My mind's view

While traveling from Manila to Quezon City over the course of an afternoon, I pass by familiar sights. Once in a while, though, I notice something unexpected and feel the urge to take a photograph. For various reasons, I derive meanings from such shots, whether they be street photography, abstract, personal commentary, or otherwise.

As these photos are not long-term explorations on a subject-- not the photographic equivalent of essays, research papers or investigative reports -- does that render them mindless and simply to be dismissed? Does the fact that I create such images necessarily mean that I cannot, if I so choose, also "write" in-depth reports through my other photography projects?

Certainly, I don't think so. I've known lawyers who draft well-researched, compelling briefs, as well as compose verses on love and loss. I've known tough journalists who also write children's stories and other forms of fiction, prose, or poetry. There are civil servants who issue straight-forward reports, and yet reveal such depth and lyricism in their literary pursuits.

Visual language is still one that I am learning and exploring. Just as haiku poems and journalistic pieces can be written with the same hand and pen, I likewise choose to use my camera in various ways -- revealing and interpreting what I encounter, what my eyes see, and what my heart feels.

Jo
012612

*Some photos taken on one December afternoon.