As we get further into the Covid-19 crisis, it’s absolutely clear to me that the most important thing we have are our relationships with our family and friends.  It goes without saying that maintaining our economic wellbeing and everything that goes along is essential, but what will sustain us emotionally in the days, week and perhaps months ahead are these indispensable relationships we have.  Even if the Monalog Collective I have been working to establish did not succeed for some strange reason (That won’t happen!!), the friendships I’ve established because of it will remain. And that matters more than anything. Then there are the members of my Photo Chat group that get together on a Sunday morning for coffee and to show prints, the students I’ve taught, the photographers I have met through workshops, events or get-togethers like Photo Arts Xchange, and finally, the photographers I’ve communicated with and met because of this humble website. None of these friendships can be taken away, whatever happens going forward.

As the virus progresses, I will work to maintain and grow these relationships. Next to the relationship I have with my family, these friendships will be one of the most important things that gets me through this.

In short, I am grateful for all the friends I have made in photography and for all that you have contributed to make my life better. And I am certain those contributions will continue throughout this trying time.

I urge you all to stay safe, and think about the relationships you have made through photography.  Reach out to your fellow photographers and stay in touch, now more then ever. You will be glad you did, and so will they.

Best wishes,

Michael