smurk

Time, with its relentless march, shapes and molds us in ways we often don’t realize until we pause to reflect. As we navigate the passage of life, we find ourselves growing into new passions while stepping away from those that once defined us. Imagine running a marathon, and just when you think you’ve hit your stride, you discover you’re only at the halfway mark, with challenges still ahead.

This is akin to my journey as an artist. Over the years, I've witnessed my art and enthusiasm evolve, influenced by the fabric of my experiences and the passage of time.

There was a time when I felt invincible, standing at the pinnacle of my craft as a street photographer. I basked in the recognition, known locally and respected in wider circles. My passion burned brightly, guiding me to create moments that resonated deeply with others.

But then, in a surprising turn, I found myself at a crossroads. The very art I loved became a burden; I felt a profound disconnect. I yearned to discontinue the relentless cycle of capturing and sharing - to pause feeding the insatiable social media machine.

What once sparkled with potential began to feel like an obligation. I had invested countless hours and $10,000 into curating a kit that once inspired me, only to realize I was ready to close that chapter.

This decision wasn’t made lightly; it was a testament to change—a reflection of how we embrace or let go of our passions. As I navigate this new terrain, I’m learning that transformation is not an end but a new beginning, paving the way for fresh dreams yet to unfold.

At one point in my life, I found myself at the pinnacle of my craft—boasting an impressive 38,000 followers and earning income from a passion I genuinely loved. It all seemed perfect, but it begs the question: why would I choose to step back when I was so deeply immersed in the game?

I chased the excitement, striving to capture “bangers” and post impactful photos that would light up my feed. In the beginning, it felt exhilarating—the thrill of creativity surged through my veins. But as time passed, I started to feel an unsettling shift.

What once ignited my passion began to dim. I found myself repeatedly photographing the same locations and scenes that countless other photographers had already captured. The creative spark that had fueled my journey started to flicker, leaving behind a sense of monotony.

As artists, we thrive on fresh experiences, new perspectives, and the joy of discovery. But the relentless pursuit of novelty can sometimes lead to fatigue. I realized that in the chase for popularity, I had lost sight of what made photography fun in the first place.

This realization sparked a pivotal moment for me—a chance to reevaluate my passion and reignite my creativity beyond the confines of expectation. Each step in this journey has taught me that it’s okay to pause, reflect, and seek new adventures on our own terms.

Life happens, people pass and I am a dad now so going down and taking photos has to take back seat.