wish lantern // shutter stories

photo by me

十分老街//Shifen Old Street

where wishes are released

into the vast inky blackness of the sky

as lanterns

hundreds of hopes and dreams

crystallised as paper lanterns

longings for good health,

prosperity and love

the lantern of wishes

liberated into the empyrean yonder

higher and higher it levitates

like artificial stars

then disappearing from view

joining its companions

at the land of wishes

where hopes and dreams are realised

童真 Childlike Simplicity // shutter stories

Photo by Koo Ning/me

What do you see that triggers your finger to press the shutter?

Children having fun with bubbles, a simple source of happiness.

What do you feel when pressing the shutter?

Elation, of seeing young kids having fun together.

What would be the one word to describe this photo?

童真 (Childlike simplicity)

What kind of story do I want to tell?

Simple things like bubbles made out of merely soap and water can bring kids together.

Would I take this photo from another angle? (If so, which?)

Yes, actually - if the kids weren't strangers, I'd probably shoot from beside them, to try to see things from their perspective (their height) and get a better shot of their expressions.

Photo taken:

2.1.17 in Taipei, Taiwan

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A chat with someone pushed me to take photography another step up - challenge myself to think more before, during and after the photo taking process. Here are some prompting questions I use:

Why do you take pictures?

What is it that makes you want to frame this scene as it is?

What do you see that triggers your finger to press the shutter?

What do you feel when pressing the shutter?

What would be the one word to describe this photo?

What kind of story do I want to tell?

Would I take this photo from another angle? (If so, which?)

Through reflecting and challenging my mind, I hope to gain a bigger perspective of my surroundings, and also improve on critical thinking.

2017

photo by me

A new start

let go of any grudges and unhappiness from last year

and begin on a fresh page. 

New year, new hopes and goals.

Be more tolerant of others.

Be more patient and less rushed, take it slow.

Take things with a more positive perspective with less complaining. Analyse what is wrong and do something about it.

Do it before hesitation comes, no more procrastination.

Initiative, no matter how/what it is, once of you think of it, do it. Be it tasks, responsibilities or being the one to contribute/start discussion.

Welcome challenges, take it as an opportunity to learn, experience and grow.

Give more than I can take.

Focus on the inside, be less judgemental and embrace uniqueness.

Be less materialistic and self-centered, think from others' perspective.

Priorities, priorities priorities.

Try not to break friendships, mend and maintain them. You never know when you need them until you're in hot waters.

For 2017 I hope it can be fruitful, fulfilling, irregrettable, filled with opportunities to learn and grow.

In Retrospect: 2016

2016 was a stressful year with lots of emotions, a lot of self-discovery and unearthing more of the real world. 

A new start. 

Let go of any grudges and unhappiness from last year and begin on a fresh page.

Academic-wise, it was O Level Year. Preparing for the final year exam of secondary school was really a test of my discipline and confidence in myself. I always felt underprepared no matter how much reassurance I got from my friends and teachers, and the largest source of stress was probably myself. 

Friendship wise, I got to know who were my real friends and who were just... there. I am grateful, though, for those who can make me feel better instantly or divert my attention away from the stressful stuff in my life.

It's not the best year, but hey you need downs before you can go upwards. Plus, the experiences and lessons from this year helped me grow and learn.