" to see behind the walls, draw closer.." This was a quote from a The Secret Life of Walter Mitty that I recently watched. In the movie, they have this supporting character named Sean O'Connell. He's a free-spirited photographer who is willing to do what it takes to chase a great picture. He is an old soul and old-schooled and has an "aura" about him that exudes elusiveness. Coincidentally, the previous day, I was flipping through some National Geographic magazines that were dusty and hasn't been opened since I moved into the house. That supporting character and the magazine sparks something within me that for a while has been dormant.

Honestly, I can't quite figure what really dimmed the lights. Somehow, after that movie and a few magazines, I decided to start small. I just grab my phone and explored the feature it has, the pro version. I am honestly surprised that it can do so much more than my prosumer camera. I tried a few things and ended up experimenting with the candle. There's also one thing about my old practice that I have long forgotten.

Taking pictures isn't simply clicking a button. It has concept development, storyboarding and even streamlining the aesthetic. A good picture tells its own story without unessary and wordy prose. It just speaks to you.

Anyone can take pictures but not every picture speaks for itself.

In the past, I had elaborate way to capture images I have produced around here. There's sunrise, sunset, and everything in between that somehow isn't just there because I decided to do so. I walk around with a purpose, I travel to catch those moments even with the limited gears I have.That fictional character Sean, is someone I wanted to be, in my alternate lives. If you haven't watched the movie, go do it, that might sparks something with you that has been dormant or leaves you bewildered.

The thumbnail is using 26mm |50 ISO | F1.8 | 1/182s and the others are variations of it with the lowest ISO settings my phone can do.