Shadow & Light Monthly #69

Shadow & Light is a list of curated photography stories, features, techniques, news and inspiration that I’ve come across this month.

In this edition we celebrate the glitz of the Disco era and see how one photographer is sparking conversation around antidepressants. We celebrate 10 years of creative aerial photography and look at the prolific career of a street photography legend.

So, with no further ado, I give you this month’s Shadow & Light Monthly. Go grab yourself a cuppa and enjoy this month’s selections below. Please let me know in the comments what you think.

Pick of the Month – Exhibition Celebrates the Glitz of the Disco Era and Its Sociopolitical Roots

The exhibition DISCO, I’m Coming Out at the Philharmonie de Paris shines a light on the vibrant visual legacy of the disco era, with a particular focus on the photographers who captured its pulsating energy. Images by Meryl Meisler, Michael Abramson, and Bill Bernstein play a central role, documenting the freedom, expression, and diversity of the 1970s nightclub scene. From Meisler’s intimate portraits of New York’s Studio 54 regulars to Bernstein’s dynamic shots of dance floor euphoria, the work reflects disco’s radical inclusivity and celebration of identity.

These photographs do more than preserve a cultural moment—they embody the political and social movements that disco supported, particularly among African American, queer, and feminist communities. Through bold fashion, ecstatic movement, and an unapologetic embrace of glamour, the photographers offer a window into a world where music, style, and liberation collided.

For a closer look at the images and the stories behind them, read the full article on My Modern Met.

Additional Reads

John Park Photographs Antidepressants to Spark a Deeper Conversation

Photographer John Park confronts the stigma surrounding mental health in his latest series, by photographing his own antidepressants. This deeply personal project aims to spark open conversations about mental illness, challenging societal norms that often view such conditions as personal failings. Park’s work is influenced by artists like W. Eugene Smith and Nan Goldin, who are known for their emotionally resonant and personal storytelling. He reflects on the pervasive shame associated with mental health, particularly within Korean culture, where appearances are highly valued, and mental illness is often stigmatized. 

Technically, Park approached the project by photographing each pill with the intention of presenting them as valuable objects. He used a 60-megapixel Leica M11 with a 50mm lens on a macro adapter, shooting at f/11 for maximum depth and sharpness. The images were captured on a white background using his iPhone as a light source. However, the resulting photographs revealed the pills as scuffed and imperfect, which Park found to be a more honest representation of his experience. 

For a comprehensive insight into John Park’s project and his thoughts on mental health and photography, read the full article on Them Frames.

SkyPixel Photo Contest Celebrates 10 Years of Creative Aerial Photography

The 10th Annual SkyPixel Photo & Video Contest, hosted by DJI, has unveiled its 2025 winners, spotlighting the artistry and innovation in aerial and handheld photography. In the photo category, Gangerqia’s Mysterious Realm earned the top prize. This captivating image features a red-crowned crane landing on a frozen pond, its footprints forming a delicate trail across the snow. Judge Luke Stackpoole remarked on the photograph’s ability to “almost trick you at first glance—like you’re looking at a drawing rather than a real landscape,” highlighting its minimalist palette and serene composition.

My own personal favourite image from the awards is by Joanna Steidle and shown below. An absolutely incredible capture of a group of stingray and a large school of fish.

In the video division, Bashir Abu Shakra’s The War – My Transformation Journey received the Best Aerial Video award. The film employs expansive landscapes as metaphors for solitude and introspection. Meanwhile, Henry Yue’s Japan Travel Cinematic was honoured in the Handheld Video category for its immersive portrayal of Japan’s rich culture, with judge Sam Newton praising its exceptional sound design and movement. You can watch the winning film below.

And Finally – Artist Profile Celebrates the Prolific Career of This Street Photography Legend

A recent video from The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) profiles the prolific street photographer Jamel Shabazz with a visit to his home studio and old neighborhood. In it, Shabazz discusses his influences, philosophy and process, as well as how he began his career in photography.

Shabazz is best known for his images of people on New York City’s streets and subway, capturing life in the city for the past 40 years. He began his photographic journey in 1980 after serving in the Army in Germany. Once back in New York, he used a 35mm Canon AE-1 to capture hip-hop culture in the 80s and 90s. His work includes both posed and candid photographs and clips from his studio reveal the vastness of his archive.

It’s a short video, but it serves as an excellent reminder of the importance and power of portraiture and photography as a tool for storytelling. You can watch below.

Until Next Time…

I hope you enjoy the articles above. Don’t forget you can follow my Shadow & Light magazine over on Flipboard if you’d like to see more of what I’m reading if you like what you’ve seen here.