taking pictures exists as a counterweight to my structured world of research and computation. while my work demands precise patterns and predictable outcomes, capturing moments that don't need to fit any algorithm feels freeing. it's not about technical excellence, but documenting authentic moments that feel significant, even when i can't explain why. sometimes it's enough to simply notice, capture, and move on.
this helps me stay present amid my work. in research, we extract meaning to solve problems, but with photography, i can simply observe without analyzing. it's mindfulness without trying to be mindful — an honest attempt to notice moments that would otherwise slip by. i keep returning to pictures as a reminder that not everything needs to be solved. sometimes it's enough to simply notice, capture, and move on.