More observant with my surroundings

Every hobby teaches us something, and change the way we approach matters.

Perhaps that’s why during some job interviews, the interviewers like to ask what hobbies we do in our free times.

For example, pottery cultivates patience, music encourages innovation and yoga trains your concentration.

Photography?

Everyone gains different insights from it but for me, it makes me to be more observant towards my surrounding.

I realised that when I was commuting, waiting or just looking around due to boredom, I would always be looking out for patterns, angles or little thing at the corner.

‘That thing is interesting, how will I frame it in my shot?’

‘Oh, leading lines.’

‘If only the background is such and such.’

‘If only the thing is in this colour then it would make a nice contrast or juxtaposition.’

To me, all these are a sign that I am paying attention to the world and appreciate our environment instead of bending my neck looking at the phone.

Since I am also doing street photography, I also constantly look out for the so-called ‘decisive moment’, even though I might not have a camera with me.

Also because of photography, I discovered a few interesting places which I would otherwise never explore (at least to me it’s interesting).

For instance, backalley haircuts, old-school coffee shops, among others.

Besides the surrounding, I also pay more attention to the weather. As you know, weather is one of the key factors, especially for film photography.

When I wake up to a clear blue sky, I would be like ‘wow, good day for film.’ In contrast, when the weather turns gloomy, I would be ‘oh no… things would be underexposed in such weather.’

I don’t think I really care about the weather that much before playing with camera.

Now, I appreciate good weather.

In what way has photography changed you?

 

 

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