Akin’s Visual Journal #2
Photographing your hometown can be a daunting task, especially in a place as small as Cambridge. But this challenge pushes you to look deeper, uncovering details you might have otherwise overlooked.
“Photography is, for me, a spontaneous impulse coming from an ever-attentive eye which captures the moment and its eternity.” – Henri Cartier-Bresson
This quote perfectly sums up my experience as I navigate my new life in Cambridge. Every day, I’m learning to see and capture moments in the most unexpected places, turning ordinary scenes into reflections of my evolving journey.
Photographing Cambridge has been a deeply surreal experience. From the historic Cambridge University to the modern developments dotted across the town, the city is a blend of past and present, set amidst serene green spaces like Lammas Land, Midsummer Common and Jesus Green etc, where cows graze in the summer meadows. The lively River Cam, with its constant flurry of activity, adds a dynamic touch to this peaceful setting. Each photograph I take helps me connect with Cambridge in a personal and profound way, making this city feel like home.
Reflecting on my path to Cambridge, I left behind Lagos, Nigeria—my hometown, where everything and everyone I love resides. This move wasn’t easy, but I knew it was necessary to forge a new path. Cambridge presented itself as the opportunity I needed, and I’ve embraced it with both excitement and some apprehension.
In my photography, I’m still exploring and discovering new things about myself.
Often, I find myself in places with few obvious photographic opportunities, and it’s in these moments that I confront my doubts and push myself to find beauty where it isn’t immediately apparent.
Portrait photography has been an area of significant growth for me. I’ve gained confidence approaching people, starting conversations, and playing with light to create different textures. I’ve learned that photography is about experimentation and embracing imperfections.
Some days yield great images, other days don’t—and that’s okay. Each outing builds my mental map of Cambridge, allowing me to see patterns and capture moments more intuitively.
Exploring the small villages around Cambridge has also been rewarding. While they might not offer the iconic imagery of the city, they challenge me to refine my craft and view the world through different lenses. There’s something truly fulfilling about creating art in places that others might overlook, and those moments of quiet discovery have been just as revealing as photographing the bustling city.
Question for you
Are you exploring your hometown, village, or neighbourhood in new ways?
If you’re finding it challenging to photograph familiar places, try shifting your perspective.
Visit a small village, or approach your usual surroundings with fresh eyes. Push your compositional skills, and embrace the process, even if not every shot turns out perfectly. With time and persistence, you’ll uncover new layers of beauty in your environment.
“True photographs don’t come from the camera. They come from the eyes, brain, and heart.” – Fan Ho
This quote rings true in every shot I take. It’s not just about what the camera captures, but how you, as the photographer, see and feel the world around you.
I’m excited to keep sharing my journey through Cambridge with you and hope you’ll find inspiration to explore and capture your own world in new and creative ways.
Stay connected 🔗
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Many thanks,
Akin.