Observing the Mundane

^A sight seen almost daily of similar old shopkeepers giving delivery to his customers

It is a duty of a street photographer to seek out from the mundane daily happenings the intriguing folk scenes, which requires an unceasing effort to train the ability to admire what are normally considered commonplaces.

If photography is a religion, the offering on the alter is the ability to observe and discover. It is not foolhardy to say that photography is as much about decisive moments as it is observation and discovery, and least about taking many pictures. How well a photographer does in observing and discovering, so goes his or her works.

^A young kid, probably at age eight, helps his mother carry some of the baskets for fruits to the shops. He follows her crossing roads without attending to the traffic. Children helping adults at work might be a common sight some 40 years ago but not now.

When we as photographers can observe and discover as an instinct, the photos we take will easily overflow with a peculiar and prominent expression and viewpoint, delivering the otherwise common street scenes in more sensational images.

Technicality aside, photography masters are basically masters of observation. They are simply more observant than most of us do. In most cases, the best scene which can make a keeper is in proximity to us. The crux of the mastery is whether we can see it. The only difficulty is our patience to practise our photographer's eye.

^The weak jog in the air-conditioned room while the real tough do it outdoors.

Today, when you see a scene in the street, practise your ability to observe. Surely, to read widely will stand us in good stead for our practice.

Oh, don't forget to pick your camera with you everyday.