Living Life in Phases: A Reflection over CNY Break
I believe life is meant to be lived in phases.
Photography - a side hobby which started when I was 15 years old - led me to discover my passion for visual storytelling in my early 20s and eventually, diving in headfirst into the world of documentary photography. Beyond than just the thrill of getting the one-in-a-million shot, the social issues I covered also resonated deeply with me.
Over that phase of my life, which lasted between five to six years, I thought my identity was cemented. This is who I am. But as we all know how the plot goes - life happened.
A quick rundown on how life happened for me: I went back to work after my studies, I found the love of my life, build a home and started a family together. And all this while, my website domain expired. My Instagram account went silent. And my camera began collecting dust. It was a difficult period for me as I did not want to let go of who I am(was) just because I am a married, working man now. I tried incorporating elements of past life in my current life, focusing my photography on my new, interesting neighbourhood. But that did not last long.
Eventually, I found a hobby in road cycling, and I started wondering to myself - why is it so easy for me to find time to ride my bike as opposed to heading out with my camera strapped around my neck?
Then I realised that all this while, I have not been honest with myself. I made excuses, blaming circumstances in life, that led me to feel distant from my own identity when the truth is I have simply moved on.
As soon as I came to terms with that, I felt a huge load taken off my chest. Strangely though, I felt a bit of assurance that one day I would pick up my camera again. At the time, I did not know where that sentiment came from, or if it was just unfounded. I thought that it is okay if the phase I am in now is called Being a Dad or a Family Man because I know that change is the only constant. With this mindset, I found it easier to let go of my old identity and look forward to what life has in store for me next with a little bit of curiosity and excitement.
Fast forward four years later, here I am, bringing my website back online and rekindling that old flame with a camera once more. But the difference now is that I have traded my leica in for a fuji camera and let me explain my transition.
Firstly, my circumstances have changed. I am focusing more on my family’s little stories, documenting them for Daniel when he grows up, rather than on social issues like I did in the past. What that means is, I need auto-focus now more than ever. And while leica’s RF system is great, I cannot possibly tell a 2 year-old toddler to not move while I try to nail the focus manually. Secondly, there are just some moments that are worth capturing in video more than a photograph. So I cannot bring myself to justify how an expensive camera, like a leica, does not have a video recording function. In the past, I focused solely on photography which was why I did not have the need to record videos. But that has changed now, and the camera got to go too.
I have actually been drawn to the fuji system for a long while, partly for its colour science right out of the camera. Again, in my current circumstances, I do not have the time to sit infront of the computer for hours and editing photographs. I needed something that looks great right out of the camera.
So there you have it, my reasons for transitioning from a leica system to a fuji’s one. I wonder if anyone of you thinks it is a crazy move to jump ship from a leica to another brand given the symbolic status behind the brand? Do let me know your thoughts on it, or if you have been through a similiar experience where you left the leica RF system for another brand to meet your needs.
And before I end off this post, let me leave you with the activities that we did over this long (super rainy) Chinese New Year weekend, which were of course shot on my Fuji X-T5.
Till next time!
