I just want to share a little bit on what I learned over the past few years after I made photography part of my never ending list of hobbies.
In 2004, I visited Sydney with my mum. I brought my DSLR along and took some images along the way. I kinda like what the power of a camera gives me. It allows me to draw a picture just with a click of a button. No pencils, no crayons, no pastels and no mess. Having it in digital is even better. Everything can be done in the comfort of an air conditioned room and a comfy chair. During the trip, I took some images of my mum while we went traveling. This is one image that I love (even though her eyes was closed).
I came back alone while mum stayed with my sister for another month. Back in Singapore, I quickly ran through the images I took in Sydney and started edited them. I’d always put the portraits last, since to me, it was the least important (at least during that time). Days later, I started to work on some of the portraitures. Going through the images of my mum nearly made me tear. It was only during the editing process, that I realized how much she has aged. It has never occured to me that age is catching up with her. Perhaps seeing her everyday just made me took things for granted. But at that very point, I felt really bad. Guilty. Not because of how much she has aged, but my failure to notice.
I could go on and on on this topic. But I’d just say, looking back at the images, I really enjoyed that holiday. I hope I can go on another one with her again.
It’s never too late to start appreciating the people around you. Yes, they can be annoying at times. If it helps, dig out some photos of the happier days.
