I love photography. Ever since I discovered Diane Airbus, around the age of 18, I had a deep appreciation of it, as an art form. Back then photography seemed unreachable to me. My compositions were crap. I had no clue about color or lighting. What I once thought were great photos of mine, are now laughable. Things changed drastically over the past 2 years though. I took the time, to learn how to properly use my camera. I even bought one, that was modest, but highly capable. I still couldn’t take great photos, but I had a much better grasp of the aesthetics. Such as when color can distract, or add to a photo; how difficult it can be to capture multiple subjects; post processing techniques, and so on. I even picked up the habit, of never going anywhere without my camera. Recently though, I decided to quit photography, and it feels good—for good reasons.

Self portrait

Singapore - April, 2013

The Relief of Giving Up

The truth is, I love photography too much to do it injustice. The deeper that I dived into it, the more it required of me. I was particularly interested in street photography, which happens to be the toughest form of photography that I know of. You have almost no control of your lighting, color, and much of the time, not even of your subject. Only after endless practice, and education, can you get those lucky shots. I was at the point of significant improvement, yet, I had a long road ahead of me. Knowing this, and with all the other interests I had in life, and I saw myself being stuck in mediocrity.

Mumbai, India - December, 2013

I was an aspiring photographer, writer, and entrepreneur. Oh, and I still had hopes of continuing to rock climb, scuba dive, travel, and to spend a good amount of quality time with my girlfriend. The most dangerous thing was, is that I could pursue it all. Yet, what would I ever be great at? That’s why, when a few weeks ago, I left the door without my camera, I felt more relief than sadness. That’s why I am able to write to you now.

Still in the Picture

Hampi, India - December, 2013

I have a different relationship with photography now, but it is far from dead. Yes, I no longer attempt to take at least 3 photos a day. Yes, I did away with my goals, and no longer plan to take on any lengthy photography projects. Yet, photography is pure joy to me now. I still go through photography blogs, whenever I have a couple minutes to spare. I still plan to snap a shot or two, along with casually publishing my photos to the public. All of this, while being completely free of pressure or guilt. Shouldn’t all creative endeavors feel this way?