Too Beautiful Becomes Generic

I debated endlessly as to whether I should post this photo or not. Why you may ask...the flower is beautiful...maybe even perfect! Yes I know it is beautiful, but the reason for my hesitation is that it is too picturesque or what we call in this day and age...photoshopped! The photo seems like some image that is automatically uploaded onto desktop computers as a generic wallpaper or what not. Moreover, it's like a typical picture you see in a tourist magazine advertising some exotic forest or botanical garden. It's too barren and run-of-the-mill.

This got me thinking does all beauty eventually become generic? Compare beauty to a pharmaceutical drug- when the drug first comes out there is much hoopla about the drug's invention and lots of profit is made on it. Eventually, however, a generic version is marketed to the masses and the "beauty" of the drug is lost. The same concept can be applied to clothing. Designer clothing lasts for a season then some generic brand sells the same piece of clothing at the local mall. Beauty is only found in what is eclectic, fresh, and innovative. After all we wouldn't fall in love with the wonders of the world if they were on every street corner would we? Of course not, hence my theory-repeated exposure to beauty makes it generic.

A Simpleton

It saddens me to think that the hustle bustle of everyday life is causing society to lose sight of serenity and simplicity. We have become materialistic, vain workaholics who no longer stop to appreciate the small things. Glitz, glamour, and razzle-dazzle have splashed our world and blinded us to what really matters.

The above photo was taken in a rural Indian village approximately one hour away from the burgeoning city of Hyderabad. I chose to take this photograph because to me this image represented the disparity between economic growth and personal growth. The people from the village shown in the photo are some of the most righteous individuals I have ever met. Though they come from humble roots they know how to make someone feel welcome, have strong moral and ethical standards, and most importantly warm hearts. The amount of love that these villagers have for those around them is what unites them all and creates a happy community. These villagers know how to make the most of a situation and appreciate their serene simple lifestyle.

So the next time you worry about all that glitz and glam STOP and think when was the last time you walked barefoot, swam in a lake, enjoyed a summertime picnic, looked up at the stars at night, or even strolled down a quiet neighborhood street? It is time we all take a break from those busy schedules and appreciate what is around us...who knows maybe you may find more happiness as a simpleton!

Timeless Memories

First I must say I am neither a photographer nor a photo critic. Photography is a hobby that I have taken up over the years. It gives me comfort and pushes me to be more creative and artistic.

I was first drawn to photography due to its ability to capture the most important and precious of moments in people's lives. Photos are timeless memories. They capture not only the situation at hand but also the emotions, feelings, and thoughts of those being photographed and the photographer himself/herself. Photographs have the incredible ability to speak to their viewers and they can be understood across generations, cultures, and gender. It must be due to this reason that some wise person said "a picture is worth a thousand words".

However, lets not get carried away while it is true that photos are incredibly expressive and communicative the way one person feels about a photo another may not. This is because a photo is not just a picture...it is a memory. Photos are viewed from different perspectives, captured from different perspectives, and thought of from different perspectives. This blog strives to illustrate this highly subjective nature of photography bringing to surface personal emotions and desires that remain forever hidden in these timeless memories we call photos!