On World Photography Day, I pondered what photography has changed in me. Has it altered the way I look at my surroundings? I went through some of my favourite clicks and wondered why I liked these pictures out of the many, many thousands that I have clicked over the years. I realised it was because of the stories they told. Each one of them had a different story to tell. The not-so-sharp ones, slightly underexposed ones, or the occasional overexposed ones, as well as those that were not technically perfect. Stories always take precedence over technicality for me.

There were beautiful moments: babies piggyback riding on mother peahen, birds sharing food to seduce their partners, light shining through the trees, casual conversations on the streets, laughter, and sombre moments. Moments I would have missed if I weren’t looking through my viewfinder. Textures, reflections, colours, all that is happening around us all the time. Wrinkles on the faces of old men and women, telling stories of their lives. Their struggles and happiness. Contrasts, shadows, and light on monuments.

The world appears sharper through the lens. The frame isolates beautiful moments. We, the photographers, blend into the environment and capture candid moments as they unfold. Moments that capture life as it happens. Noticed quietly as you walk on the streets or travel in public spaces. You see frames everywhere.

Happy photography Day!

Photos and text by Prerna Jain.