Josie On Film: The Weekly Download
Update #1 - What I'm Loving This Week, BTS + more!
Hey Film Fam!
Welcome to my new newsletter series. I hope you’re as excited as I am!
First things first, letting you know what’s happening. You may have read my last newsletter where I mentioned a change… well that change is here now.
I've been busy dreaming up new ways to share my creative journey with you, and I'm thrilled to introduce a brand new ‘section’ on my Substack called "Interlinked"! This is where I'll be diving deep into the world of hybrid art, blending together poetry, memoir, and photography. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes look at how I weave together different all of my creative practices to tell stories in a unique way.
If you're curious about the intersection of writing and photography, or if you're looking for inspiration to explore new creative avenues yourself, then "Interlinked" is the place to be. But don't worry, if that's not your cup of tea, there's still plenty more to discover in my 35mm Film newsletters - those aren’t changing!
So, let's dive into our new weekly creative hangout! Grab your favourite drink (tea or coffee anyone?), settle in, and let's explore the world of hybrid writing, 35mm Film Photography, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery.
Here’s what you can expect from my Substack moving forward:
“Josie On Film: The Weekly Download” - Step into my creative world each week! I'll share updates on my photography and writing projects, offer behind-the-scenes glimpses into my process, and provide recommendations to spark your own creativity. Think of it as a cozy chat with a friend, complete with unpolished thoughts, lessons learned, and sneak peeks at my latest 35mm Film adventures.
“Josie’s Midweek Musings” - A companion series to the Weekly Download, offering a deeper dive into the creative process, where art, and life with disabilities intersect. Join me on weekly/fortnightly Wednesdays for inspiration and reflection, including journal prompts, how I tackle imposter syndrome, and things I find inspiring. Some may even have an audio component!
“Interlinked - A Hybrid Writer’s Journey” - Explore the interconnected worlds of words and images - poetry and photography. Follow along as I navigate the creative process, sharing insights, challenges, and triumphs. (Think "From F-Stops to Full Stops" – this series will follow a similar structure.)
Technical Tips and Tricks - Occasional FREE educational newsletters with recaps of content events, current film news, new camera gear, film resources, and more. These will be casual, short, and packed with info.
In-depth Film Techniques: (Paid subscribers) Get deep into the technical side of film photography! Every 1-2 months, I'll share long-form blogs with all the technical info you could ever want about specific film techniques I’ve mastered.
‘Behind The Scenes’ - Get a first look at client work and behind-the-scenes content! Some will be free, some for paid subscribers. Substack gets a much larger gallery and exclusive info, while a select few images will appear on my other websites after 1-2 weeks.
A new series - coming soon! All will be revealed in due time…
This Week in My World:
It's been a week of deep emotions and exciting adventures to say the least!
I've been doing some intense trauma processing lately - something I’ll talk about another time - and it's been a rollercoaster. Anger, sadness, and even a surprising sense of empowerment have all been part of the journey so far. It's been a powerful reminder that healing isn't a straight line, but it is always moving forward, even if sometimes it doesn’t feel like it.
In the midst of all this, I'm learning to embrace every emotion that bubbles up to the surface, even the yucky or uncomfortable ones! I’m re-learning to trust that I have the inner strength to handle whatever comes my way - I mean I’ve got a pretty good track record so far, eh?
This process has also been a huge lesson in self-compassion, something that you know I struggle with immensely. It's so easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism, but I'm making a conscious effort to treat myself with the same kindness and understanding that I'd offer a close friend.
And because life isn't all about inner work, I've also had some fun adventures this week, yay!
I took a trip to the Blue Mountains with my mum to drop off one of my artworks, and of course, I brought my camera along. It was the perfect opportunity to snap some casual moments with my trusty Ricoh XR-10PF (paired with a vintage Tokina lens, no less!). I even snapped a few pics with my digicam to print out and add to my journal which has been a fun little practice I try to remember to keep up with.
Speaking of cameras, my partner Jordan recently borrowed my Pentax 17 and was super happy with the results! We celebrated our 4-year anniversary in Sydney earlier this month, and I had a blast capturing memories with my Pentax SFXn (which, by the way, is way more fun than I remembered!).
I can't wait to develop those photos soon and compare them to what he snapped away at on his roll!
Creative Updates
Blue Fringe Arts & Literature Festival!
I'm so excited to be part of the Blue Fringe Arts & Literature Festival this week! This amazing exhibition celebrates the creativity of people with lived experience of mental illness or disability and runs from October 23rd-26th at Wentworth Falls TAFE.
I'll be showcasing a self-portrait that explores how I see the world as someone living with complex disabilities which both affect and influence my work. It connects with several other projects I'll be developing over the next 1-2 years, so consider this a sneak peek! One of my poems that relates to the photo was also selected, and I'm absolutely thrilled that both pieces were chosen!
