Month: May 2019

Look for curves (arabesque) between your subjects and other visual elements in the scene. Strive to simplify the scene, but keep the composition elegant (dynamic curves and movement). For color, the point is to make images which allow your viewer’s eyes look around the frame. Focus on certain shapes, forms, and other visual elements which…

“The rolling stone gathers no moss.” Publilius syrus Never stay stuck to one geographical place, one home, one nation, one culture, one mode of thinking, one device, one technique, or one lifestyle. Life is too infinitely complex and variegated— why become a prisoner in just one spot? Basic ideas: Avoid stagnancy Stay in motion (creative…

Shooting photography on your phone; the biggest disruption possible in photography:

I’ve always been a sucker for cars ever since I was a kid. For me, the car was a symbol (and practical means) of freedom. Going where I wanted to go, based on my own schedule, while also having pride in my vehicle.

Holy moly, I just got my hands on a new Xiaomi 9 SE phone (only $350 USD while in Vietnam), and it is the most incredible phone and camera I have ever used:

Nowadays we talk much about “lifestyle”— why not something deeper and more substantial such as “thinkstyle”?

A realization: What we are seeking as photographer-visual artists isn’t better “image quality”; it is to create images with beautiful aesthetics. Therefore in our terminology about cameras and post processing, let us not mention “image quality” anymore (this term is ambiguous and doesn’t really mean anything; even worse when you use nerdy quantification numbers to…

I’ve always been curious — what is the best life? A recent discovery for myself — I believe a nomadic life is the best life. Now — I cannot say it is the best for everyone, nor should a nomadic life be the best for everyone. If anything, I think living a nomadic life is…

A simple way to approach life: Either do it right now, or be okay never doing it (leave it undone). There is much wisdom in leaving much undone. In short, whatever is truly important and essential in your life, do it immediately. For small and petty tasks, best to leave them undone.

Been looking at the top photos on ARSBETA.COM, and super inspired by all the great new imagery I’ve been exposed to. Which makes me want to spend some time to reflect on the question: What makes a great image?

When chatting with my buddy Chu Viet Ha, a realization: Perhaps what we are striving towards is to create more “deep” photos/images.

After playing with my niece Amelia, my realization: To affect things is what playing is all about!

A thought: Perhaps to be happier and more satisfied in life, we should customize (bespoke) everything to ourselves. This means: Don’t customize yourself by simply buying the newest and fanciest stuff; customize and tailor your tools, clothes, aesthetics, and lifestyle to yourself (based on your personal needs, desires, style). More focus on your choices; less…