From the First Selfie to the Edge of the Universe
Plus: Using Shadows to Inspire Your Photography & More
Jeff Tan
August 14, 2025
"The camera is an excuse to be someplace you otherwise don’t belong." — Susan Meiselas
Hi Photo Friends,
Photography often reveals more than what’s in plain sight. This week, we step into layered landscapes, glimpse the universe through the world’s largest camera, and test mobile tools that put creative power in your pocket. We’ll also look back at photography’s first selfie and explore how shadows can shift the mood and meaning of your work.
Foregrounds can turn a flat frame into a layered scene that pulls the viewer in. By placing elements like rocks, flowers, or leading lines between you and your subject, you can guide the eye and create a sense of three-dimensional space. TAKE A LOOK →
Shadows can shift a photo’s focus, mood, and depth. These prompts challenge you to look at light and dark differently, using shadow as an active part of your composition. TAKE A LOOK →
The Rubin Observatory’s new 3200-megapixel camera captures the night sky with stunning clarity—its field of view is 45 times larger than the moon. The first images hint at a decade-long survey that will map the cosmos in unprecedented detail. TAKE A LOOK →
Adobe’s Firefly app brings Photoshop and Premiere Pro tools to your phone, letting you create and edit wherever inspiration strikes. From instant image generation to quick clean-ups for social media, it keeps your Creative Cloud projects moving on the go. TAKE A LOOK →
In 1839, Robert Cornelius created a self-portrait that not only predates the modern selfie but also marked a leap in photographic technique. His innovation in the daguerreotype process made capturing a moment faster—and more personal—than ever before. TAKE A LOOK →
“When I photograph, what I’m really doing is seeking answers to things.“ - Wynn Bullock
Tomorrow: Uncover how light and shadows playfully trick your eyes.
— Jeff