A visual and written record of the creative life; tools, portraits, process, and observations along the way

This space is an open notebook.

Some entries are visual moments, portraits, and places I’ve photographed. Others are more technical or practical: thoughts on my tools, creative experiments, and the systems I rely on to make things. Occasionally, I’ll share reflections on process or ideas I’m still working through.

It’s all part of the same pursuit: clarity through creation.

If it resonates, follow along.

Julian Race 6/18/25 Julian Race 6/18/25

Thinking About Architecture Photography

There’s something appealing about revisiting architecture and interior photography on my own terms. No client brief. No pressure to post or package it. Just curiosity.

Julian Race 4/29/25 Julian Race 4/29/25

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, 2025 Refurb

Impulse purchase alert: I picked up a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic on Amazon. In 2025, I measure everything against the cost of groceries, and this was cheaper than my last grocery run. So here we are.

Julian Race 4/13/25 Julian Race 4/13/25

Sunday evening by the lake

Julian Race 3/9/25 Julian Race 3/9/25

Jaeden on 35mm

Julian Race 3/5/25 Julian Race 3/5/25

My Thoughts on the New M4 MacBook Air

My initial reaction? I’m leaning toward passing on the upgrade—but I want to look more closely at the numbers and weigh the actual benefits.

Julian Race 2/6/25 Julian Race 2/6/25

First Thoughts on the Galaxy Watch 7

I took my time opening this one. I only have this because the deal when I bought the S25 was too good to pass. I didn’t need it, but I like it so far.

Julian Race 2/2/25 Julian Race 2/2/25

2-Phone Tales: iOS and Android in 2025

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my tech setup—especially since I upgraded to the Galaxy S25 and started wondering if I could ever swap it with the iPhone as my primary mobile device. It’s that good.

Julian Race 1/30/25 Julian Race 1/30/25

Galaxy S25 Ultra First Impressions

I’m not a preorder warrior ever, but there are exceptions. The Galaxy S25 Ultra showed up on my doorstep earlier than expected. Black on black with zero hesitation.

Julian Race 1/26/25 Julian Race 1/26/25

New Gear for Mobile Gaming and Video

Some weekend pickups: a backbone controller and a mobile gimbal. Plus, my first hands-on with the S25 Ultra to tide me over until my preorder arrives.

Julian Race 10/19/24 Julian Race 10/19/24

BMW Ulti Driving Exp 2024

Julian Race 10/10/24 Julian Race 10/10/24

Shot on iPhone

Julian Race 9/22/24 Julian Race 9/22/24

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Julian Race 9/20/24 Julian Race 9/20/24

iPhone 16 pro (not Max)

After years of using large-screen iPhones, switching to the iPhone 16 Pro feels like a bold move. In this hands-on review, I share my first impressions on size, usability, and whether the smaller form factor holds up against the Pro Max or Android alternatives like the S23 Ultra.