ClaimDream

Some material thoughts: even though there are some materials which are great, aesthetically they don’t really look that nice.

For example, I recently got these black merino wool shorts, and even though the material and performance is quite good, I just don’t really like the way it looks. The material is too floppy, piles too much, and looks worn out in a bad way.

Even merino wool leggings, sooner or later, they lose their elasticity, and the wear pattern is not that aesthetically appealing.

So the question on my mind is this: how do we get the best materials, that have the best performance, yet aesthetically still is beautiful to us and interesting to us?

Aesthetics means perception

In ancient Greek, “aesthetikos” means the philosophy of perception. How we perceive the world, materials, things, and anything visual.

Don’t put too much faith in your LCD screen, whether it comes to matters of framing, or reviewing. Rather, stick to ‘highlight exposure‘ priority, and just wait later until you download your photos to your laptop.

While here in Mexico City, some thoughts:

What is the supreme life or lifestyle?

What is the best life or lifestyle?

A mobile one. Where you are not tied down to your home or even fatherland.

Also, a semi-nomadic one. Frequent travel.

A lot of walking, visiting local coffee shops and cafes. A combination of eating at fancy restaurants, and also eating street food.

One of the things I love most in my current Airbnb apartment in Mexico City is the massive floor to ceiling windows. Which allow in a massive amount of natural light.

I’m so surprised just how much it improves my mood, my energy, and my overall gratitude to life. Now I understand why so many ancient religions consider the sun as God.

The human being and photosynthesis?

I think I’m like a plant, that is when I am exposed to light and natural light, I get more energy and power. I even remember what my mom told me as a kid, that my mom loved and preferred homes and apartments with natural light. If anything, the most important thing to optimize for a home is natural light.

The same thing goes with coffee shops: I prefer coffee shops with lots of natural light. Huge windows, and pointed to the sun.

Why we photographers love light

It’s hard to *not* be inspired to make photos while here!

Why is Mexico City so great for photography?

Good weather, so you can be out and walk outside all day without getting cold.

Also, street life and outdoor cafe culture. Tons of people out and about, great design in neighborhoods like Roma Norte. Also a good mix of bohemian and artistic folks in Roma Norte.

Everything is affordable and accessible

You can afford to go to all the fancy restaurants and places you desire. The purchasing power parity here for Americans is very good. I’d say the US dollar goes at least 3-5x further than it does back in the states.