During my morning walks, I usually try to look out for shots that tell a story. But more often than not, I end up taking simple snapshots — mostly because my frame of mind isn’t quite there yet. Sometimes I’m just rushing, trying to cover as much distance as possible within a fixed time. On this particular day, I gave myself 90 minutes to walk about 5km. Why the time limit? The MATTA Fair was happening near my place, and if you know, you know — the traffic jam can be brutal. I wanted to make sure I got home before getting caught in the madness lah.
This snapshot was of an elderly lady walking from the MRT — perhaps on her way to work. I took the shot along a road leading toward Jalan Sultan. For all you know, it could very well be Jalan Sultan!
To get into a better headspace when doing street photography, it helps to slow down and be more present. Don’t rush from one spot to another. Instead, pause, observe your surroundings, and let the scenes come to you. Practicing mindfulness can really enhance your ability to notice fleeting moments. Even simple breathing techniques or short pauses before you raise your camera can make a difference. Try reading up on The Mindful Photographer or check out Sean Tucker’s video on Why Mindset Matters in Street Photography. Sometimes, the best frame doesn’t come from the camera, but from your state of mind first.
The video of the walk is here: