Photography for me is like magic. I say this because when I go out in the world without my camera, I have a tendency for the most part to take life for granted and am somewhat numb and oblivious to my surroundings. I am often times in my automatic pilot mode, sleep-walking through life - lost in my thoughts, unless of course, I have deliberately traveled to a place known for its beauty, interesting people or events.
On the flip side, there are the frustrating times when I've been without my camera and the most amazing things occur that even a zombie like me could not ignore. Like the time I was strolling along the beach, when off in the distance I saw what appeared to be penguins along the shoreline. As I approached further, I realized my myopic vision fooled me again. Instead of penguins, I saw a bunch of nuns, barefoot but in full nun attire, habits and all, frolicking at the seashore. They were running in and out of the water, playing in the sand looking for seashells, laughing and giggling like little kids. It was such a beautiful and rare sight to see nuns enjoying themselves in such a carefree manner, just like regular folks. They were having so much fun that they seemed to be oblivious to the half-naked sunbathers all around them. I can only relate this tale to you in words but I wish I could show you the pictures in my mind. They are amazing.
Somehow my camera works as a catalyst snapping me out of my zombie-like state by forcing me to seek out interesting subjects to photograph even in the most mundane of places. At first it is a bit of a challenge but then little by little, a strange metamorphosis occurs, and the ordinary is transcended into the magical. It becomes effortless as I am awakened into an awareness and appreciation of life.
A world of visual splendor is conjured up right before my eyes, rendering colors, shapes, textures, patterns, reflections, shadows, lighting, facial expressions, etc. I become more aware of the elements around me including the posteriors of people with such a vast array of emotions on their faces. It is intoxicating and enlightening and it opens me up spiritually as the world around me unfolds, revealing paintings of moments in life which I cannot resist stealing. |
