Explaining why something is the way it is, based on years of learning, isn’t always easy. However, after some time, we start finding a way to organize our knowledge and provide an appropriate response. Sometimes what should be a simple answer ends up being much more complex when we try to leave out other aspects that aren’t directly related to what we’re talking about. Maybe it's the social media and digital platforms we live in, which make it easier to engage in dialogue and connect with others, that push us to respond.
When I first started messing around with photography, trying to figure out how it all worked, I never imagined that someday I’d be out here, trying to pass on what I learned. These digital platforms have forced me to learn how to explain, to organize my thoughts, to filter out the noise, and focus on what’s important. I believe I’m far from being a go-to expert in the field; however, I firmly believe that trial and error is the best path to learning. I can’t wait to understand new things, to file them in my mental library, and to use them the best way possible. I’m also looking forward to pulling out one of those volumes from that library to share with others. I’ve got a few "texts" that are incomplete, with blank pages, loose sheets without titles or covers, full of ideas and knowledge still searching for their way.
No doubt, I think many of these must be off track, some of them on the wrong shelf, and others, probably in the recycle bin. I’ve discarded a lot as I’ve understood new things. I’ve rewritten some, and I’ll keep polishing and expanding this mental library. When we’re kids, there aren’t many books there, just a few stories, but a lot of scribbles, doodles, and meaningless lines. Today, those are the memories of my early days, memories of people and things that aren’t around anymore, but they form the base of what I’ve built. Without them, my vast library wouldn’t have a head or feet, no north or south defined; they’re the most precious memories, the ones that make us who we are.
Today, I’ve focused on photography; before, my "collection" was aimed at other topics, and I don’t know if tomorrow I’ll keep adding new themes. Anything’s possible. In the meantime, I’ll keep organizing every "record" just like I’ve been doing since I was a kid, because I’m sure that someday, someone else will be able to benefit from it. Someone will fill their shelves with books that were once on my "racks", because passing on knowledge has to be the foundation of who we are. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the teachings from our ancestors, family, and friends.
Today, with each question I get, I try to organize my words, explain, but also plant the seed of doubt, sparking curiosity and giving way to continue the investigation. It’s the foundation of all learning, the engine that drives our growth.