Pink cheeks and oranges

If there's one aspect of my style of writing that I like to believe stands out, it's the attribute of honesty. As I begin to pen down one of the most organic experiences of my life, one that I was lucky enough to capture, I think it's imperative to be genuine about it.

The truth is that this picture is one of the few photographs I've taken that is as real as the experience I lived through. A photo that involves no technique, touch up or artificial colours at all. So here it is, a picture reminiscent of a real-life experience without the bells and whistles of contemporary photography. There was no skill, no mindful intent or any creative motive behind this picture. It was sensational, hard to explain, yet beautifully simple when understood. Some moments are captured without process orientation, without the right lighting or the perfect angle. Sometimes photographs are an outcome of the perfect blend of things we love, enthralling stills and overwhelming emotions bringing to bear a scintillating harmony.

This picture is of a quaint, cold street in Rothenburg Ob de Tauber, a real-life fairytale town located towards the south of Germany, that I visited last winter. Originally, it was meant to be our long-awaited Christmas break with family, far away from the hustle of busy Hong Kong. But slowly it seemed to transcend from that and become so much more. The little town with its lovely people, beautiful landscapes and world war remains with a magnificent wall protecting it from trespassers still retains its old glory. You would witness homes in every colour you could imagine, pets that would make your heart smile and an evoking kiss from the sun amongst the cold winter breeze bringing out the warmth in an otherwise cold city. I spent four incredible days in this little town, a world of its own, devoid of the action in a city.

Local Folklore has it that Rothenburg is a delight at any time of year, but in winter, the snow turns spires and rooftops into a living Christmas card. The town is adorned with pretty lights and Santas, one in particular that plays the sweetest carols from his music box, filling bystanders with immense satisfaction and glee. In moments like these, the body longs to stay in such a rapture forever. It almost becomes spiritual, obliterating the boundaries between being a visitor and becoming one with the town. In that space, there is no need for editing apps or sharp photo angles to enhance nature any more than what it's offered. Standing there amongst the crowd, engulfed by Christmas markets and hot treats, wrapped and served with love, the feeling is euphoric. Your hand rushes to your smartphone, with the daunting fear of missing out on the smallest moment. Such is the charm of this wonderland, and ultimately I would like people to understand that many a time professional photography is not about skill, but about capturing emotion.

This picture tells a story, one of a simple girl unaware of the sheer beauty of the land, revelling in the romantic streets and exotic locales. As an enthusiast of good photography, I have come to realise that the best photographs are a mere subset of what nature has to offer, irrespective of skill. There's so much to be thankful for, so much to see and so much to love. If I could go back, I'd stand on the medieval roads and take it all in once again. Feel the sun on my cold pink cheeks, savour the juiciest clementines and live the moments that were indeed all heart. I now leave it to you readers, what do you take from this picture? Photographic expertise or a thread of pure emotion?