Reichstag building, Berlin, Germany - by Foster + Partners
Finding Solace in Photography during life’s challenges
If there’s one lesson I’ve taken from architecture school, it’s that the process matters more than the final product. The journey, the learning, and the evolution along the way are what truly shape the outcome. I’ve applied this philosophy to my photography journey, and it has proved invaluable, particularly during difficult times.
Looking through my old photographs, I am instantly transported back to those moments — some filled with joy and adventure, others tied to personal struggles. Most of my images capture memorable trips to foreign countries, whether in perfect weather or challenging conditions, where the light transformed an ordinary scene into something remarkable. But there are also photographs that remind me of painful experiences, moments when life felt uncertain and overwhelming.
One of those pivotal moments was my trip to Berlin, which took place several years ago at a time before the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking back at those images now, it feels as though they belong to another era. To an outsider, they may seem no different from my recent photos, but to me, they represent a significant period of personal upheaval.
Before the trip, I was filled with excitement. Berlin had long been on my list of places to visit, not just for its rich history but for its architecture. I spent hours researching locations, planning the perfect times for blue hour shots, and crafting an itinerary that would allow me to capture the city’s essence.
However, everything changed overnight. Just before I was set to leave, I was let go from my job — through no fault of my own.
I had been working in a stable, albeit unexciting, role before I was offered an opportunity that seemed too good to pass up. The promise of working on diverse projects across multiple countries sounded like a dream. I trusted the person who recruited me, believing in their vision and assurances. But that trust was misplaced.
Unbeknownst to me, this person had made commitments they couldn’t keep. When they failed to deliver the promised influx of new projects, the blame fell squarely on me. Without warning or explanation, I was made the scapegoat. One day I had a career, and the next, I was jobless.
As if that weren’t enough, I was also navigating one of the most challenging periods of my personal life. My mother had been diagnosed with cancer, requiring numerous medical appointments and constant care. I had shared my circumstances with my office, and while they expressed sympathy, it did not factor into their decision when they let me go.
Suddenly, I was facing an uncertain future — professionally, financially, and emotionally. The Berlin trip, which had once been a source of excitement, now felt like an escape I desperately needed.
With no choice but to embrace the trip, I resolved to focus on photography. I told myself to immerse fully in the process, to create images I would be proud of, and to use photography as a means of regaining some sense of control.
I had long admired the Reichstag’s renovation by Foster + Partners, a brilliant fusion of old and new. The decision to insert a sleek, contemporary glass dome into a historic structure was both bold and symbolic. As a working parliamentary building, security was tight, requiring an airport-style screening before entry. But once inside, the real magic revealed itself.
The glass dome, with its double-helix spiral staircase, was a masterpiece of light and space. As I ascended, I felt a sense of importance, as though walking through history itself. The redesign wasn’t just visually impressive — it carried meaning, demonstrating architecture’s role in shaping civic identity and national progress.
That evening, I returned to photograph the Reichstag during the blue hour. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the building illuminated, its glass dome glowing like a beacon. The weather was perfect, allowing me to capture some of my favourite images from the trip — photographs I still look back on with pride.
At the time, throwing myself into photography was more than just a creative pursuit — In a period where everything felt uncertain, it gave me a sense of purpose. Photography, especially digital photography, is a unique medium. It offers immediate results, allowing you to see the tangible outcome of your efforts. In that moment, creating something — something that existed solely because of me — was empowering. It gave me a renewed sense of self-worth at a time when I was struggling.
Looking back, it might seem like a small thing, but I’ve since turned to photography whenever life feels overwhelming. Whether it’s personal setbacks or distressing global events, the act of capturing images provides an escape. It allows me to focus on creation rather than chaos, to find beauty in the everyday even when the world feels turbulent.
Reflecting on that period, I realise how essential it is to have a coping mechanism — something that grounds you when life takes an unexpected turn. In recent years, I’ve found myself once again turning to photography in times of stress. Whether it’s the upheaval caused by current events in the Middle East or concerns for friends living through challenging times across the pond in the United States, photography allows me to step away from the noise and focus on something tangible.
We all face challenges, whether personal, professional, or global. The question is: how do we navigate them? What helps you cope when life feels overwhelming?
Do you have an activity, hobby, or creative pursuit that allows you to find balance and perspective? I’d love to hear what works for you.