perspective

Starting from the end of the trip—a glowing full moon emerging from behind the shy peaks of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dolomites. I could not believe my eyes as I ran to my camera and started taking photos to remember this moment of peace forever. Hair still wet, feet aching from a day of hiking, the wrinkles around my eyes digging deeper into my thin skin as I couldn’t help but smile.

I traveled for the sake of it, I didn’t intend to take thousands of photos. I just lived and captured what was capturing me. I remembered telling myself it was impossible to show the immensity of those ancient monuments before me.

As I looked at them, I felt I had done the right thing: experience first, capture second (if you feel the pulse). Always in that order.

As photographers, I think we need to reflect on what creating “content” stands for. I can’t help but feel this word is such a poor way to describe what the act of creating truly feels like. Art is meant to make us live, to bring relief.

What is “content” intended for, if not just to be consumed? To serve some big data decisions. To keep us stuck in front of the screen, endlessly scrolling. Silent, far away from where we are.

Art comes from within.
Content is made for the outside.

I’ll try not to mistake one for the other from now on.

I needed perspective this year. The mountains gave it to me.