2022
My best work and most memorable moments from 2022.
Mitchel Lensink
Photographer and writer working on long-term projects that uncover the overlooked beauty and quiet goodness in the world, shared in my monthly newsletter Dialogue.
2022 In review: one year of monthly newslettering (and some other things)
This is the one-year anniversary of this newsletter going out monthly! I want to use this first anniversary to reflect, but also share some accomplishments, statistics, and ideas for the future. I'll end with some personal notes.
Through the mist, I hear you calling
This time, I'd like to take you on a walk through the mist of an early morning, with a pleasant discovery following soon after.
Impostor syndrome, zone focussing and a request for feedback
Somebody taps on my shoulder, which startles me a little. I look up, straight into the eyes of the man that just passed me. Apparently, he turned around. He notices my uneasiness.
Street photography in Greece but also taking a break
My phone screen wakes from an email: ‘extra information about your upcoming trip to Greece’, it reads. I peek out of the window to the left of me and see nothing but droplets on glass. The perfect time to extend summer just that little bit more.
I went to London and turned into a street photographer
London is a big city. That might sound like an obvious statement to some, but at this particular Thursday morning, I had no idea yet.
How to protect your work from oblivion
I look up from the screen and notice the orange glow outside. 'This would be the perfect time to go for a walk', I think.
Finding focus and working on my elevator pitch (again)
They asks how I'm doing and what I currently spend my days on. A difficult question, I find out immediately. I stumble over my words, as I don't quite know where to start. This is the moment I can spark their interest about my work.
Chance encounters and street photography in Berlin
We turn around the corner from where we've been eating and gradually make our way back to the Airbnb. Then, the biggest coincidence I've experienced this year happened.
The therapeutic nature of photography walks
Whenever I feel disoriented or not in control of my life, I simply need to find a moment to go on a walk that's at least 30 minutes long. I've learned that half an hour is the minimum amount of time required to purge any internal chaos and find balance again.
How photography can be an introvert's best friend
The camera around my neck quickly becomes the topic of conversation, pushing me into the role of ‘the photographer’. After a few short-lived interactions, I excuse myself and task myself with documenting the room and tonight's attendees.
If you're not sure what to make of things, make art
What a month it has been, hasn't it? But in times of turmoil, there's always the option to express yourself and make things. In fact, if you are somebody who likes to create, this is especially a good time to focus on your craft.
Why I am walking, an introduction
First presented in the form of a video, this essay captures my state of mind at the start of 2022 and explains the motivations behind my decision to ditch freelance photography and start going on long photo-walks instead.
I quit freelancing and now go on long photo walks instead
That’s it, I’ve had enough. I look at the phone in its holder to my left and see it’s 11:30 in the evening. Why on earth am I still staring at a computer screen? It has been 10 hours of photo editing, website building and writing today for the I-don’t-know-how-many-th day in a row.
2021
My best work and most memorable moments from 2021.
Monologue (365 Project)
What started as my daily writing 365 project in 2021 continues in 2026 in a less restricted form. A stream of consciousness that has no other place. Almost like a public diary.
365 | I completed one year of daily writing. This is what I learned
Well then, this year flew by, hasn’t it? I can’t believe it has been 365 days of daily writing already. I also can’t believe I made it! Exactly one year ago today, I decided on a whim that a 365 project to improve my writing skills would be a good idea.
364 | My anti-goals for 2022
In addition to my list of goals for next year, here’s also a list of things I
don’t