One year on Substack!
Despite taking thousands of pictures this year, I cannot believe that I've consistently posted week after week.
In 2023, Adam and I went on an epic summer trip to Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon. Once we returned, I shared my photos on Instagram as I’ve always done in the past (and still do). It didn’t take long to realize that there was another algorithm change, and my photography was being seen by approximately 30-50 people out of my 1,000 followers. I questioned why I continued to beat my head against the wall and wondered if sharing my photography was even worth it.
I’m not a professional photographer (a teacher by trade), so I never had the expectation of making money sharing my images on Instagram. However, I was in college during the birth of Facebook, so I remember the good ol’ days of social media and the communities that can be built on it.
Despite Twitter being a shit-hole, I can’t stay away. That’s where I was exposed to Substack through Dan Rather and Lyz Lenz. I realized that Substack, really a newsletter or blog, could be the solution to my “problem.” I pitched the idea to Adam, who agreed that it was worth trying, with the gentle reminder that I take photos for myself and no one else.
So, I started a newsletter through Substack, and here you are all reading a post one year later.
I am so grateful to each and every one of you that’s here. Some of you are faithful subscribers who read, like, and comment on my posts each and every week. Thank you for helping me build this unexpected global community that I absolutely cherish. Some of you read my posts through your email but never interact. Thank you for checking in weekly to see what I’m up to. I’m honored that you take time out of your busy lives to be a part of mine. Also, a shout-out to the three of you that lurk each week through a direct URL. I have no idea who you are, but there’s something bringing you back each week :)
What’s the future of this newsletter? More of the same! Chasing Ansel Adams has become a fun little project of mine that I don’t plan on ending any time soon. I doubt anything more will come out of this newsletter other than the fact that you will continue to see pictures of extraordinary places.
What are my top five most-liked posts of the year?
Which post do I think deserves more love?
Sand Dunes National Park
Last weekend, Adam and I went to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. It's relatively close to where we live, and I've been itching to get back there. I've now been to the park three times, and each visit is getting better.
The views from High Dune are pretty epic.
And finally, which post was my favorite? All of them, but I especially like this one.
Snow day!
Garden of the Gods is the #1 tourist spot in Colorado Springs. If you visit here, it is a must-see attraction. This free, centrally located park is where you walk among majestic red sedimentary rock formations. Whenever we have family or friends visiting, we always bring them to the park. It never fails to make me smile when I see their reactions.
If you’ve ever been to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, it’s even better with two feet of snow.
Cheers.
Congratulations Rachel!
I love your photos (I have pitched the idea to my husband that we take a trip to Colorado when we next head to the US), and have just found your IG :)
Thank you for your enjoyable posts. Congrats on your first year - I look forward to reading (and seeing) more of your adventures