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IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN TO MY SUBSTACK HOME PAGE, YOU’RE MISSING THE BEST STUFF.

My first blog post was way back in February 2018. That makes me middle -aged by blogging standards. My post went out in the world to less than 50 people. Last week I passed 1000 subscribers and climbing.

Thanks to each and every one of you who’ve supported, shared, commented, and followed along the way.

My mission is simple. To make this thing we have - photography - a creative, useful, enriching part of everyone’s life.

Working at Apple, I saw how pictures connect people to the world around them. How the iPhone has woven photography into the very fabric of our daily lives. Whether they were people who had rarely taken a picture before, or lifelong photographers exploring this brand new digital experience, they’d all become immersed in a visual revolution.

From the inspirational to the mundane, photos have become the cave paintings of the 21st century. We document, explain, and celebrate our moments in pictures that will outlive us all. We gather by the campfire and tell photo-inspired stories. Where to find food and how to prepare it. Places we’ve been and things we’ve seen. Images spawn tales about our ancestors and recollections about our past. They keep loved ones close.

My task is to help you to master the magic at hand. To experience photography without frustration. Photos should be a source of joy, not overwhelm.

My business, Bluewater Imaging, is dedicated to that purpose and my newsletter, 5 Minute Photos, is the public voice that spreads the word and chips away at the confusion, uncertainty, and guilt I’ve seen surround this photography thing which caught the world by surprise. When mobile photos/cameras ended up in everyone’s pocket, pictures suddenly became the world’s first language and we - both the experienced and the accidental photographers among us - are now trying to understand and manage this amazing/confusing/powerful/overwhelming/priceless/ever changing new experience.

I hope you’ve found 5 Minute Photos to be a fun and useful assist in mastering all that for yourself.

But here’s the thing. If you’re just seeing 5 Minute Photos through your email, you should know about the 5 Minute Photos Home Page. There’s even more.

I’ve heard from subscribers who save these posts to an email folder for reference, and I’m flattered. But all these posts are saved on my 5 Minute Photos Home Page, ready to be revisited when you want to recall that tip or inspiration. You can see the history, search by subject, and get related posts on demand.

But that’s not all.

One of the reasons I moved to Substack is the rich media it supports. In 2026 I plan to add audio recordings of select posts, video how-to’s, podcasts, and live video broadcasts. It’s an exciting prospect that will help make your experience with photography on the Apple Platform even more accessible and fun.

I can’t wait.

Two things about that.

Let’s chat. Ask me anything.

I would love to hear from you too. Let’s make this a conversation.

What bugs you about digital photography? What do you love?

To get in on the chat, though, you need to go to my posts/home page in your browser or download the Substack App on mobile. When you do that you can join the public chat that is attached to every post. And when you create a free Substack account in the App, you can bookmark any posts for quick reference.

On the 5 Minute Photos Home Page you will also see what’s included as Premium content for paid subscribers. These are deep dive posts, How-it-Works video tutorials, and mini-course links for more complete coverage or advanced photo apps and techniques. If you are someone who’s become inspired to up your photo game you’ll find some great resources here. You’ll also get access to links for a 10% savings on my more in-depth online courses at Bluewater Imaging Photo Workshops.

Subscription and course discounts through Friday, December 19th.

Speaking of which, I’m offering a 50% discount for my Paid Subscriptions through midnight on Friday, December 19th. That’s only $5 on the monthly plan and $48 for a 1 year subscription. It’s great if you want to get a taste of the Premium content or a super discount for 12 months access. That annual plan also makes a wonderful gift for someone you know who may be struggling or would enjoy taking their photography to the next level.

And while we’re in the mastery mindset, another great deal is my mini-course that explains how to navigate the new iPhone layout in Apple Photos whether you have iOS 18 (last year) or upgraded to iOS 26 (this year). This $39 mini-course is priced at $32 as a holiday special, also through Friday, December 19th. The course takes you through 10 short lessons that show you how to stop endlessly scrolling when you want to find a photo. Find the pictures you want in seconds. It’s almost magic. Amaze your friends and love your photos again.

So this is my invitation to get out of your Inbox and onto the site. Get access to even more about the photography in your life.

Happy Holidays!