Sarajevo, Bosnia- Behind the confines of our walls, we weep for the ignorant. Barriers that have been built to shield us from others make us more alone than ever before. We walk among the trees and flowers, across the courtyard, reflecting on the outside influences that have shaped our world, and yet we resist. We're afraid, unmoved. Our hands remain at our sides, unwilling to grasp what the future holds in front of us. Instead, we lay waste to to our surroundings and indulge the whispers and murmurings in the alleys, perfectly content to accept any inconvenience that stands in our way to greatness.
Moments of Hesitation
Split, Croatia- Two men stand in the afternoon light, their wisdom and experience combine to the tale of youth. After moments of hesitation, they trail off into silence, fading like the memories behind them. Wrinkled faces share more about their lives than any story ever could. Looking into their eyes, one can only help but feel the past. A life filled with happiness and regret, misery and hope. It’s a story played out by billions and yet no story is alike. 7 billion individual stories, with 7 billion individual outcomes. It’s amazing.
The Greastest Match of All Time
Banja Luka, Bosnia- On an unnaturally warm summer's evening, I walked down the main road, heading north toward the outskirts of the city. The sun was approaching the horizon and the shadows were growing long, but the city was still buzzing. As I walked by a park, I noticed a giant chessboard, complete with giant chess pieces, surrounded by a group of spectators. It appeared as if a chess match was beginning. I approached cautiously, as I didn't want to disturb the spectators and planted myself on a bench. For about 40 minutes, the two opponents battled it out. Everyone was riveted, watching their expressions change from frustration, to confusion, and inevitably to joy, as each opponent maneuvered the pieces around the board. During what I perceived to be a lull in the match, I backed off a bit to shoot some photos of the entire scene. Nobody even glanced in my direction. After the win, the board was reset, and I wandered off in search of more exciting adventures, but nothing will ever top the greatest chess match of all time.
The Simplicity of it All
Dubrovnik, Croatia- Walking atop the wall that surrounds the old city, the sun sets around me, shadows growing longer by the second. There is a line of people on both sides of me, all present to walk along the wall, taking in the sights of the city. A series of shadows catch my eye and I stop abruptly, causing people to bump into each other. Clothes hanging on a line, drying in the afternoon sun. I love everything about it. The simplicity of it all. Because of the high flow of traffic, I have to wait maybe 5-10 minutes for there to be an opening. My head stays bent down, staring into the top of the camera, watching shadows walk through the frame. I glance up, waiting for a lull, and I notice one approaching. With just enough time, my frame clears and I take the photo.