Photography reshapes the way you see everything around you, from casual walks to vacations. It’s more than a hobby—it rewires your attention, making you sensitive to subtle details that others might miss.
Coming to you from Shoot On Film—by Ari Jaaksi, this insightful video explores how photography affects daily life, often at the expense of social convenience. Jaaksi points out how he frequently becomes the slowest hiker in the group because he's compelled to stop and photograph leaves, paths, and subtle details in nature. His awareness and insistence on pausing for potential photographs delay his family and friends, creating mild but recurring friction. Similarly, city trips become tests of patience as Jaaksi is happy to linger at street corners, waiting for a perfect moment, while his family is keen on shopping, dining, or sightseeing. This behavior, familiar to anyone who regularly shoots film, highlights the constant balancing act between photographic ambition and social harmony.
Jaaksi candidly admits that his photography habits cause occasional trouble during travel, especially when it comes to airports. Insisting that film gets hand-checked instead of going through X-ray machines often leads to long, uncomfortable exchanges with security personnel, exemplified by a particularly tense encounter in Paris. Yet Jaaksi’s willingness to push through these hurdles emphasizes a deep respect for the craft, showing why preserving the integrity of the film is worth inconvenience. Another relatable inconvenience is his constant need to locate a film store in unfamiliar cities, often at awkward moments. He’s even missed dinners because the light at sunset takes priority, again forcing his companions into compromise.
The video notably focuses on how photography influences perceptions of weather—usually seen as bad or inconvenient. Jaaksi describes how a rainy, drizzly day in Norway unexpectedly delighted him, while disappointing everyone else planning sunny outdoor activities. A similar incident in Estonia highlights how perfect photographic conditions can become distractions, nearly causing him to miss a ferry home. His experiences underscore how weather, usually viewed as an obstacle, can become an exciting photographic opportunity when you change your perspective. Jaaksi offers valuable insights into embracing conditions you cannot control, turning them into memorable images. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Jaaksi.
