Capturing Moments

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They say a pic is worth a thousand words, but to me, it’s like a million memories. Photography has been my jam for as long as I can remember, all thanks to my old man who handed me a camera when I was just a little squirt. From those days of snapping blurry pics on family trips to getting serious about capturing the world’s beauty, photography’s been a wild ride of discovery, creativity, and, like, freezing moments in time.

“It is a cruel, ironical art, photography. The dragging of captured moments into the future; moments that should have been allowed to be evaporate into the past; should exist only in memories, glimpsed through the fog of events that came after. Photographs force us to see people before their future weighed them down….”
― Kate Morton, The House at Riverton

 

Growing up, my mom was always the one behind the camera, capturing every moment, every gathering, every vacation. I remember watching her, totally in awe as she worked her magic, adjusting the settings on her camera with ninja precision, and then showing us the developed pics, each one a time capsule of our past. Through her lens, I learned to see the world differently—to notice the little things, the moments, and the beauty in the everyday.

As I got older, I started to dig into photography myself. I saved up my cash to buy my first camera—a cheap point-and-shoot that I took everywhere, snapping pics of anything and everything. Most of those early pics were trash—blurry, overexposed, or just plain bad—but each one was a step on my journey to becoming a better photographer.

One thing I love about photography is how it captures moments that would otherwise fade away. Whether it’s a candid shot of friends, a sunset over the ocean, or a quiet moment in a busy city, photos preserve memories like nothing else. Flipping through old photo albums is like taking a trip back in time, reliving moments and memories that would’ve been lost.

Photography serves as a means of storytelling and expression, allowing photographers to convey emotions, ideas, and perspectives. When people view a photograph, they often interpret it based on their own experiences and emotions, sparking conversations and connections. Whether it’s a powerful documentary photo that sheds light on social issues, a captivating portrait that captures the essence of a person, or a stunning landscape that shares a sense of wonder, photographs have the power to express emotions and provoke thought, fostering
connections between the viewer and the subject of the photo. It’s a form of self-expression that lets me unleash my creativity like nothing else.

And then there’s the rush of nailing the perfect shot. It’s so satisfying to get the exposure, composition, and timing just right and end up with a perfect picture. Whether you’re capturing your first sunrise or winning awards, that feeling of nailing a shot never gets old.

But the beauty of photography is its ability to capture moments. In a world full of noise, pics cut through and speak to our shared experiences. Whether it’s a powerful photo that exposes injustice, a breathtaking landscape that sparks wanderlust, or a portrait that captures someone, pictures bring people together. Photography lets you freeze those moments in time and keep them forever.

The tech side, which is just as valuable as the artistry. Learning camera settings, mastering editing, there’s always something exciting to learn. The creative side of it is about telling stories, sharing emotions, and seeing the world in a new way. Whether you’re experimenting with different angles, playing with lighting, or editing your pics to set a mood, photography lets you unleash your creativity in ways you never thought possible. So whether you’re a gearhead or a tech noob, photography’s got something for everyone.

Photography, in many ways, is like meditation. When you’re behind the lens, you enter a state of focused attention and mindfulness, completely absorbed in the present moment. You become attuned to the details of your surroundings—the play of light and shadow, the colors, the textures—that you might otherwise overlook. In this state, distractions fade away, and you’re fully immersed in the act of seeing and capturing. Just as meditation allows you to quiet the mind and find peace within, photography can be a form of meditation that brings a sense of calm and clarity. It’s a way to slow down, to be present, and to appreciate the beauty of the world around you. Whether you’re taking a solitary walk with your camera or spending hours in the darkroom, photography offers a space for reflection, introspection, and inner stillness amidst the chaos of everyday life.

But what photography’s really taught me is to see the beauty in the world. In a world that moves crazy fast, photography slows things down, making me stop and appreciate what’s around me. Whether I’m exploring a new city, chilling in nature, or watching the sunset, photography reminds me to take in the little moments, the beauty, and the wonder of the world.

Photography also has a way of bringing people together in the moment. When people gather to take photos, whether it’s at a wedding, a concert, or a tourist attraction, they often bond over the shared experience of capturing memories. People laugh, pose, and interact with each other, creating shared memories that are preserved in the photographs they take together. Photography is all about connecting with others who share your passion.

There’s a whole community of photographers out there, ready to support and inspire. It brings people together through shared experiences and interests. Photography clubs, meetups, workshops, and online communities provide spaces for photographers of all skill levels to come together, learn from each other, and collaborate on projects. These communities offer support, encouragement, and valuable feedback, creating a sense of belonging.

And Oh My God, the gear. From sleek DSLRs to compact mirrorless cameras to the latest smartphone, there’s a whole world of gear out there for every type of photographer. And don’t even get me started on lenses—wide-angle, telephoto, macro, the options are endless. Whether you’re a gearhead who loves to geek out over the latest gadgets or you prefer to keep it simple with just the basics, there’s something for everyone in the world of photography gear.

But perhaps the best thing about photography is the memories you make along the way. Whether it’s exploring new places, meeting new people, or just spending time in nature, photography has a way of turning everyday moments into epic adventures. And those memories, captured in pixels and printed on paper, are ones you’ll cherish forever.

“Art is what we call…the thing an artist does.

It’s not the medium or the oil or the price or whether it hangs on a wall or you eat it. What matters, what makes it art, is that the person who made it overcame the resistance, ignored the voice of doubt and made something worth making. Something risky. Something human.

Art is not in the …eye of the beholder. It’s in the soul of the artist.”
― Seth Godin

In conclusion, photography isn’t just a hobby,  it’s a journey of discovery, creativity, and continuous learning that’s changed the way I view life. From capturing moments in time to unleashing my creativity to connecting with others who share my passion, photography has given me so much more than just pictures, it’s given me a whole new perspective on the world.

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