69. Why I turned on paid — but not a paywall

Today I’m turning on a paid subscription to Random Capture, but I’m not putting any of the writing behind a paywall.

That’s intentional.

I want the ideas here — about slowing down, seeing differently, paying attention, and the joy of making photographs — to stay open and accessible. Writing has been big part of how I think, teach, and learn, and I don’t want access to that to depend on someone’s ability or willingness to pay.

At the same time, I’m in the middle of a real transition.

After decades in corporate communications, I’m steadily shifting my work toward 100% photography and photography education — teaching, mentoring, portfolio reviews, photo walks, workshops, and helping people figure out what they want to say with their images. This Substack has become a key part of that ecosystem. Turning on paid subscriptions is a way for people who find value here to directly support that work.

Instead of locking content, I’m doing something different.

What paid subscribers get

A paid subscription is $50/year. In exchange, you get real time with me, not access to gated posts.

Each year, paid subscribers receive:

• Two hours of photo consulting, usable however you want
  That can be:

  • A portfolio review (plus follow-up)

  • Photo lessons (in person or remote)

  • Help with Lightroom, editing, or workflow

  • Guidance on building a photography website, Substack, or zine

  • A conversation about photography goals and direction

  • If you’re in the Bay Area, a custom in-person photo walk

• Your choice of one physical thank-you

  • One of my photo zines

  • or an unframed 8×10 photographic print

For context: my consulting time is normally $75/hour, my zines are $8, and prints are typically $50. If you take full advantage, the value is well over the subscription cost. That’s on purpose. I wanted this to feel generous, not transactional.

Why this structure

Substack requires a minimum monthly price. Rather than charging for posts, I wanted to make sure there was clear, tangible value tied to the subscription — especially value that reflects what I actually do now: teaching, mentoring, and helping people move forward with their photography.

This model keeps the writing open, while letting people say, “I believe in this work, and I want to support it.”

No pressure. No guilt. No disappearing posts.

Who this is for

Paid subscriptions make sense if:

• You’ve been reading for a while and want deeper engagement

• You’d benefit from one-on-one guidance or feedback

• You’re working on a project, direction, or transition of your own

• You want to support the work behind the scenes

If you just want to read and think along, stay right where you are. Nothing changes for free subscribers.

Note: Even when announcing paid subscriptions, I couldn’t do a post without some new photos. Here are a few from yesterday’s pre-sunrise trip to Treasure Island. Subscribe and learn how to get shots like this — or better, let’s shoot them together.