Ilie Mitaru's First Frames Film, Snapseed Update & a Powerful New Docuseries
Kids Behind the Lens, a Beloved App Reborn & Honoring Black Photo Legends
Seeing Through a New Lens
I first came across Ilie Mitaru’s work after seeing his film First Frames, and I was immediately drawn in—not just by the images, but by the story behind them. The film centers on photographs made by kids from displaced and marginalized communities in Turkey—images that are raw, vibrant, and full of life. These weren’t your average snapshots. There was something confident and unfiltered in the way these young photographers saw the world. Ilie discovered their work through Serbest Salih’s Instagram feed, and like me, he instantly knew there was something special going on.
What I admire about Ilie’s approach is that he didn’t make a film about trauma or hardship. First Frames is about the kids—how they see, how they think, how they express themselves. It’s quirky, joyful, and deeply human. I had the chance to sit down and talk with Ilie about the project and his journey as a filmmaker on the latest episode of The Candid Frame. You can check out our full conversation here: The Candid Frame #652 – Ilie Mitaru.
Snapseed is Alive!
Okay, I have to admit—I had completely written off Snapseed. For years, it felt like Google had abandoned what was once one of the best mobile editing apps around. No updates, no new features, and no signs of life. I’d still use it here and there because of its intuitive controls and powerful editing tools, but I’d mostly assumed it was dead in the water.
So when I heard that Snapseed just got a major update, I was honestly thrilled. It’s the first real sign of life in years, and it gives me a bit of hope that the app might actually have a future again. For those of us who’ve used it as part of our mobile workflow, this is big news. The app is available on both Apple iOS and Android, so if you haven’t already updated (or redownloaded) it, now’s the time. I’m already diving back in to see what’s changed—and it feels good to be excited about Snapseed again.
Celebrating The Darkroom MCs
I also want to shine a light on a new documentary series that just launched on PBS and ALL ARTS TV—The Darkroom MCs (short for Darkroom Masters of Culture). The series was created, directed, and produced by photographer and former Candid Frame guest Russell Frederick, along with his longtime friend and collaborator Anderson Zaca.
This project has been years in the making, and it’s all about honoring the work and legacy of Black and Brown photographers whose images have shaped our culture, history, and sense of identity. One of those featured is the late Beuford Smith, who sadly passed away last week. Beuford was a founding member and president of Kamoinge, editor of the Black Photographers Annual, and someone who picked up the baton from Roy DeCarava at Hunter College. His work lives in the collections of institutions like MoMA and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts—and more importantly, in the hearts and minds of the people he mentored and inspired.
There’s a special screening of The Darkroom MCs this Wednesday at the Grand Army Plaza Library in Brooklyn, a place full of personal history for Russell. But you can also stream the series starting at 6PM on PBS, ALL ARTS TV, and YouTube. It’s also available on Apple TV and Roku. I can’t recommend it enough. These are the kinds of stories that don’t get told nearly often enough—and they deserve to be seen, shared, and remembered.