How would you describe the specific flavour and interests of your blog?

AS:   Contemporary photography, focusing on emerging and established photographers.

Are comments allowed?

AS:   Yes.

Describe your own background in relation to photography and why you decided to start a photography blog?

AS:   I am a fine art photographer and came to photography after a career as a fashion editor and painter. I first started a blog to showcase my own work and feature announcements and opportunities that were happening in the photo world, but soon tired of the self-promotion. I decided to use the blog as a way to learn about contemporary photography, share it with my students and any other interested parties. I was determined to not just take a cursory glance at the work, but also investigate photographers and their intentions. I do a fair amount of reading about the work before I post it.

In your experience what have been the highs and lows of blogging? Are there any particular pitfalls to owning a photography-related blog?

AS:   The lows are definitely the self-assigned need to produce 5-7 major posts a week - there are nights that I just don't want to think about photography. But the highs outweigh the lows, as I have made wonderful connections with photographers from all over the world.

What are your top three picks from the world of photography in the last 12 months?

AS:   (1) Jan von Hollenben - one of my favorite photographers is Jan Von Hollenben from Germany mainly because there is so much joy and fun in his work, which is sorely lacking in much of what I see. He's got a million things going on and I love his enthusiasm, wit, and celebration of children.

(2) Oliver E Laude - Oliver is another photographer who blends humor and intelligence and comes at photography with a different point of view. It's refreshing to find work that doesn't fit the norm.

(3) Dave Jordano - Dave is a commercial photographer who has brought a developed eye and sensibility to his fine art work. He has an ability to tell stories with his work, which are beautifully executed and presented. I look forward to seeing what ever he cares to explore.

(sorry, can't just do three...)

(4) Taco Anema - after visiting Taco Amema's large and luscious work on display in Amsterdam, I was convinced that his vision was quite remarkable. His portraits of contemporary Dutch families could easily hang along side the Vermeer's and Rhembrandt's at the Rijksmuseum as perfect representations of today's modern family.

(5) Philip Toledano's Days with My Father - Philip's series of his aging father has touched a myriad of viewers. It's a body of work that I haven't stopped thinking about, not only for the subject matter, but for the compelling images that tell a universal story.

If you could only subscribe to one blog (other than your own of course) which would it be and why?

AS:   This is the hardest question as I don't get time to read as many blogs as I'd like and new ones are appearing all the time. There are a lot of smart photographers that have meaningful things to say. If pressed, Rob Haggart's A Photo Editor is always enlightening.