Don’t forget to shoot for yourself.

Married couples often go on date nights to keep their relationship fresh. It’s their way of reconnecting just the two of them, no kids, no distractions, just like when they first started dating.

As creatives, we need the same thing: a “creative date night.” If you will, it is time to shoot purely for yourself, refresh your passion, and remind yourself why you picked up a camera in the first place.

Traveling to Recharge My Creativity

I travel three times a year, usually to the Philippines or the mainland of the U.S. Each time, I make it a point to visit someplace new, either a city I’ve never been to or one I haven’t seen in a long time. And when I go, I keep my gear simple:

* Fujifilm X-T5 with the compact XF27mm f/2.8

* Leica Q2 for an all-in-one, no-fuss setup.

* If I’m feeling nostalgic, I’ll bring my Nikon FM2 (which I’ve had since the late 80s) with a 50mm f/1.4 and a couple of rolls of film

With just a camera in hand, I let curiosity guide me. There was no pressure or deadline; I was just shooting what caught my eye.

Art for Art’s Sake

MGM’s famous logo includes the Latin phrase Ars Gratia Artis “Art for the sake of Art.” That’s what this is all about. Just creating for the joy of it. No client expectations, no social media engagement to chase. Just you and your camera, rediscovering what drew you to photography in the first place.

To enhance the experience, I take it a step further. I pop in my AirPods, crank up my favorite ‘80s playlist, and let the music transport me back to when I first fell in love with photography. It’s funny; back in the ‘80s, I didn’t have AirPods, but the music still fuels my creativity like it did back then.

My Next Adventure

My next trip is to the mainland of the U.S. for my niece’s wedding. We’ll be near Silicon Valley” a place I’ve never explored. That means new streets to wander, sights to take in, and latest photos to create. I can’t wait to see what I discover.

The Lost Art of Printing Photos

Photography isn’t just about taking pictures”; it’s about documenting life. I shoot everything, even my food. But unlike before, I no longer post everything on social media. Instead, I upload my photos to Shutterfly or print them out for a physical photo album.

We don’t do that enough anymore, which is a shame. Holding a printed photo in your hands, flipping through an album - it’s a different experience that digital screens just can’t replicate.

Always Be Ready

I’ve had a camera on me for as long as I can remember, so much so that when I run into old friends, the first thing they say is, “I see you’re still carrying a camera around.””

With smartphones boasting powerful cameras, there’s no excuse not to document your life. Photography isn’t just for professionals; it’s for anyone who wants to capture the beauty in everyday moments. So grab your camera, go outside, and shoot for yourself. You never know what you might find.

A H Oftana

Guam-based freelance photographer |

I take pics of most things |

Freelancer NYT, WSJ, ThePost |

ASMP |

USMC Veteran!

http://www.oftana.com
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Document Your Life: Why Photography Matters More Than Ever

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