Let me start with this: there’s no such thing as “smart people” and “stupid people” in an absolute sense. Everyone is smart at something and clueless at something else. Me? I’m sharp when it comes to design—interiors, furniture, you name it. Ask me to pick a color, and I’ll nail it. But numbers? That’s where I crumble. Train schedules, flight times—I’m either too early or way too late. Always.

And photography? That’s where it gets interesting. See, I love photography, but not in the way some people do. For me, a photograph is an object, a piece of art with its quirks. If it’s blurry, I don’t see a mistake; I see a characteristic. Grain? Not a flaw—just part of its story. A crooked frame? It’s not wrong; it’s just… how it is. Sometimes these things make a photo magical. Other times, they just don’t work. But either way, they’re part of what makes a photograph what it is.

Now here’s the thing: I can’t wrap my head around the numbers of photography. F-stops, ISO, shutter speeds—I just can’t do it. When I try to take a photo while thinking about all that, I get lost. I start scribbling settings in a notebook, checking the light meter, doubting myself, rechecking everything… Meanwhile, the light shifts, people move on, and I’ve either missed the shot or ended up with something completely different from what I wanted.

That’s why I rely on my camera. Yes, I use automatic modes. And here comes my controversial opinion: using “program mode” doesn’t make you less of a photographer than shooting in manual. Sure, manual settings have their place, especially if you’re aiming for a specific effect. But the idea that photography is all about nailing the technical details? That never sat right with me.

Think about it: for decades, people took incredible photos with cameras far less advanced than the ones we have today. Were their photos any less beautiful? I don’t think so. Grainy images, slight imperfections, off-kilter colors—they still move us. Why? Because they hold something more: mystery, emotion.

And that’s what I’m after. A photo that doesn’t explain itself entirely, one that leaves you guessing. A little aesthetic mystery, maybe even an emotional one. That’s where the magic happens for me.

Of course, this is just my take. If understanding every detail about how light bends through a lens or perfecting your settings is your thing, go for it. That’s your strength, your way of creating. But it doesn’t mean there’s one “right” way to approach photography.

In the end, photography is like life—there’s no universal rulebook. It’s personal. It’s messy. And maybe that’s what makes it so captivating.

So, what about you? Is it the technique that makes a photograph unforgettable, or is it something more mysterious? Something you can’t quite put your finger on?