The words that best describe my childhood are "acutely shy" and "somewhat detached." Growing up, the fictional character I most related to was Esther Greenwood—a bright young woman who felt like she was looking through "The Bell Jar." She was like someone gazing through a glass jar, able to see everything but unable to touch it. Photography became the medium I chose to bridge that gap.
After graduating from university with a degree in international studies, I became an assistant teacher in English language for teachers in Spain. My goal was to see the world and immerse myself in a new culture, which was quite a departure for a shy, isolated young woman like me. While living in Spain, taking pictures with my iPhone became a connection not only to the new country I was experiencing but also to its people and culture. Photography allowed me to transcend my comfort zone and offered locals a way to see their city from a tourist's perspective. I could ask questions, express my surprise, and develop a connection and appreciation for their city through the simple act of taking a photograph.
Photography quickly became a means to capture a moment in time, an emotion, or a thought associated with a specific place. Each picture served as a bridge between people and cultures, fostering a bond that transcends our differences, allowing us to appreciate the image together. I opted to use my iPhone for photography because it felt less intimidating for someone as shy as I am. I didn't have to step outside my comfort zone, and it often surprised people when I captured beautiful images with something I always had on hand. Additionally, the ability to edit and display the images on the same device made the process feel less overwhelming. This way, I could focus on enjoying the creative aspects of taking and editing the photographs with minimal tools.