The exhibition will be available to view online as well, and there will also be a published book coming soon! If you're in the Blue Mountains, be sure to stop by and check out the incredible artwork on display.
"The Sting of a Scorpion"
My book project, "The Sting of a Scorpion" is still in its early stages, but it's starting to take shape! I'm currently playing around with different ways to combine my poetry and memoir writing to best capture the nuances of my experiences.
My goal is to turn what began as a series of poems into a full-fledged book, possibly even a photobook with poetry woven throughout. I'm loving the freedom to experiment with different forms and stories so far!
Varuna and Beyond
As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I recently completed Varuna's The Writer's Space program. Connecting with my cohort has been key to keeping me motivated and inspired.
I've even started another writing course! You'll find ongoing updates on my writing journey in my "Interlinked" series, coming soon.
Behind the Scenes + Sneak Peeks!
It's been a busy time in the Josie On Film world!
I'm finally wrapping up edits from the New Face New Place creative meet back in July (better late than never, right?). As many of you know, juggling unpaid collaborations with paid gigs can be a challenge, but I'm determined to give each project the attention it deserves.
Speaking of which, I've got another New Face New Place shoot lined up and ready to be scanned this week. I'm excited to share those images with you soon!
I also recently did a gorgeous couples shoot with my best friend Mel and her partner Nick. I used my Ricoh XR10-PF with a 100mm macro lens, and I'm absolutely loving the results so far. I've scanned a few test shots, and let me tell you, they're stunning! Full scans and edits are coming soon, so stay tuned.
Oh, and I almost forgot! I've got a whole backlog of film to scan from my Pentax 17, including some shots from Unmarked. I'll share some raw scans next week, but you might have already seen some sneak peeks of the developing process over on my Instagram. Get ready for some bangers!
What I'm Exploring + Weekly Recommendations
The Artists Way (30th Anniversary Edition) - by Julia Cameron
This cult classic is basically a rite of passage for any writer. I've known about it for years and even dabbled in my own half assed version of Morning Pages, but now I'm finally committing to the full 12-week program. Wish me luck!
Simple Abundance by Sara Ban Breathnach
This book is meant to be a daily meditation, with one essay to read and reflect on each day. But I'm kind of obsessed and have been devouring it in bigger chunks. It's full of wisdom on how to live a more harmonious and fulfilling life, with prompts for everything from redecorating your space to connecting with your true authentic self. (Fair warning: You’ll probably have a bit of a menty-b and cry reading it like I have.)
You Are A Magnet - Amber Lyon
Just recently got this and already I feel fucking called out. A lot of good reflections to journal about in here! It’s one of those books that you either vibe with because you’re ready for the guidance, or you’ll roll your eyes and toss it in your To Be Read pile till you want to tackle it.
Midori Notebooks
I finally got my hands on these legendary notebooks! I accidentally picked up the gridded version instead of lined, but hey, I'm rolling with it. (P.S. They're fountain pen friendly—yay!) I got mine from Milligram in Sydney but there’s plenty of places online. You’ll have to grab a plastic cover separate though.
Fire Quartz Crystals
Okay, I'm not entirely sure what the metaphysical properties of this crystal are, but it looks fucking cool on my desk while I write.
Yoga with Adrienne
This yoga flow was the perfect way to start my day. If you're a major overthinker like me, I highly recommend checking it out for a dose of self-care. Go on, you deserve a little 20 minute break!
Question of the Week
How does your own creative practice help you navigate challenging emotions or experiences? Do you have a go-to creative outlet for processing difficult times?
Share it with me in the comments and let’s chat about it!
Josie’s Weekly Words of Wisdom…
Look, we're all just trying to survive out here in this chaotic mess of a world, right?
Life throws enough curveballs without us chucking a fucking molotov cocktail of hate at one another. So next time you're about to unleash some snarky comment or post a passive-aggressive rant disguised as a “helpful” video, maybe take a second to breathe and consider the impact of your words. (Don’t worry, I’ve learned this lesson too!)
We're all just delicate little houseplants trying to grow, and sometimes a sprinkle of water, sunshine, and basic human decency is all it takes to make a difference.
Or don't, whatever. I'm not your goddamn therapist… *eye rolls*
But seriously, don't be a weird asshole. Let’s try to be a little better to each other, yeah?
Thanks for tuning in!
Don't forget to check out my Instagram for more frequent updates, behind-the-scenes content, and video versions of these weekly check-ins!
Thank you for being part of this journey! I appreciate your support and your willingness to connect with me, and come on this ever-changing journey with me. Feel free to leave a comment or connect with me on social media.
Till the next one,
Take care!
xoxo, Josie
