For my recent birthday celebration in Japan, unfortunately marking my last, I chose to embark on a journey through my favorite cities, starting with Fukuoka. Nestled on the coastal waters, Fukuoka offers a diverse cityscape that has always captivated me. During my autumn visits, I’ve taken numerous detours, particularly drawn to the vibrant fall colors breaking through the city’s concrete palette.
This time, I made a deliberate choice to take a break from my camera, leaving it in the hotel room. Embracing a new approach, I allowed myself to fully savor the surroundings without the lens. While I adore my camera and the creative possibilities it brings, I also wanted to immerse myself in the simple joy of tourism. Once I had my fill, I sought out those moments that would be my last.
Our eyes serve as our first and ultimate camera. While conventional photography relies on film or sensors, I challenge that norm. Our eyes set the standard. To capture an image, we initiate the process with our sense of sight, evaluating scenes for their physical significance rather than relying solely on memory.
Let’s not underestimate the contribution of our eyes to enhancing our creative perspective. Through simple observation and exploration of our surroundings, we imprint mental images. When we return with a physical camera, these mental snapshots guide us in composing the perfect shot.
Pick up your camera, even if it’s just to set it aside. Venture out and explore without the pressure of constantly capturing every moment. You’ll be astonished by what you discover when you allow yourself the freedom to not always take that shot. There’s always another opportunity.
