I have always felt that pursing photography is like embarking on a spiritual path. Photographers are always looking for something more than the ordinary, something deeper than the mundane. We find the things that others are not seeing and share these visions with them. In the pursuit of finding that vision, we have to look deeply into life and inevitably walk towards a path of self-discovery.

We discover why we are interested in certain subjects and discover the things that makes us curious about the world.

Curiosity is the basic attribute that makes every child seek to know more. In his search and understanding, he ultimately finds his place in the world. Like a flower, he blossoms. It is the same in photography, it becomes a journey rather than a means to an end. A constant journey of seeking, looking and understanding.

In my own search for meaning, it is a coincidence that I have come to appreciate life in the form of the flora and fauna of our world. It is enlightening how much they can teach us about life. Take the beautiful lotus flower for instance, it shares the same essence as mud. It will only grow in mud. Without mud, there will be no lotus.

The lotus is as much a pile of dirty mud as it is a beautiful flower that symbolizes purity.

It is said that a single lotus can live for over a thousand years and has the rare ability to revive into activity after stasis. It is amazing to have such strength and perseverance, especially since the flower starts from humble beginnings. Unlike other flowers, the lotus begin its life underwater in murky, dirty and threatening conditions. Despite the harsh conditions, the lotus make its way to the surface towards the light. In time, the flower pod surfaces into the clean air and open each petal to embrace the warmth of the sun.

What’s beautiful is that the once threatening dirty water cleanses the lotus as it surfaces, turning its curse into a blessing.