Photography

Photography is one of those activities that seems to have been around my entire life. My maternal grandfather was an avid photographer and even videographer. He had one of those Super 8 (silent) film cameras that he’d bought to make home movies back in early 60s. Through meticulously curated photos, he chronologically detailed both mine and my sister’s childhood from birth to adolescence. These pre-digital age photo albums are a testament to both his patient nature and his love of family. Looking back, he was definitely my main influence when it comes to photography. Here is a modest example of his work ;)

Both my sets of parents also took photos but it was more a haphazard process than a deliberately organized one. Growing up, I remember asking for cameras as birthday or Christmas gifts on more than one occasion. But... I don’t remember the photos taken with those cameras. I do remember chronicling certain events: ski patrol activities (training, parties, etc.), camping and hiking travels with friends or boyfriend of the day, sporting events, birthday gatherings and such. Of course photos weren’t digital then. 

It was in my late twenties, when I received my first digital camera that I began to shoot in earnest. Then I abruptly stopped taking photos. Perhaps it was one of those things, when “life” becomes consuming and hobbies get in the way. Sometimes you have to stop an activity to realize how much you appreciate it or how much it contributes to said life before going back to it. It was in 2010-2011 that I actively picked it up again. Since then, it’s been a journey in exploring escapes, landscapes, seascapes, bodyscapes, cityscapes, and various other “scapes.” The next phase of my photographic journey begins in two weeks with my first official/formal photography course. 

I am grateful to my grandfather for instilling the love of photography in me. I am also grateful for photography itself. As an art form, it provides me with perspective (pun intended) on both mundane and exceptional subject matters. It has also provided me the opportunity to meet amazingly talented individuals to exchange with, and to create deeply appreciated bonds of friendship. Photography soothes the soul and expands the mind... Just like meditation.