Only a Single (iPhone) Photo Here: The Turning Point

2010 has not been great. In fact, it has been kind of a bitch. I had been sick a lot, had to deal with Lord Voldermort's other half who made my life hell and someone close to me got very sick. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful and I know I am blessed, but there were just too many days in this year when I thought "this is the day I couldn't do it anymore".

The irony is this year is peppered with the most amazing days of my life.  I got married last February. I learned photography from the most talented pros out there and met the most awesome people who trusted me with their personal moments.

Well, why am I in the turning point? Last weekend, I went snowboarding. I got myself talked into going into a black diamond run called the Challenger.  I grew up in a tropical country, so this is definitely a major risk after only two irregular seasons behind my belt. That is one of the most difficult levels: one mile long, 2 cliff edges, narrow paths and experts whizzing by. I stumbled, I fell, got extremely bruised but dammit I made it to the end, all bones intact.

Something clicked during that snowboarding run and boosted my spirits. It's a turning point to change my life's course and turn the amazing days into an amazing 2011 (and beyond). Life is too short.

As I move to a clearer path in life, I can't hardly wait to see what new things I will create with wonderful people through the only art I know, photography. I don't know how my style will evolve, what new things I will learn or where the creative process will take me. All I know is that it's time to kick-ass.

12.25.2010 Yearend Update: I just came into a conclusion that my best accomplishment this year is standing up for what is right despite some shitty trade-offs. I feel good about that.  As my friends Gio and Richie always said, "Here's to the good life".  Amen.

I don't usually write personal posts. Thanks for letting me share.  Friends, thanks for the love and Trace thanks for the note. I pasted it on my wall where I can always see it. :-)

Random Little Things

Here's my day for you: online and on the phone for audio conferences by 6 am, instant messaging multiple people, putting instant oatmeal in the microwave and figuring out when to take the dog out for a potty break -- occurring simultaneously. Create list, check out things from the list, create a new list. Starbucks. Crunch numbers, answer emails and call people. And you know what's a mini-break? Refreshing Facebook. Even Facebook is now becoming pseudo-work with a set process. First, check the little red icons with numbers. Then check the messages. Then check the newsfeed. Or some permutation of these steps.

How do I unplug? I take my camera, put on my sneakers and take a walk. I pay attention.

When I visit my childhood home every year, I never venture in the garden. Until last September. I just realized my mom now keeps pink orchids. My last memory of orchids growing up were rows of deep dark violet dendrobiums. I need to ask mom why the orchid variety shift and when did this happen.



Here are two French-looking guys in San Francisco. I wave and they wave back and say hello in fake French.  They were rehearsing lines for the theatre.



It's pretty cool to not just look but to really see. Random little things and interesting characters. Being in the world with 100% undiluted attention.  Each photo = a second of seeing, being and clicking. In that critical moment, it is just you and the subject, plus the bonus of capturing what can no longer exactly be.

One second of clarity. No clutter. What a gift.