The Beginner Photography Podcast Create a Compelling Photo Series: The Story Behind the Photos with Dan Milnor
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May 31, 2022 Dan Milnor, former photojournalist and creative evangelist at Blurb, talks about long-form projects, bookmaking, and designing photo stories. He discusses working with limited internet, gear choices for bigger files, and resisting social pressure to slow down and go deeper. The conversation highlights finding meaningful subjects in everyday life and making original, indispensable work.
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Sumo Springs Order Turned Into A Shipping Nightmare
- Anecdote: Dan struggled ordering Sumo Springs for his van because the website was terrible and items were backordered.
- He experienced poor automotive customer service and unpredictable FedEx delivery updates that left him unsure when parts would arrive.
Scrub Jays Sparked A Birding Project
- Anecdote: Birding became Dan's COVID hobby when Woodhouse scrub jays nested outside his bedroom window, leading to long-term observation and rescue of a fledgling.
- That intimacy drove him to photograph birds and inspired a birding book project despite limited lenses.
Find Stories From What Moves You
- Do find stories by examining what you love, hate, what motivates you, and what turns you off.
- Dan Milnor says those personal likes and dislikes are the real sources for meaningful documentary projects and sustained stories.
