I’ve received some wonderful things in the mail lately-some I purchased, and some came as a surprise. I thought I’d show them to you, because they are impressive, and I’ve been enjoying them over and over. I always appreciate it when people think of me, and when people put such creativity into their work.

I purchased this self-published book of Afghanistan photos by Giles Duley, and not only does the work and the care and thought put into the packaging blow me away, but when I found my book damaged by the post office, Giles sent me a new one. Wow! I got not only the fold out book with text, but beautiful postcards with information on the back as to what I was looking at. Everything about his work is thoughtful, emotional and beautiful.

I have always been a fan of David Bram and Fraction Magazine, and was glad to get my copy of the 2012 Yearbook. I love the way online photography is moving into actual publishing, extending its audience and giving people a tactile experience with the photography they have previously only seen digitally.

Landon Nordeman  takes wonderfully quirky photos of events like the dog shows, and sent me a print from his Canine Kingdom project. Many months before we spoke about this during a casual consult over great coffee, but he was the one to come through without my asking. I love people who keep their word.

The same can be said of Mimi Ko, who’s work I have loved for quite awhile, since I first met her when I held workshops at Mediabistro. It is soft, personal and intimate. It was a thrill to receive this print.

En Foco is an organization “dedicated to cultural diversity in photography.” I’ve been an enthusiastic supporter since they first asked me to review portfolios for them. What better way to show my support than to purchase en foco/in focus Selected Works from the Permanent Collection?

It’s the breadth of the work that really impresses me, and makes me glad to see work I didn’t know about, by artists that don’t often get recognition.

Rustbelt Almanac was a Kickstarter project created by photographer Noah Purdy in order to create a magazine featuring positive economic developments in a region of the country written off as devoid of promise–the part of America that used to be known as our manufacturing heartland. Beautifully photographed, it’s intended to show that there are people and energy and positive things taking place worthy of our support. I look forward to Issue 2.

Photographer Jason Florio has been a favorite of mine for many years, and I am always so grateful when he offers me a print. These two are from his newest work, from the last expedition to the Gambia when Jason and his wife, Helen Jones-Florio, canoed down the Gambian River from end to end. The spirit of adventure lives, and I am so glad to see that. Jason‘s connection to the people he photographs is incredible, and what his subjects give back of themselves is really wonderful. A great example of connecting with your subjects.

What a surprise to receive these cards of scenes from the Hudson River from photographer Joseph Squillante. Useful promo, how refreshing!

As you can see, the variety of gifts is amazing, and the creativity impressive. I can’t wait to see what other surprises show up in my mailbox in the future.