From Broken Latch to Better Shots.

A raw and unedited photo of me using my old dingy camera (left). And a photo of me that was taken with a new and better camera (right)

Looking at these two photos, I can’t help but think about how much has changed—not just in my photography, but in how I’ve grown in life.

The first photo was taken with my old camera after a long hike in Cucomanga Peak. It was far from perfect. The latch was broken, so I had to rotate it every time I wanted to take a shot. It was awkward, and I always felt embarrassed using it in public. The pictures weren’t great, either. Dust and lint showed up as dark spots, and I didn’t know how to fix that. Back then, I didn’t know much about photography or editing. I just took pictures and hoped they turned out well.

But even with the imperfections, I learned. I learned how to take photos and, more importantly, how to deal with frustration. The early struggles helped me appreciate what it takes to grow, whether it’s in photography or in life.

Now, I have a new camera that’s much better. It’s easier to use and takes clearer photos. I’ve also learned how to edit and enhance my pictures, making them look the way I want. The second photo shows the result of that hard work—the clearer focus, the sharper details, and the pride that comes from improving.

This journey from an old, broken camera to a new, improved one is a lot like life. We all face struggles at the beginning. There are times when things feel awkward or imperfect. But if we keep working, keep learning, and keep pushing through those tough moments, the outcome will always be better. Just like my photography, life gets clearer when you put in the effort.

So, whether you’re taking photos or facing challenges in life, remember that the hard times are just a part of the process. Keep going, and eventually, you’ll get to a place where you can look back and see just how far you’ve come.