Amanda Shopa
Film Photography & Fiber Arts
Latest Posts
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Weeks 57–60 of 209 Weeks
Week 57 of 209 Weeks: Your only job is to show up. Life will meet you there. Photo Notes: Seoul, South Korea, May 2024 Week 58 of 209 Weeks: “In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human…
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What I’ve Learned from One Year of Consistent Darkroom Work
I consciously stepped away from art making for three months to recuperate. Three months turned into something much longer, and even when I felt ready, I had a difficult time returning to my studio practice. When I went to make my first postcard for the 209 Weeks project, I hadn’t…
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Weeks 53–56 of 209 Weeks
Week 53 of 209 Weeks: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” –Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Photo Notes: I believe this photo was taken in Iowa in 2022. Week 54 of 209 Weeks: “Eating is so intimate. It’s very sensual. When you invite someone…
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Showing Fire in Black and White
One of the reasons I love black-and-white photography is because of the decision making that comes into play; one of the frustrating things about black-and-white photography is the decision making that comes into play. Last year I visited Pacem in Terris during their bonfire weekend. Usually visits to Pacem are…
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Minnesota, 1/24/2026
My friend texts me from out of state. “How are you doing today?” Alex Pretti has been killed by Border Patrol agents. He was helping a stranger. I tap at my phone, unsure of what to say. “We went to a candlelight vigil just down the street, so it was…
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Weeks 49–52 of 209 Weeks
Week 49 of 209 Weeks: “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” —Victor Hugo. Photo Notes: This photo was taken at Soudan-Vermilion State Park in October 2025. A large robin was snacking on this very tiny apple near the lakeshore. Because of the robin, I found a…
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