Category Archives: Pic of the Day

It started with a casual conversation.

Lynn Untermeyer Miller — a longtime friend and very talented photographer, whose images had been a hallmark of “06880” ever since its launch in 2009 — suggested a regular photo feature.

They would be shots of local scenes — not tied to a particular story. Just a way to tie current and former residents together, and strengthen our “06880” community (online and off).

Click!

The name came quickly. “Pic of the Day” launched on April 17, 2017.

The very first “Pic of the Day”: Behind the Black Duck, on the Saugatuck River. (Photo Lynn Untermeyer  Miller)

Every night since, at 9 p.m., I’ve posted an image of Westport. Some are recognizable and relatable; others are artistic, whimsical or surprising. All are new, and fresh.

Every day since — over 2,100 times — I’ve posted a Pic of the Day. Prominent photographers have sent in shots; so have people who never published a photo. Some are in their 90s, like Lynn’s father Larry Untermeyer; others are teenagers.

The subjects range all over town: Nyala Farm. Longshore. The Levitt Pavilion. Staples high School. The train station. Main Street. The Greens Farms post office.

The Westport Library is a popular spot for Pics of the Day. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Over the years, readers suggested I compile some of the many great photos into a picture book. It was a great idea — and one I had no time to pursue.

Last spring, I got my first-ever assistant through Staples’ superb Senior Internship program. Lyah Muktavaram was an Inklings editor, with a passion for journalism.

She loved the picture book idea. She quickly showed she had an eye for picking the best ones — the prettiest, the most compelling or colorful or whatever — and laying them out in a clever, striking and thematic way.

Lyah taught herself production. She emailed each photographer for permission. She handled all the back-end publishing stuff with professionalism, promptness, and an intuitive understanding of what “06880’s Pics of the Day” are all about.

Lyah’s work coincided with “06880”‘s move to non-profit status. Our mission is to “create a community for Westporters old and new, near and far, through sharing stories, news, events, history and perspectives, uniting all who love our hometown.”

“06880: Pick of the Pics” has just been published. Proceeds will help us fulfill that mission.

Click here to purchase “06880: Pic of the Picks.” Thank you!

The front cover features an iconic photo by Bruce Borner.

“06880: Pick of the Pics” includes summer photos of Sherwood Mill Pond, and winter skating the PAL Longshore ice rink. (Photos by Merri Mueller and Michael Winser)