Newsletter #6
Some good in a rough opening to the year (Spring '25).
Dear friends,
I hope you’re all enjoying (or at least bearing through) 2025 so far. Its been a rough few months over here in the Sates, but I’ve managed to find some bright spots this year, including one in particular that’s left a lasting impression on me.
Sony World Photo Awards
I’m delighted to announce that I’ve been awarded 3rd place in the architecture category of the Sony World Photo Awards!
I’m humbled that images from my LIGHT/MASS series were chosen amongst thousands of entries by the judges of such an esteemed contest. I’m thrilled that the work will be seen by more people and hope I can spread more of my big concrete propaganda to the masses!
As a result of the award, some of my work will be shown in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition at Somerset House, London between 17th April to 5th May. If you’re based in the UK, or happen to be in London during that time, you can purchase tickets for the show here. The good folks at Sony have also let me offer a discount to you, my wonderful subscribers. Use the code PHOTO10 at checkout for 10% off standard tickets!
In addition, I’m also incredibly honored to be featured in the accompanying book, which can be pre-ordered at the same ticketing link above. If you’re attending the show, you’ll be able to collect the book from the book shop on your way home.
Chico Review
Speaking of photo books, I had the incredible privilege of attending the 2025 Chico Review in March. A truly unique experience and one that I think will have a significant effect on my artistic practice going forward.
For those who aren’t familiar, Chico Review is a week-long retreat centered around the art of photo book making, organized by Charcoal Book Club. Held in the awe-inspiring mountains of southern Montana, 64 selected photographers spend a week filled with portfolio reviews, guest lectures and above all, incredible company.
Sounds fun, right? Well, I’m happy to report that Chico exceeded my expectations and I had one of the most wonderful and creatively inspiring weeks of my life. Our mornings were spent listening to incredibly inspiring lectures from key note speakers such as David Campany, Sage Sohier and Brad Zellar. After a break for lunch came the more stressful part of the day; portfolio reviews, where I had the opportunity to show prints of my work to respected publishers, curators and artists.
I’ve done a couple of portfolio reviews before, so while the process is a little nerve-wracking, I generally know what to expect. What makes Chico unique though, is that the reviewers stay at the resort with you, which can allow for longer conversations and the opportunity to get to know the reviewers better than a 20 minute session allows.
In general, I feel my work was well received, but I also had a few critiques and suggestions that I’m taking on board and looking forward to exploring over the coming weeks.
What I loved most about Chico though, were/are my fellow attending artists. Spend a week in a remote location with nothing to concentrate on but photography and you’ll make friends fast. Meeting and connecting with so many talented people from around the world was a truly special experience, one that I don’t think could happen in many places other than Chico.
We hung out, ate together and of course, showed each other plenty of photos, books and zines, even swapping prints with one another on our final day. The organizers likened Chico to a summer camp for photographers and while I never went to one as a kid, (they’re not really a thing in the UK) I definitely had that end-of-holidays sadness on the last day.
I’ve very much been missing the people and the mountains since I got back to Brooklyn, but the whole experience has left a huge impression on me and my work. I’ve come back with renewed a focus on making a photo book happen and I’m looking forward to seeing my fellow Chico attendees again (there’s a strong NYC contingent) and be there to support as they continue to make great art.
A HUGE thank you to Jesse, Caitie and the team for putting together such an incredible week!
In the Wall Street Journal!
In other news (quite literally, as it happens), I was delighted to have some of my images in The Wall Street Journal in March, as part of a feature on the modernist architecture of New Haven, Connecticut. It’s my first time having work in the paper and in bona-fide print at that! It was a real thrill opening the page and seeing my work staring back at me. A big thank you to Sarah and Joel at the WSJ for making it happen.
Critical Mass Top 50 Group Show
A highlight early in 2025 was having my work shown in the Critical Mass Top 50 Group Show at APG Gallery in Atlanta. My image of the bath house at Jacob Riis was chosen by curator Polly Gaillard and I made the trip down to Atlanta for the opening night.
It was the first group show I’ve been a part of that I was able to attend in person, so getting to see my work on the wall with my own eyes was a special (and a little surreal) experience. A big thank you to Polly, the APG team and Photolucida for putting together a great show!
New Work
This newsletter has been pretty heavy on the text, so here are some photos I’ve made so far this year.
The Great Outsiders Emails
If this is the first newsletter you’re reading from me, firstly welcome and thank you! In addition to my quarterly updates, I’m sharing work from my ongoing documentary project; The Great Outsiders, which explores the forgotten modernist architecture of the US National Parks.
Each month I’ll share images and stories from a featured location along with updates of my travels as I continue the project.
If that sounds interesting, make sure you’re subscribed and tell your friends!
Recommendations
Going to close this letter out with a music recommendation: a fantastic self-titled debut album from ESTRATOS. I’ve met Diego, the maestro behind ESTRATOS, a few times in the city, watching him play drums for the equally brilliant Wayne Tucker. It’s awesome to see him release his debut record of genre-crossing jazz and of course, the breaks are very much on point. It’s been on heavy rotation in the studio the past few weeks and I’m sure you’ll all love it. Go listen!
Ok, that’s all from me. Keep an eye on your inboxes at the end of the month for the 3rd installment of The Great Outsiders. Until next time!
This is all fantastic news and well deserved Owen, I really love everything you’re doing. I’m spending this weekend doing an intense print workshop that also involves critiquing and discussing my work with (hopefully) likeminded people. And later this year I have not one, not two but three weeks in beautiful UK locations doing nothing but photography with great groups of folks. These things always bring out the best in my work. I’m not one for competitions but huge congratulations on the Sony award, that’s a big deal for sure. All the best, D
Great accomplishments, Owen! It’s always good to hear about your experiences in person (when we chat) but it’s also great to read about it and get a feel for your voice and enthusiasm. I love the landscape shots of Montana as an addendum to your concrete portfolio! Cheers.