Every year, one of the companies I write for puts out a calendar for its representatives. And every year, the calendar rakes in a bunch of awards for everything from the concept and design to the color reproduction.
So when the art director suggested last year that we “pitch” the idea of an all-Munro-photo calendar, I never thought our clients would buy it. I’ll skip to the punch line: They bought it.
We went to the press check over the Christmas holiday. (I’m the one holding the camera.)
It was fascinating — and a tremendous ego boost — to see my images rolling off a giant Heidelberg press. Never mind that the first run landed in the recycling, thanks to a disconcertingly purple sky.
But nothing could have prepared me for the satisfaction of holding the calendar and seeing my photos printed and bound, ready to ship all over the country. As much as I may love my digital life, there’s still something about the printed word — or image, in this case — that seems more lasting and more “real.”
Thanks to all of you who have accompanied me on my past journeys, and who know the stories behind these images. And an even bigger thanks to those of you who will stick around for my future adventures. (Hint: The next one is coming up in less than three weeks.) Until then, I leave you with a few of my favorite travel pin-ups.
HeideBlog 
How awesome is that! Congratulations. There’s nothing like seeing your work in print.
“Awesome” was exactly the word that came to mind, as I saw those pages roll off the press — but it seemed a little self-congratulatory for the blogosphere. 🙂 But you’re so right that there’s nothing like seeing one’s work in print!
Gorgeous photos, and congratulations on your calendar!
Thank you so much! You’ve been posting some wonderful work, as well. 🙂
Thank you for your encouragement! I noticed many shots of Europe, especially France, in what you shared. It’s hard to make France look ugly! 🙂
It’s indeed hard to make France look ugly, which is maybe why it’s one of my favorite photography destinations. That said, with each visit I’ve become more and more drawn to Paris’ shadow side — the poorer neighborhoods and the marginalized immigrants most tourists never see. I’m excited to see what this curiosity will yield.
This is wonderful! Where to next? Eastern Europe, perhaps? 🙂
How funny you should ask, Mark … Eastern Europe does indeed appear to be on the menu for this November! But the next trip will take me back to Paris. Any chance you and Melody will be passing through? 😀
That is wonderful!!! Congrats!! You must be beaming!! The photos are sooooooooooooo good!! I can absolutely see why they would make an “all-HBlog” calender!! 😀 **
Thank you so much!! It’s probably the one-and-only time in my life that someone will publish and all-HBlog calendar, so I must confess I’m pretty happy. I can’t wait ’til my parents get their copy. 🙂
Congratulations.
Thanks, Tom! Perhaps next year we should pitch YOU as the featured photographer? 🙂
That’s really cool H and I love, love, love seeing all those images together. Congrats!
Thank you, thank you! 🙂
Sweeet! You deserve every ounce of the pride, respect and good mojo associated with this accomplishment. Bravo à toi, et à bientôt pour une nouvelle aventure française!
À bientôt, bien sûr !! Et j’espère que tu seras là pour partager quelques de mes petites aventures. La première s’agitera de retrouver le Msr. Stephen “Plays Bach with Authority” Lyman à la rue des Barres. 🙂
Oui ça fait longtemps que je l’ai pas vu. Il fait peut-être trop froid pour jouer de la guitare à l’extérieur…surtout trop froid de la jouer avec l’autorité. 🙂
WOW, H, that is so cool, congratulations! Your shots are so beautiful and you make it look effortless, as if the whole world is beautiful through your eyes. 🙂 Go you!
*Most* of the world is beautiful to me, dear DB. For the rest, there’s Photoshop. 🙂
Lovely work, H! And the resulting calendar would make one glad for the passage of time just to see the next month. 🙂
I am very honored that such a highly visual (and cultured!) person as yourself would like my photos, Jarrett. Thank you very much for your kind words.
The calendar might only last for 12 months but the images are immortal. Bravo, H!
Merci infiniment, Msr. Xpat. You’re far too kind, as usual! But this small accomplishment really is something I’ll treasure for a long time. I feel very lucky to have had such a great opportunity.
Awesome photos!
Thank you! 🙂
Many congratulations, great work. I especially love the pictures of Paris – but that won’t come as a surprise! I see that you are planning to come to Paris. Would love to meet up. Maybe we could do a soundwalk together. Your pictures and my sound would make a great joint blog post. What do you think?
What do I think about meeting you and doing a joint blog post? I’m speechless, honestly. I would be SO honored! Please contact me at hmunro [arrobas] earthlink [point] net to coordinate something. Merci infiniment !!
I’m reading some of your past posts, and it’s clear I’ve missed so much. You have a calendar! I’m tickled pink, as my mom used to say. Your photos are absolutely stunning. It’s no wonder they wanted a Heidebee Calendar.
I should update this post to say that I *used* to have a calendar, dear Alys. That has sadly been replaced by a chicken-scratched list, and the sensation that instead of being marked in days and weeks time has now become a gelatinous blob. 🙂
Oh dear. That’s no fun at all. Please let that beautiful post stand. Blogs are a nice bit of history, don’t you think?
As you wish. xx