Photography can be a wonderful form of self-expression. Not only it allows to express ourselves, but also uplifts our mood and reduces stress. So, what is so special about photography that so many of us cherish? I think, it helps bring focus to our surroundings, as well as to positive life experiences. The very powerful healing abilities of being outdoors, combined with capturing the beauty all around us has been written about by many. In short, evaluating the world around us through a lens makes us focus. When we are fully present and engaged, our creativity improves. With more engagement, comes happiness. As a results, our stories become stronger, our emotions almost tangible and perceptible to the viewers. That passion and personal approach is what makes us photographers shine. With the purchase of my latest lens, Canon’s 100-400mm, the close distance to subjects that were earlier beyond my reach, now allows me to get more personal in recording my photographic journey. Thinking of this new powerful zoom, I suddenly remembered that Robert Capa famously said, ‘If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough’. Mentioning Capa, photographer whose images of war made him one of the greatest photojournalists of the 20th century, suddenly my trail of thoughts changed. Here is a warning about the current war in Ukraine, and in fact, about any wars – if nothing is done to stop them, one day, there will be no birds and animals on this planet. Perfect landscapes in abundance, but no people to admire them. Let my photo below, of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw reinforce our effort to keep peace throughout the world.
