Aug 2025

Hi friend- 

This month I turned 40- and as is mandatory with all big birthdays I took a moment to look back at where I've come from, and look forward toward what's to come.  

Last decade shift I was working part time as a photo editor for all the big award shows and entertainment agencies while barely shooting on the side- portraits, beauty, fashion- none of the food still lifes that set my heart on fire. They were long, stressful days and I'd go home feeling drained. Only a short while later I quit the safety net of staff photo jobs, dialed in on the dream, formed my business and leaned in for the ride. Since then, I've had the great fortune to get to use my days to make ideas come to life with some really excellent folks. I also got married, had a little son and am really proud he gets to see the possibilities of a creative life. That's cool too. 

That being said, this year has not been the most smooth of peanut butter. More like that jar of organic stuff in the back of the cupboard with the separated oil that would eat a spoon like cement if you actually opened it. Daily I am having convos about the future and state of the industry and here is what I've got for you. 

Technology will change and is, job titles might merge, staff + freelance is probably going to be sticky for a bit, people in power will likely keep acting foolish in ways that trickle down in big ways BUT what won't change is the value of creating.  

Our unique ideas and viewpoints have power and value. I know I want to keep using mine to show the beauty, fun, weirdness, and energy of this cool world of ours. That is what is going to get us through. 

Let's keep creating together! 

You bring the jelly, I'll bring the good PB 🧡 

xoxo

RP

PS. This newsletter features images from my recent bucket list trip to Morocco. Since there is a lot to say on photography in a different environment, places we saw, snacks that were snacked, and ooops food poisoning- I'm going to carry that conversation (and more photos) into Substack where I hope you will join me! Stay tuned on the socials 👀