Trying to bring more authenticity online (Day 17 - being grateful for PHOTOGRAPHY)

Gratitude

Dec 17

This article is part of my December 2020 Gratitude series that help me end this year on a more positive and inspiring note.

Photography was never a conscious choice for me. I bought a camera for myself as a graduation gift just so I can document my architecture studies and occasionally trips with my friends. That has been the case for 8 years and then somehow I got my first paid gig. Which I must say I thoroughly enjoyed.

I did not even consider my photos as a hobby. When I got into marketing, it became kind of natural, that I started creating content. So I would say that I am a content creator rather than a photographer. It is often associated with influencers, but that is a misjudgment.

As we know, social media is not a reflection of reality. Whether it is bikini shots, sunsets, food, workspaces or cooking, people adjust everything they photograph. And that is okay. But as I started photographing people, I learned that I much prefer photos that are not staged and I started craving it. I loved making people feel good about themselves when they saw the images, but at the same time, I wanted to capture authenticity.

The answer was street photography.

Seeing people in their natural habitats, I just waited for random moments, not moving or adjusting anything. People serving food, taking a break or playing board games on the curb. Just capturing the things as they are. Not great, not terrible.

There is so much more I would like to say about this, but for now, here is a random pick of photos that are the reflection of what I love the most about photography. Documenting authenticity and playing with colours, to get across what I was feeling at the time. It is quite a vulnerable thing for me as I have never shared most of these photos. I am really grateful for my journey with photography and I can't wait to see where it takes me next.