Photography has always been a way for me to express my most silent thoughts. Through photography I am able to tell stories, convey emotions that words cannot describe. Not even in a million years. Sometimes it is interesting to hear the story behind the photo and you see the photo in a new light. But in most cases a photo shouldn’t need a story to back it up. It has to speak for itself.

This week I explored different perspectives of picture taking. You can tell a story through a simple photography. Each individual views things so differently. How we may see something, can be completely different from how someone else views the same image. I guess that is what makes photography beautiful. It speaks differently to different people. I am learning to use Aperture for photo editing, as well as pixlr and GIMP. I am really enjoying it.

There is always something new to learn here. I am excited to continue learning.

In today’s society most people, old or young, can relate to the generational difference between youth and their parents and grandparents. I feel today’s youth can benefit so much from the older generations. However, most of us are too caught up in false reality of media, superficiality and the pursuit of “happiness.” We try to grow up so fast and seeking a life that is completely independent. That may be a good thing, however we feel that we know everything, and refuse to accept wisdom from those who experienced life before us. As we grow up we find ourselves doing the same things we refused to accept when younger. It becomes subconscious in a sense. We don’t even realize that we are becoming similar to our parents.

The video of the Alexander story was very interesting. The narrator spoke in a monotone voice, but nonetheless, I enjoyed the flow of the video. Even though monotone can be perceived as a negative message, it did not come off that way at all. The narrator creates a tradition of having bread and butter on Thursdays. We create a tradition from these stories our grandparents passed down to our parents who passed it down to us.

This is a family story. We all have family stories that have been shared orally or visually. It is something personal to every family. and we share that with the world. Through stories. The youth does not understand when they are young, however when the old dies, and we grow, we begin to understand. It all makes sense then.

I find Kurt Vonnegut explanation of how people have such a need for drama in their life to be completely true. How people love to make up these stories, pass it on for generations and continue to believe them. The problem is, people think life is supposed to be like these stories.

He drew an empty grid on the board, like this:

Time moves from left to right. Happiness from bottom to top.

He said, “Let’s look at a very common story arc. The story of Cinderella.”

It starts with her awful life with evil stepsisters, scrubbing the fireplace. Then she get an invitation to the ball! Things look up. Then the fairy godmother makes her a dress and a coach. Even better! Then she goes to the ball, and dances with the prince! This is great! But then it’s midnight. She has to go. Oh no. Sadness. Back to her humdrum life scrubbing the fireplace. But it’s not as bad as before, because she’s had this encouraging experience. Then, the prince finds her, and the happiness factor is off the chart! Happily ever after.

“People LOVE that story! This story arc has been written a thousand times in a thousand tales. And because of it, people think their lives are supposed to be like this.”

is it that life is so unbearable that we tell ourselves lies just so we can continue living? or are people so caught up in a false reality they are missing out on the “real” thing.

Dear parents,

I was super behind on camp this week. What happened to Abir? People wondered. Did she fall off the face of the universe? Well that is pretty much what happened. I literally fell off into a new world and I am trying to find my way back. Most of last week I have been very ill. It’s flu season here in Tanzania, thank God it was not Malaria.

I am much better now. Don’t worry too much.

I promise this week I will catch up. I want to win camper of the week so bad. This week I learned more about digital storytelling and how to set up my personal website. I also read from a book that was written by a camper, it was so inspiring. It was amazing to learn how stories are shaped. How we can influence almost anything. We have the ability to produce stories that can be uplifting and inspiring to the world. I created many photos this week. As well as an annoying sound recording on Soundcloud and a video that I uploaded to Youtube.

I hope that you are doing well.
Talk to you soon.

Your favorite child,
Abir Ibrahim