Dear Friends, Subscribers, Countrymen (and Countrywomen) from Various Countries!
I haven't posted in a while, but fear not, I'm still here. It's just that I've been doing some thinking. You see, my inner critic, Freddy, caught a bad case of bronchitis. While he was busy coughing up a storm every night, I found myself with some free time to contemplate my newsletter, "Photowalking w/Kustanographer." The more I thought about it, the clearer it became that it needed more focus and discipline.
Instead of embarking on the creation of a second newsletter about screenwriting, a project I was in the midst of, the wiser side of me (I must admit, I enjoy it when Freddy is sick) decided that I should merge three of my primary interests: photography and walking (commonly known as photowalking) with screenwriting, often referred to as dramatic and visual writing. Thus, the idea of "Framing the Story" was born. I added the hyphens and italics for visual pizzazz: Framing-the-Story. I hope you like it.

I've also bid farewell to the "kustanographer" pseudonym (although I continue to use it on social media; my young niece told me it was cute, so I kept it.) My name is Alex Kustanovich. It rhymes with "son-of-a-bitch."
Read more about the redesigned and re-imagined newsletter, and about me, here.

Now, back to photowalking and screenwriting. You might find this idea a bit unconventional, but I beg to differ. Au contraire! While these two art forms may seem vastly different, they share similarities, especially in the realms of storytelling and visual composition. Here are some ways in which the act of walking and the art of photography can enrich the craft of screenwriting and vice versa.
Let's begin with walking. Can the simple act of walking enhance your creativity? You betcha! Numerous peer-reviewed articles delve into this subject. Incorporating regular walks into your creative process can be an invaluable practice. Whether you're a screenwriter, photographer, musician, or engaged in any other creative pursuit, the act of walking can serve as a catalyst for inspiration, problem-solving, and fresh perspectives, ultimately enriching your creative endeavors.
Photography, too, can elevate the art of screenwriting in several ways. It offers visual inspiration, aids in visual storytelling, and provides screenwriters with a deeper understanding of the cinematic medium. By drawing from the visual language of photography, screenwriters can infuse their scripts with depth and authenticity, making them more engaging for both readers and future viewers.
Writing Prompt:
Compose a half-page biography of the child suspended in mid-air. Focus not on his place of residence or his toothpaste preferences, but rather his relationship with his parents (or guardians) his contemplation about life (even at his young age), and, most importantly, what occupies his mind in that precise moment as he executes an ollie on his skateboard, acutely aware that his friends are watching.
Conversely, integrating elements of screenwriting into photography can enhance a photographer's ability to narrate stories, convey emotions, and craft images that resonate with viewers on a profound level. It encourages photographers to transcend the technical aspects of their craft and embrace the art of visual storytelling.

That’s it for today, folks. I hope you stick with me. And I hope our journey is long and exciting.
Kind regards,
AK