"عکاسی برای من یک انگیزش خودجوش است که از چشمی که همیشه هوشیار است سرچشمه می‌گیرد و لحظه و ابدیت آن را ثبت می‌کند"

This quote gets to the heart of what photography is all about—an instinctive reaction that comes from always being on the lookout. It's about seeing a moment and snapping it up, knowing that you've grabbed something timeless.

Think about the golden age of street photography, back in the mid-20th century. Photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, who’s often credited with this idea, were wandering the streets with their cameras ready. They didn’t stage scenes or wait for the perfect lighting. They caught life as it happened, capturing moments that would otherwise slip by unnoticed. This idea is rooted in the belief that real life, in all its randomness and spontaneity, is both beautiful and profound.

Let’s say you’re at a bustling city park on a sunny afternoon. Kids are playing, couples are chatting on benches, a man is juggling near the fountain. You’ve got your camera slung over your shoulder. You’re not really thinking about anything specific—just soaking in the scene. Suddenly, a dog leaps to catch a frisbee mid-air, and in the background, the sun is hitting the water just right, making it sparkle. You instinctively lift your camera and click. You’ve caught it—a moment that’s full of life and light, something totally spontaneous yet eternal in its joy and energy.

Now, how do you bring this idea into your own life? First off, practice being present. We’re often so distracted—by our phones, our worries, our to-do lists—that we miss what’s happening right in front of us. Start paying more attention to your surroundings. Really look at things. Notice the small details, the interactions, the way the light falls at different times of the day.

Then, don’t overthink it. When you feel that impulse to capture something, just go for it. You don’t need fancy equipment; even a smartphone camera will do. The key is to develop that “attentive eye” the quote talks about. It’s about training yourself to see those fleeting moments of beauty and significance.

Imagine you’re at a family gathering. Everyone’s around the table, laughing and sharing stories. You notice your grandmother, her eyes sparkling as she listens to your uncle telling a joke. You’ve seen that look a thousand times, but this moment feels special. You grab your phone and snap a photo. Later, when you look at that picture, you see not just your grandmother, but the love, the history, the warmth of that moment. It’s something you’ll treasure forever.

So, next time you’re out and about, or even just at home, keep your eyes open. Be ready for that impulse. Don’t worry about making it perfect or staged. The real magic of photography lies in those authentic, unplanned moments that speak to the heart.

In essence, it’s about being fully alive and present, about seeing the world with wonder and curiosity. It’s about trusting your instincts and capturing the moments that move you. So keep looking, keep clicking, and let the world surprise you.