What If I Challenged You?
A simple test of growth from me to you
Next week, I’ll ring in my third year of writing for Church & Street. I’ve shared over 150,000 words in that time and I don’t recall ever challenging you, dear reader, to do something like I’m about to today.
You see, the goal of this community is to serve photographers and creatives with information and experiences in a meaningful way. As the About Page suggests, this includes interviews, workshops, meetups, and of course, this newsletter that sits at the centre of it all. But there’s one thing I’d like to add to offerings today. Something that looks to give you the opportunity to take more ownership with this community.
Introducing The Challenge
Starting now, even with 2025 almost in the books, I’m going to challenge you to do a little work. My goal is to curate simple, meaningful tasks designed to nudge your photography forward and connect us through some collective heavy lifting.
If my years of mentoring have taught me anything, it’s that you can spot the real players the moment you give them a job to do. While the armchair experts are still checking the weather, the hungry ones have already grabbed their gear. I’ll be doing these challenges right alongside you, mostly to see who’s actually paying attention and who’s just here for the vibes.
Will you join me?
You Have Two Weeks…
I’m challenging you to print at least five of your photographs and put them in a travel-friendly album before the year is out. It’s that simple. Whether it’s a folder on your phone or a project on your computer, find five shots, print them, and stick them in a book.
It doesn’t matter if you print them at home, at a local shop, or through an online service. We aren’t looking to overcomplicate the process. The task is to pick at least five favourites and bring them to life in a physical way.
Far too many of us let our photographs die behind a screen. I built a robust home printing setup five years ago, but the printer eventually developed a mind of its own. No matter how much I tinkered, it refused to print images perfectly straight. My printing habit faded because I just wasn’t happy. It wasn’t until last October that I found a reliable solution: a professional lab.
When I connected with Eric at Digital Silver Imaging, I was reminded by how much I enjoyed having my own prints around the office, not just photo books by others. I’ve already sent his team some selections. While they specialize in archival prints for galleries and museums, they’ve launched Value Prints for keepsakes and curating that are extremely affordable. After seeing what they did with my test prints, I decided to stop fighting my home printer and let the professionals handle it.
If you’re looking to get your prints where I do. visit my friends at Digital Silver Imaging and use the code BALANVP for free US shipping.
We photographers, we’re often like the world-class chef who spends all day prepping Michelin-starred meals only to go home and eat a bowl of cereal. As photographers, we preach the importance of print but let our own work languish because of schedules or perfectionism. We’ll procrastinate until everything is just right, which usually means nothing ever gets done.
No more. I’m challenging myself to make these physical mementos a priority again. When my prints arrive, they’re going into a Profolio book that’ll serve as my portable portfolio. My work takes me around the world, and lately, I’ve found that Instagram has become the default way I show people what I do. I want to change that. I want to return to the habit of carrying a physical book.
This is the challenge for both you and I.
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Leica Akademie: Video for Photographers (Seattle)
In March of next year, I’m leading a three-day workshop for photographers who are new to video. Whether you’re looking to create short films, branded content, or simply elevate your visual storytelling, this workshop provides a practical introduction to filmmaking. Learn more here.
Arctic 2026 Photography Adventure
In 2024, I traveled to Svalbard with Quark Expeditions and it was unforgettable. I’m planning a return trip in 2026 with a group of photographers. This is not a workshop. It’s an excuse for like-minded storytellers to visit one of the most remote places on earth. If that sounds like you, fill out this form to learn more.
Next year, I’m heading to India again for our second street photography adventure across the North and South. Seats have just been made available for those looking for a deep, immersive photography experience. Learn more here.
Previous Favourites
The BIG December Contest
If you’ve been hanging around Church & Street for a minute, you know December means it’s time to go big. And this is hands-down my biggest giveaway yet. Here’s all the goodness one lucky person is taking home:
What’s a Church & Street party without my pals at ShopMoment.com? This year, we’ve decided to stop messing around and just drop a $500 Gift Card straight into someone’s account. Go nuts. Treat yourself to all the gear.
You know I drag my Espresso Display everywhere. And since I can’t stop talking about how essential it is, I put together the ultimate travel bundle so one of you can upgrade your adventures and stop hunching over a tiny laptop screen. One winner will receive a 15” Espresso Pro 4K display, Stand+, and Nylon Case.
This is my personal favourite. Two Wolves was, without question, my best shot of 2025. This image won’t even be available for purchase until next year, but one of you gets to own the first print.
How will I pick the winner? Make sure you’re signed up for this newsletter then leave a comment on at least one post from this month. I’ll be randomly picking one person, confirming they meet the requirements and contacting them directly before announcing the winner publicly.
As always, this contest is void where prohibited by law. Good luck!
What’s Next?
For the annual subscribers of Church & Street, I’ve already placed an order with Digital Silver Imaging for your 5x7” Limited Edition print. This version will never be available for sale. It’s the photographic equivalent of a secret menu item: strictly for the inner circle.
The package is sitting at a sorting facility in New York at the moment. As soon as they arrive, I’ll be signing and shipping them out. Thank you so much for your continued patience.
GB
Task accomplished. Too bad we can’t attach video or photos to comments. I’ll publish a note with a short video and a longer post with details on my feed.
The idea of a pocket portfolio is wonderful! I have been printing 4x6s of my work recently with the thought that I would curate them into a collage on my wall. But I think I would rather curate them into a portfolio book instead.
Excited to dig into this little project in the new year, thanks for the inspiration Gajan!