“The Importance of Truly Appreciating What’s Right in Front of Us”
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been documenting the world around me. What began as home videos and casual snapshots gradually evolved into more intentional, crafted images, each frame a chance to capture something meaningful. But as my work progressed, I realized something far more significant than just taking pretty pictures: the importance of truly appreciating what’s right in front of us.
In high school, after getting my first camera, my passion for photography took off. It wasn’t just about learning technical skills or experimenting with light and composition—it was about connecting with people. I found myself fascinated by the stories of strangers. There’s something incredibly profound in the realization that every person we pass by is living a life as intricate and complex as our own. We’re all experiencing our own joys, challenges, and dreams, often completely unaware of each other’s journeys.
During this time, I stumbled upon a word that seemed to capture everything I was feeling: sonder. It’s the realization that every passerby has a life as vivid and layered as your own, full of their own hopes, fears, and moments of beauty. This concept resonated deeply with me. It became the heart of my photography—a way to help others see the richness in the lives around them.
In my senior year of high school, I focused my AP photography project on strangers I encountered in everyday life. I wasn’t just photographing faces—I was trying to uncover the stories behind those faces. Who were they? Why were they there? What were they thinking? I wanted my images to show the depth of each person, to highlight the things we often overlook in the rush of daily life. Since then, I’ve continued to explore this through documentary photography and environmental portraits, seeking to capture the essence of people, whether in the midst of an event or on a quiet street corner.
But over time, I’ve realized something even more profound: the importance of appreciating not just the people around us but the moments as well. The world is full of beauty waiting to be noticed. Whether it’s the quiet smile of someone passing by, the soft golden light of a sunset, or the way a small detail like the rustling of leaves in the wind can shift your mood, it’s all worth pausing for.
In a world that often encourages us to look ahead, focus on what’s next, or dwell on what we don’t have, it’s more important than ever to be present and to notice the things we often overlook. My work as a photographer has helped me understand that the real magic lies in the ordinary moments—the ones we rush through without thinking. It’s about finding beauty and depth in everything around us, whether we’re photographing it or simply living it.
I hope my work encourages others to pause, reflect, and appreciate the world around them. There’s a whole universe in the details we take for granted. And maybe, just maybe, if we stop long enough to see it, we’ll find ourselves appreciating the richness of life a little more deeply, as well as improving the overall quality of our lives.
