Substacks recommended by Stella Kalaw

Recommended by Stella Kalaw

Contemplative essays, photographs and explorations with a lens on the DNA of the creative process. For artists, solopreneurs, any thoughtful creatives in transition.

Notes from the Field

By Anne Silver Mondinot

Musings about life, loss, nature, healing, resilience, with an emphasis on finding and creating wonder.

There’s a deep, rich intimacy in Ann’s photographs and writing that draws me in. I’ve been a fan of her work since 2019. Her curiosity and sense of wonder are truly inspiring. She transforms pain and loss into something incredibly beautiful.

- Stella Kalaw

Nature Moments

By SydneyMichalski🌿NatureMoments

nature photography + nature stories to inspire you to be curious, be amazed, and then do it again!

UNDONE

By Undone by Manuela Thames

I share my photography and write personal essays on art, creativity, connection and what it means to be human. My creative practice is driven by a continuous desire to explore the mysterious beauty that comes out of pain and suffering.

Manuela's imagery speaks deeply to my emotions, offering a silent, intimate conversation through light and shadow, double exposures, and blurred, fading moments. She feels like a twin flame, capturing the same themes I also photograph. I look forward to her newsletter every week.

- Stella Kalaw

Makeist

By Jen Mayer

Makeist is more than a design + print studio—it’s a creative practice built on connection. Every Sunday, I share the projects I’m making, the ideas I’m exploring, and the things I’m drawn to. It’s a conversation, not a broadcast—and you’re invited.

Chasing the Blue Flower

By Laura B.

Tales of Longing and Wonder

Laura writes beautifully. Her stories, which paint vivid pictures of the intersection of longing, wonder, and faith, always carry me along. I look forward to receiving her newsletter in my inbox.

- Stella Kalaw

Duane Toops

I make things...

A prolific collagist and a thoughtful writer, Duane offers inspiration and reflection to his readers. As a fellow collage artist, I learn something new every time I read his newsletter.

- Stella Kalaw

Microseasons

By Ann Collins

A Field Guide to Savoring 72 Seasons of the Year

Ann offers fresh, contemplative perspectives on the ordinariness of nature through her imagery, micro-projects, and words. Uplifting and aspirational—her work is always a delight to read.

- Stella Kalaw

Reflecting Light

By Al Adlard

Notes on photography & other things that ground me.

Al's writing is as vivid as her photographs, complementing each other like a symphony. I can't express how excited I am every time her newsletter lands in my inbox. Each post is an intimate gift, slowly unwrapped to reveal the beauty and the small details she so gracefully notices around her.

- Stella Kalaw

My Morning Muse

By Susanne Helmert

My little space to share the things I love. Mainly photography and other artistic endeavours.

Susanne's work is always a visual treat! Weekly morning walks, inspiring photo zines and photographic collaborations. What more can you ask for?

- Stella Kalaw

Xavografica

By Xavi Buendia

A weekly newsletter in the form of photo essays and visual journals with thoughts on the creative process from an independent, working photographer and artist.

Xavi's rich visual photographic journal, which explores places, food, creative processes, and inspiration, is a delight to receive in my inbox!

- Stella Kalaw

Photos, mostly

By Neil Milton

Thoughts on the philosophy and practice of street photography. Also some photographs, the latest photography news, and advice to improve your photography out there on the street.

Collage Spamouflage

By Paris Collage Collective

a.k.a. The Weekender - collage news & inspiration (every Friday)

Dear Reader, I'm lost

By Rebecca Holden

Letters from a writer navigating the world with absolutely no sense of direction.

Art and humor—that’s what Rebecca brings to her newsletter. I love the lightness she infuses as she shares stories of mishaps mixed with her curious observations. An absolute delight in my inbox!

- Stella Kalaw

Release and Gather

By Holly Rabalais

Letting go of what was to make room for what’s to come.

A Considerable Age

By Alice Goldbloom

Always searching for a bit of light. Widely authentic stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning are my small contribution.

Every piece is delightful! From heartwarming to heart wrenching and everything in between- A Considerable Age is one of my favorites reads every Sunday.

- Stella Kalaw