An Inspirational Photography Class in Central Park with JP Teaches Photo  

On Sunday B. and I went to a photography class in Central Park. I could clearly recall us walking down the path, highly anticipating to acquire some additional knowledge within the field.

Actually, for those of you who don’t know he’s the one who’s been taking my OOTD photos lately. And surprisingly he decided to make this grand gesture, signing up both of us to attend a photography class - one of the birthday surprises I mentioned in 'The Story Behind my 24th Birthday - friends, love, and New York City'.

And there we were, standing below an oak tree, thirstily gulping all the information that N. was granting us with. Until N. said something that immediately switched off my brain.

‘Today I want you to leave this class knowing one thing - how to use your DSLR mindlessly, without memorising all of its functions, any of the puzzling digits. I want you to be able to efficiently use it in the very moment of ‘happening’. In the very moment you manage to notice the unnoticeable, the exceptional. Yes, precisely then’.

And I cease listening. I was taking in the information with my mind joyfully floating in the air. Since I became a ‘blogger’ I’ve been in the process of constantly snapping photos. I’ve been thinking solely about the photo sessions I have to prepare, about the outfits I had to pull off, about the blog and the way it’s been doing so far. And you know what? In the process of doing so I’ve been missing out on priceless moments. I’ve been failing to appreciate them. To taste them. To smile at them. To reach my hand and grasp them. Yes, in my very intention to succeed I’ve somehow forgotten to live. To experience. And to be truly PRESENT. Here. And Now.

Trainers: Nike Air Max, Shorts: Pull & Bear, Bag: Miu Miu, Sunglasses: Aldo, Top: Designer

Thank you, Nick!

And just like that today I’ve put on the baggiest boyfriend jeans and the quirkiest crop top. Just like that I haven’t straightened my hair, I haven’t perfectly contoured my face. Instead, I’ve headed to see this extraordinary exhibition somewhere in Downtown Manhattan with no camera hanging around my neck. Yes, today I’m leaving it at home. Today I’m going out - BEAR. Stripped from the primary ‘blogging’ device. Stripped and ready to enjoy the day and breath it all in. Experience every moment while getting lost somewhere in the city. And then sit down and write about it all. In my diary. With a Pen.

Yes, today I choose to live. Live. Not like a blogger, banker, or accountant, but instead like a human being.

Wednesday will be the day in which I'll learn from scratch how to tune all of my five senses. Are you ready to embrace yours too?

Lots of love,

A.