down, the existing name doesn't align with my vision or vibe for this publication.

So, that might be happening soon. But for now, it's just a thought.

NOTHING about this publication will change except for the name.

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I don't know why I just started using ColorPlus 200. I heard great things about it, but for some reason, I never bought a roll until recently.

I like that it's a little cooler than Gold 200 and has more punchy colors.

I wish I were one of those photographers who sticks to one filmstock only, but I find myself wanting different films that correlate with my mood or the mood of the scenery. I guess I should accept that I love variety, which will most likely never change.

The following pics were taken with a Nikon F2 using ColorPlus 200 shot at box speed.

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You could say music was my first love. Or maybe music and photography were simultaneous loves. I started playing music in 4th grade, and around the same time, I began taking pictures regularly.

Either way, music heavily inspires my photography.

Whenever I'm out shooting pics, I am always listening to music. It shifts my perspective on light and shadow—an odd correlation bleeds into my pictures.

Here are the songs I've been listening to in February for all my music lovers.

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I'm observant of the world around me, and I often see people who need a word of encouragement. This week, I observed many people doubting themselves and their abilities, which hurt my heart for them.

This is another segment I’ll be adding to my newsletter. Each week, it’ll be geared toward a specific person or kind of person.

So, if you need it, here's...

Hey! I saw your post and wanted to let you know what an incredible writer you are. Your thoughts and ideas had a profound impact on my day. I found myself engaged in every thought and word you wrote. I couldn't stop reading; it was THAT scintillating. I hope you are told often just how magnetic and wonderful you are, and if not, I hope you know deep within your soul that your unique voice adds magic to this world. Thank you for opening my eyes to a new and profound perspective in life. I can't wait to hear what you write next! I am in your corner and am cheering you on from afar!

I love being here and sharing my thoughts and pictures. I hope everything I do encourages and inspires you. I love that my publication is free and commit to keeping it that way.

But if you ever want to show love and support somehow, buying my next roll of film would be the best way to do that!

I can't tell you how grateful I am for your support—even if it's just you taking the time to read my thoughts.

Your friend,

Razlyn