How carrying a camera transformed how I see the world.

Through the lens: finding art in everyday life.

The Streets Are My Canvas

New York City’s energy inspires me to find art in fleeting, everyday moments.

Living in New York City feels like stepping into a living, breathing story. The city hums with energy, subway trains roar beneath the streets, horns blare in endless traffic, and footsteps echo in hurried rhythm along crowded sidewalks. It’s a place of motion, chaos, and contrast, where every corner holds a potential narrative waiting to be captured.

I was walking in Manhattan when saw this fire truck stopped at the light. I was crossing the street, it just took me a while to stop, photograph, and continue. Some say Manhattan is photography on easy mode, and I strongly agree. There is always something interesting to look at and interact with.

In this constant motion, my camera becomes my anchor. It slows me down, sharpens my focus, and allows me to see the details others might miss. A streak of sunlight slicing through towering buildings, the stillness of a lone figure amid the rush, or the texture of raindrops glistening on the pavement. These are fleeting moments, small yet profound, that remind me of the beauty woven into the everyday.

Blade Runner, or Central Park Ave?

The philosopher Søren Kierkegaard once wrote, “Life can only be understood backward; but it must be lived forwards.” Photography mirrors this sentiment. Each image I take feels like a small act of understanding, a way to pause time and reflect on what it means to be present in a moment. My camera doesn’t just capture life, it deepens my experience of it, making art from what would otherwise pass unnoticed.

It may look cliché, but that friendly interaction must be paid back. I printed, signed, and gave it to him, as my personal gift. And now guess what? We are friends!

Turning the Everyday Into Memories

My camera preserves the beauty of family moments, big and small.

Beyond the streets, my camera captures what matters most: my family. While trips and special events might seem like obvious occasions to photograph, some of my favorite images come from life’s quieter moments. Weekend road trips, casual dinners, or even a lazy afternoon spent laughing and chatting. These are the moments I hold closest, the ones that tell the story of our lives.

Maysa - the love of my life. Moments at home are also magical, as they capture the essence in the details. It’s a snapshot of how the household life was at the moment.

Photography in these spaces isn’t about perfection. It’s about holding on to the light in those small, personal moments. The joy of hearing laughter at a dinner table, the calm of sunlight falling through a car window, or the warmth of a shared glance. These are the memories that shape who we are, and capturing them turns fleeting seconds into something lasting.

What could be more boring than a Pizza Hut restaurant photo from a snow-covered parking lot? But if you notice the look and feel of this film photo, you notice the sky color, and reflection, and you will realize that there is nothing mundane about this moment.

Carrying a camera reminds me to pay attention, to honor the ordinary. It’s not about chasing perfection but recognizing the beauty in imperfection and the humanity in the everyday.

From the passenger seat, Newark, NJ, a Very mundane and even amateurish shot, but beautiful sky gradient, which would make digital sensors struggle a bit with color bending.

Photography as a Storytelling Tool

Creating stories through images sharpens my creativity and perspective.

As someone whose work revolves around storytelling, I’ve come to see my camera as one of my most valuable tools. Each photo I take is a chance to craft a narrative, to make sense of the world around me. A shadow, a splash of light, a passing stranger—all of it has meaning if you’re willing to look deeply enough.

The act of creating a story through photography challenges me. What does this moment say? Why does it matter? How can it stand on its own while also fitting into a larger picture? These questions not only shape my photos but also keep me curious and engaged with the world.

The snow on the COUNTRYMAN letters tell a story. A story about how the wind interacted with the car’s curves, carrying snow deposits more often to the sides (letters C N), and less in the middle (T R). It also tells how much snow there was so far in the day. Also, the colors of that Ektar 100 are fantastic, I must say.

Storytelling through photography goes beyond documentation, it’s about intention. It’s not just about what you capture; it’s about how you see and what you’re trying to say. It’s a reminder that stories are everywhere, waiting for us to tell them.

The Joy of Exploration

Carrying a camera inspires me to step outside, explore, and stay present.

Photography has also become my reason to explore, step outside, and rediscover the world. In a time when it’s so easy to stay indoors, scrolling through endless feeds, a camera reminds me of the richness of life waiting beyond the door.

You wouldn’t believe me if I told you I walked 3 hours in a day just in the NYC MTA subway, looking for nice pictures. If you are familiar with the staircases, and the toughness required to go up and down, you know this is equivalent to a gym!

Walking with a camera feels like embarking on a search for something meaningful. Not every step reveals something extraordinary, but the process itself (the act of looking) feels alive. A father teaching his child to ride a bike in the park. The changing colors of the trees as the seasons shift. The sound of leaves crunching underfoot. These small details may seem trivial, but they connect us to the world in ways that feel deeply human.

This could easily be a frame from the movie Scarface (1983). That impression is because the movie was shot on film.

Carrying a camera makes every walk an adventure. It becomes an exercise, not just for the body, but for the soul: a practice of seeking beauty, of finding stories, and of connecting with life itself.

An Invitation to Create

Whatever your camerai is, use it to turn everyday life into art.

The act of carrying a camera is not reserved for photographers. Whatever your camera may be: a smartphone, a compact point-and-shoot, a mirrorless, or a professional DSLR. It’s the intention that matters. The simple act of documenting your life as art can change how you see the world.

I invite you to try it. Take your camera on a walk. Slow down, look around, and let yourself see the details you might otherwise miss. Whether it’s the way light filters through a window, the colors of a market stall, or the expressions of people passing by, these moments are worth capturing.

This was my first selfie mirror from my first developed camera roll. It makes me remember the day I went to Gelatin Labs to develop the film. And how cold and snowy it was during that day.

By documenting your life, you’re not just creating photos; you’re creating art, preserving memories, and deepening your connection to the world. After all, as Kierkegaard suggested, we live forward, but through art, we can reflect back and truly understand.