The Art of Being Present: Life Through a Different Lens

In photography, there’s a term called focus lock. It’s when you set your camera to keep one subject sharp while everything else fades into a blur. It’s great for capturing a stunning portrait or a moment in motion, but it’s a terrible way to live.

For years, my life was stuck in focus lock. I was chasing the next milestone, the next paycheck, the next thing I thought would make me happy. But when everything else around you turns into a blur, you miss the details—the ones that truly make life beautiful.

One of the first things I learned as a photographer is how aperture works. A wide-open aperture creates a shallow depth of field, making the subject sharp and softening everything else. It’s beautiful, but it can also be limiting.

When I started simplifying my life—doing van life, slowing down, and letting go of what wasn’t essential—it felt like I was adjusting my aperture. Suddenly, the bigger picture came into view. I could see things I’d been missing for years: the way light glistens on ocean waves, the quiet joy of an empty stretch of beach, or the way golden hour makes things come alive.

It wasn’t about finding perfection. It was about learning to look at life differently.

Some of my favorite photos are the ones that didn’t go as planned. The wind blows at the wrong time, the light shifts unexpectedly, or a stray detail sneaks into the frame. But those imperfections often make the shot.

Life is no different. For a long time, I felt like I had to curate every detail, like I was trying to edit my way to a perfect existence. But it doesn’t work that way. Life is messy, unpredictable, and imperfect—and that’s where its beauty lies.

Now, when things don’t go the way I expect, I try to step back and see the whole frame. Often, there’s something wonderful hiding in the chaos, if I’m willing to look for it.

Photography has taught me the importance of light. You can’t always control it, but you can work with it. Some days, the light is harsh, and other days, it’s soft and forgiving. But no matter what, there’s always something worth capturing.

I try to carry that same perspective into my life. Even on the hard days, I remind myself to look for the light. It might be small—a moment of quiet, a kind word from a stranger, or the sound of the ocean—but it’s always there.

The more I practice gratitude, the more I see how much there is to be thankful for. Every day offers something worth noticing, and I don’t take that for granted.

One of the simplest tricks in photography is reframing. If the composition doesn’t feel right, you move the camera—higher, lower, closer, farther. You don’t force the shot; you find a new angle.

I think life works the same way. When things feel off, it’s not about pushing harder or chasing something that isn’t working. It’s about stepping back, adjusting your perspective, and finding a new way forward.

For me, that’s meant letting go of the need to prove myself or keep up with anyone else’s version of success. It’s meant choosing a life that feels right for me, even if it looks different from what others might expect.

I’m still learning how to live this way—slower, more intentional, and more present. Some days, I slip back into old habits. I catch myself rushing, scrolling, or worrying about things I can’t control.

But when that happens, I remind myself to step back from the viewfinder. To take a deep breath, look around, and ask myself: What’s worth noticing right now?

The answer is always there, waiting to be found.