I have a habit of forgetting, but that night will stay with me (the photos will, for sure). That night in Sa Pa, North Vietnam, will stay with me forever, not just because of the photos I took but because of the unforgettable experience. It was winter, and my friend and I were shivering in our out-of-season apartment as darkness and rain enveloped the town. We decided to brave the elements and search for warmth outside, and we were lucky to stumble upon a magical scene: wet streets, misty clouds, and dark roads that transformed with the moving lights of motorcycles and wandering locals. As a photographer, I was in my element, watching people and capturing the moment without any pressure or judgment. It was a moment of clarity and emptiness, a rare feeling that has stayed with me ever since.
The wet streets, misty clouds, dark roads - what a magical combination. The moving lights of the motorcycles constantly changed the appearance of the streets and its wandering locals. It was a wonderful and heartwarming time for photographers - a moment to forget the temperatures, a clear mind, a good state of emptiness. Looking back, I realize that it was one of those times in life that just happen - moments when you simply experience the world around you. I was fully immersed in the moment, and it was liberating.
Why do I love these photos today - I didn't judge them while I was taking them. I didn't have to deal with pressure. It's times like these in my life that just happen - times when I stop judging myself and others. Fortunately, they seem to happen more often as I get older - or at least, I get more aware of them. As a photographer, it's a lesson that I try to remember every time I pick up my camera. If we focus too much on taking good pictures, we might miss out on the chance to experience something truly special.