Through My Lens: Capturing Life in Monochrome (Monomad Challenge)

Not long ago, I read a short post where the author briefly shared what photography means to them. Their perspective lingered in my mind for days until I finally understood what they meant.

I can’t recall the exact words of the post, but I remember the author describing photography as an escape. That statement baffled me because I had never thought of photography that way—until I went on a photowalk recently. I believe that the best way to grasp the deeper meaning of it fully is to have a first-hand experience and try to immerse myself to it.

I chose to explore the Raffles Place area, a part of the city I rarely visit. It has an atas vibe to it. For those unfamiliar with the term, atas is Singaporean English for "elegant" or "sophisticated." Walking through Raffles Place, you can feel that refined atmosphere in every corner. It exudes a different energy compared to other parts of the city. I mean you can immediately feel the unique vibe of the environment because of these amazing sculptures along the alleys of the area. These are top-notch quality and have a high price too.

I picked this location for my photowalk because I wanted a change of scenery from my usual photography spots. As I wandered through the streets, absorbing the essence of the place and observing the way people moved, I felt transported—almost as if I had stepped into another world.

There seems to be an eclectic mix of traditional and highly urbanized spots in the area. There are areas where the buildings are so high that it feels like my back breaks as I try to look at the top level of the building. While there are sections of the place where the preserved traditional shophouses still exist. I amazed by this kind of urban development.

I found myself taking photos instinctively, completely immersed in the moment. It was as if nothing else mattered except capturing the scenes unfolding before me. I didn’t care about the people around me—I was too focused on bringing my creative vision to life. It felt like I was simply documenting life as it happened, capturing fleeting moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Time passed without me realizing it, as I was fully absorbed in the experience.

Give me a camera and a place to explore, and I become a different person. Without a camera, I’m meek and reserved. But the moment I have a camera in my hands, I find the courage to take the shots I envision, unbothered by what others might think.

I think the city’s culture also plays a role in this. Everyone seems so caught up in their own world, too busy to notice what’s happening around them. Sometimes, it feels like we’re all part of a simulation, simply following pre-set instructions.

There’s a continuous flow of time and movement in the city—a rhythm that never stops, as if governed by an unseen force.

I’m dedicating this post to the Black and White Community, which has been a great source of motivation for me to keep capturing photos. I’ve been contributing to the community for months now, and I’m always eager to share my work and receive feedback from the masters of photography. I’m grateful for the talented photographers in the community who take the time to provide guidance and encouragement. Their support has been invaluable in my journey of learning and growth.

Because of this, I deeply appreciate the BNW community, and I hope it continues to thrive. May the curators keep inspiring photographers to share their art and push their creative boundaries. Cheers!

Photography has a way of drawing me into the moment, allowing me to see the world differently and escape from the routine of daily life. Each photowalk reminds me that there’s always something new to discover, even in familiar places. As long as I have my camera, I’ll keep chasing these fleeting moments and sharing them with the BNW community.