Walking in Beauty

Every time I step onto a trail with my camera, I remind myself of a simple truth: this exact moment will never happen again. The way the morning light filters through the trees, the ripples in the water, the sudden burst of a bird taking flight—it’s all unique, fleeting, unrepeatable.

The Japanese philosophy of Ichigo Ichie translates loosely to "one time, one meeting." It’s the idea that every moment is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, never to be replicated. In a way, it’s the essence of nature photography. No two sunrises are the same. No two walks bring the same sights, sounds, or emotions.

In Western culture, we have similar ideas—"living in the moment," or carpe diem ("seize the day"). Native American traditions speak of "walking in beauty," an awareness of nature’s harmony and impermanence. Regardless of the words we use, the message is clear: be present, appreciate what’s in front of you, and capture the magic while you can.

That’s why I photograph the world around me. Not just to document, but to celebrate the fleeting. Because today’s light, today’s sky, today’s feeling, none of it will ever be exactly the same again.

So take the shot. Enjoy the moment. Ichigo Ichie.