“But when we observe, we are forced to pay attention. We have to move from passive absorption to active awareness. We have to engage.”

Maria Konnikova

Reflections

I’ve always had somewhat of a love-hate relationship with photography. I appreciate how taking a picture allows you to revisit a past experience, but it often feels like an unwelcome interruption to the present moment.

In a way, pressing pause to capture the moment changes the nature of your experience. As you step behind the camera, you move from the standpoint of the participant to that of the observer. In a sense, you’re no longer living in the moment, but rather outside of it.

Until recently, I disliked taking the role of the observer as I felt it took away from my experience of the moment. I was of the mindset you couldn’t be the observer and be fully present at the same time.

My recent dabbling in food photography helped me see this isn’t actually the case; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. I’ve learned that as the observer, you must be fully present to truly capture the essence of a moment (an idea that extends well beyond the world of photography).

My journey into food photography has opened my eyes to the joy that comes from being the observer. It’s amazing that we as humans have the ability to shift our perspective in a way that allows us to reflect on our experiences, whether that be through the lens of a camera or through the mind’s eye.

This is one of the first pictures I took as I ventured into food photography. My knowledge of the subject has grown since taking the picture so as I reflect on it now, I’m inclined to find all its flaws.

I guess therein lies the purpose of sharing my creative efforts; it gives me the opportunity to reflect on my work and inspires me to continue perfecting my craft.