Welcome to my Sketchbook!

This newsletter is not too serious. It’s a space to write about my life, showcase my photography, and recommend photobooks. It’s my corner of the internet that isn't dictated by an algorithm.

Photograph of me by Kathleen Saunders

Why subscribe?

I was (and still am) sick of being on social media platforms that are run by billionaires. I was sick of putting so much energy into gaming the algorithms just so that the people who already followed me could see my work. Substack is a breath of fresh air on the internet, and it really puts the control back into the hands of artists and writers. I wanted to carve out a casual, fun space on the internet where we could discuss photobooks, I could share my work, and talk about my life as a full-time photographer.

I don’t plan to put anything here behind a paywall right now, but if you would like to support my work, becoming a paid subscriber has a few benefits.

Sketchbook is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Paid Subscriber Benefits:

  • All public posts/full archive

  • Ability to start new threads in the Sketchbook Chat

  • Yearly Paid Subscribers will receive one signed 8x10 inch open edition print. (*Monthly Paid Subscribers will receive their print after 12 months of their subscription)

Subscriber exclusive 8x10 inch open edition print.
This is the photo you will receive this year as an 8x10 in print for yearly paid subscriptions.

About me

Photograph of me by Kathleen Saunders

Ryan Belk (b. 1993) is a photographer based in Charleston, SC.

Born and raised in North Charleston, at the age of 13, Belk was introduced to photography by his grandfather on a 35mm film camera. Belk was fascinated by how his grandfather documented the world around him growing up. He took that fascination and went on to study photography at the Art Institute of Charleston and left with a strong passion for storytelling. His experience spans 12 years as a wedding, portrait, and commercial photographer. Over the last six years, he’s continued to work on a long-term street photography project focusing on last-stage capitalism at its most epic, hilarious, and benign.


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Much love,
Ryan ✌️

Subscribe to Sketchbook

This is a space to write about my life, showcase my photography, and recommend photobooks.

People

Photographer based in Charleston, SC.