About Beyond the Frame

Hi, I’m Gavin Gough, a freelance photographer.

I work on assignment for newspapers, magazines, and NGOs, often documenting stories of people facing challenging circumstances.

Protests and peacekeeping
Protests and peacekeeping
Humanitarian: rebuilding after natural disasters
Humanitarian: rebuilding after natural disasters
Development: clean water, education, infrastructure
Development: clean water, education, infrastructure

I document good times, bad times and everything in-between. Here’s an example of one of the good times:

“The most important lessons I’ve learned on the road to becoming a photographer didn’t involve a camera.”

What is Beyond the Frame?

Beyond the Frame is my free newsletter. It’s mostly about photography.

I share photos and essays from my own work plus behind-the-scenes stories and workflow tips.

I like to promote the work of fellow photographers and I also write about books, films, podcasts—anything that catches my attention really.

In some way, everything I write about involves the art of storytelling and hopefully reveals something about the human condition.

Even though I’m writing about things that—in the words of Taylor Swift—“I care about but I don’t expect other people to care about”, I’ve learned that a lot of people find the same things worthy of attention.

Here are some of the encouraging comments readers have shared:

“Entertaining and educational… the gold standard in photography Substack.” — Monica Lord (Subscriber)

Hi Gavin, I would like to personally thank you for reviewing my work on your newsletter. It’s really valuable that you feel and understand so closely this work. Thank you. — Viktoria Chikalo (Photographer)

“Thank you for putting time into this publication; it is always insightful, inspirational, and informative!” — Daniel Torres (Subscriber)

“Keep up the brilliant work on Substack, your topics are right up my alley & I’m learning every time I tune into your writing.” — Anthony Marshall (Subscriber)

“I support your work because you produce quality content that intrigues and inspires me. I’m hoping that I will be sufficiently enthused to dust of my cameras and start taking photographs once more.” — Andy (Subscriber)

What is a paid subscription?

All editions are free to read but the newsletter only exists thanks to the support of a community of like-minded readers.

Three paid options

  1. Monthly: £6/€6/$7

  2. Annual: £55/€60/$70

  3. Founder: £105/€120/$135

Monthly and annual subscriptions give access to extra benefits:

  • All editions free, including the complete archive.

  • Product discounts (e.g. 25% off Kodachrome Presets)

  • Discounts on published work; prints, zines, books etc.

  • Exclusive subscriber editions

Founding members also receive:

  • 100% discount on digital products

  • 100% discount on published work

  • Preferential access to photo workshops

  • Exclusive Founder Member content


Enter your email to subscribe for free and to see paid subscription options.

If this isn’t the right time for you to upgrade, I don’t mind at all and will always appreciate your readership. Perhaps you’d consider sharing Beyond the Frame instead.

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Thank you for stopping by and I hope you’ll find something in Beyond the Frame that interests you.

Note to self
Note to self

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“Gavin's 'Beyond the Frame' newsletter is a jewel. It blends useful technical information from a pro photographer with a humanitarian's compassion for the people and their stories on the other end of the lens. Highly recommended." — Norman Sanders

People

Freelance Photographer