My relationship with photography may have its origins in the National Geographic magazines, some of whose pages in the early two-thousands contained photographs that instantly enkindled my vivid imagination (and still do). Before I owned any device, perhaps like those who adored nature in the era before the invention of the camera, I would try to preserve in my memory the sights that appealed to me, such as a canopy encircling a celestial object or a utility pole against a lucent sky. When I finally got a cheap pocket camera of an obscure brand, of course, I developed a penchant for photography, which was kindled by the knowledge that—courtesy of the accompanying image-editing software—I could alter a photograph to my taste.

In 2010, my sister gave me a timely gift—a Nikon pocket camera, which became my constant companion for the next five years, nurturing my association with the art. (During this period, my photographs were mostly surreal reflections of the ‘reality’ that met my gaze.)

Later, I purchased a Sony mirrorless camera, which has travelled with me to some gorgeous places and has enabled me to capture photographs that I still look fondly at. I have since consciously lessened my engagement with the camera outdoors, lest I lose the experience of simply gazing at a sublime sight entirely to photography. Yet, alarmingly, this borderline decision has translated into discontent in my recurring night-time dreams in which, having arrived at a scenic spot, upon beholding an enchanting sight, I realise with great regret that I have not carried a camera!

Welcome to my Flickr Photostream.

Memoirs and short stories: manishahegde.wordpress.com