A WEEK IN PHOTOS | GIA

A Photo Essay by Hoang Gia Phan

Normal Daily Life Through My Lenses 

I took this picture while I was crossing the street to catch a bus to downtown on an awesome weekend morning. An elderly couple was helping each other walking by holding hands tightly while a truck was making a turn nearby. In addition, right in front of my lenses are people waiting for a bus, just like me. All these sciences are called daily life, which are often overlooked because they are so ordinary. 

I love taking these kinds of photos, which I believe are categorized into “street photography “ because it depicts what’s happening in life. Unfortunately, we often forget these small moments due to the hustle and bustle of daily life. This picture simply reminds me that we will be one of these people as we grow old. So, we now can see ourselves in this photo.

Life in the Winter

Nothing can reflect the coming of winter better than the foliage in the environment. When winter comes, trees shed their leaves and stand against the hard weather and wait for their rebirth.  

I love these pictures, though I am sure that not many viewers can perceive the message in them. Without winter, we will not have spring; life is just about that. Without hard work and practice and patience, we cannot succeed. Finally, the winter, which can be a metaphoric loneliness, reminds us about the lush, gorgeous spring.

From the Back of Winnipeg

I gave this picture such a name because here from the back, I can secretly watch and take pictures of Winnipeggers without causing any offense. Then I kept thinking about people here and those in my hometown. My mind just wandered round and round. People basically are similar in terms of daily life routines with lots of worries about their future. It’s wonderful that we can see and cherish such ordinary daily moment in life, if we pay close enough attention.

Life Develops Everywhere

I visited downtown last weekend with my DSLR hanging around my neck. It was quite the load, but without it, I knew I wouldn’t be able to capture these stunning bustling high-rise buildings, which often symbolize progress. Winnipeg is obviously developing in terms of its population and economy from an influx of immigrants.  Construction sites like this can be seen mostly in downtown where renovations and updates are in a rush. I heard that there are other sites on the outskirts of the city too, which I hope to see soon.

The Millennium Library and A Look From The Inside

We Are All Welcomed By Our Language 

I checked out the multi-language books sections and, to my surprise, found my mother tongue there. Though the translation “Hoan Nghenh” is a bit awkward, I immediately felt a sense of homesickness, yet a sense of familiarity. 

I browsed all the aisles just to find out that the library has a rich collection of old books in my language, ranging from verses to novels, poems, and even memoirs. These books, I guess, were likely donated by our country men and women who also settled down here in Winnipeg. 

---------

Hi readers!

If you enjoyed Gia's essay and are inspired to create your own, please let me know!  You can contact me at jasmin@heartlandenglish.com.

I look forward to it!
- Jasmin