Everyone has their way of seeing the world. Some people paint, some write, and some turn their emotions into music; For me, I find the blind spots through photography. My camera isn’t just a device with a lens and a body; it’s my way of slowing down the world and capturing perfect moments into one frame.
My passion for photography didn’t suddenly appear out of nowhere. It started small, with pictures from my phone—simple pictures without any thought behind them. But as time went on, it wasn’t just about taking photos; it was about telling stories, sharing my perspective of the world, and capturing beauty through my lens.
A couple of years after I was born, my mom bought a beginner-level Nikon camera, not because she was interested in photography, but to capture family moments. Eventually, it sat untouched in my garage, and when I found the camera, I thought it was outdated and unworthy of my time. However, as time passed, the thought of trying out the camera became a stick in my mind.
As soon as I lifted the camera, it felt natural. The more pictures I started taking, the more I realized I could take such fantastic photos, and I instantly fell in love with using it. Over time, my camera became an extension of me. I took it everywhere just to take pictures because I genuinely enjoyed it. It taught me more than how to create a good photo; it taught me patience.
Before my passion for photography sparked in my mind, I found myself moving through the world too quickly, overlooking the beauty in everyday moments. Once I picked up my camera, I began to slow down and notice the most minor details. The way the sunlight hits the walls, how the buildings create leading lines, or even the expression in someone’s eyes. They all became worth noticing.
(Evan Omana)
Sometimes, the perfect shot only comes from waiting for the right light and moment. Photography has taught me perspective—even the most basic things can be transformed into something extraordinary when viewed from a different angle. I was shown gratitude because even in the most “boring” settings, there will always be something worth capturing.
Photography has helped me fall in love and capture all types of beauty, from architecture to human emotion. A couple of my most memorable photos were taken to demonstrate the beauty of the world.
At Epic Universe, in the Harry Potter section, I took a photo of one of the buildings, and it turned out beautifully–demonstrating the colors, outline, and relevance just one building can make. It became one of my favorite architecture pictures that I’ve taken.
Along the way, I’ve learned that photos can also reveal human emotion. When I visited France, I took a picture of a man on a bridge playing the accordion, and you can see the emotion in his eyes. And it’s all based on the perspective of the emotion he has; I’d ask myself, ‘Is he sad?’ ‘Is he distracted?’ And figure it out from all perspectives.
Photography isn’t just my hobby, it’s my passion, my voice, and the way I hold on to the world’s beauty. Photography is whatever you make it to be. It’s more than just snapping a photo and calling it a day. Every picture I’ve taken is a reminder of the principles my camera has taught me: patience, perspective, and gratitude.
Here are some of Evan’s favorite photos:
