I am really serious about this. I asked jolene about some comments about my photographs yesterday. She told me this:
okay. i think that when it comes to photographs, it must capture the spirit and the soul. but when i see your those two, technically, it looks professional, but what sets it away from the mark is that it feels stale. like you're focusing too hard for technical precision. what the vivocity competition wants is a story, like why is it so special. those two only describes, does not go deeper.

Btw she was referring to the 2 photos I showed her, which I intended to send for the vivocity photography competition. What she said was very very true. I was focusing too hard on technical precision - getting exposure right, getting the composition right, getting the colours and contrast right. However, I failed to grasp the most important thing - emotions.

I could feel it. I could feel my photos were degrading. Maybe I was self-deceiving when the number of favourites per deviation (photograph) dropped. I told myself, "Maybe its just a good photograph that no one knows how to appreciate.". This may not sound too humble but I just want to bring across the idea. I think it's time I drop this idea. Like how examinations results proves your academic capability, Favourites proves your photographic ability. Some people have told me before, "Maybe your just trying too hard." but I couldn't understand what did they actually mean. Trying too hard? In what way. For which aspects? And it was just yesterday I realized it was technical precision. Thanks alot jolene for making me see the light. I used to have this misconception about photography. And that is if you can get the perfect exposure, compostion, colours, etc right, its a good photo. And it will automatically tell a story; even if there isn't one in the first place.

It's ironic how some people can tell me, "Wow! Your photos really tell a story!", when I didn't even have one in my mind. I replied, "but I don't think so...I didn't have one in mind" and they said, "It automatically tells.". I suppose it's just coincidental or maybe my photos just looks like they tell a story. However, today, on this very journal, I am going to admit that I have never felt for most of my photos. These are my true heart-felt words. It was tough to admit but I believe only through this way can I truely improve on my photographic skills and produce photos that are close to the heart. I don't want to describe. I want others to feel for it. I want to be able to grasp the emotions. I want others to be able to read between the pixels (lines).

I want you people to know - I may be young, only 15, but I am most serious in photography. And I think it's only yesterday when my - what I call hobby - has turned into an important and inseparable part of my life.


P/S: I hope anyone who chance upon this journal entry can help me by browsing through my gallery and giving me your honest comments. Note that I will accept it no matter how harsh they might be. For I am serious about improving. Btw there will be a lack (or no) deviations for a period of time. However, I still appreciate those who constantly visits my gallery. Thank you...

[Update 04 07 07 11.11pm]
Sorry for not updating this gallery. I have been very very busy with school work. Probably I will see you guys after the O's