I picked my hobby intentionally because I firmly believe that a hobby is not only a way to pass the time, but also a means of learning, growing, and finding fulfillment in life."

Although I have always been interested in photography, I did not consider it a hobby until I realized that I needed a sense of purpose to incorporate it into my life. I spent a great deal of time pondering what it was about photography that excited me and why I wanted it to be my hobby. I discovered that capturing special moments, learning new things, and exploring new places were all aspects that genuinely thrilled me about photography.

First, why do I believe people need a hobby?

I always view hobbies as a means to LEARN new things and to UNLEARN old ones."

1. Learning and having fun is an awesome productive me-time, right?

For me, having a hobby can be a way to push and maximize my free time to keep on learning new skills and exploring new boundaries.

What's great about hobbies is that they don't have to be taken too seriously. I can approach them with a sense of playfulness and experimentation, without the pressure of having to perform or meet certain standards. This allows me to explore my interests in a relaxed and enjoyable way, without the fear of failure or judgment.

2. Take a break and get creative with my day.

Having a hobby can offer a chance to engage in something completely different and a great way to carve out some much-needed personal time.

How do I choose my hobby?

So, if you're a foodie like me, getting good at food photography in restaurants can open up a whole new world of delicious eats to explore."

1. Think big

Consider the bigger picture of what you can gain from developing a particular skill set. For example, in photography, I can learn about composition, lighting, and editing, as well as gain more experience in the industry.

So, if you're a foodie like me (hehe), getting good at food photography in restaurants can open up a whole new world of delicious eats to explore. Plus, you might even score some sweet collab opportunities and get to try even more amazing dishes.

2. Challenge

If a hobby gives me a lot of headaches, but I still enjoy doing it, then it is probably the right hobby for me. I ask myself questions like "Will I improve?", "How can I do this?", or "Why are their photos sharp and mine are not?" Initially, I struggled with getting the right settings on my camera and framing my shots properly. However, I persevered and sought feedback from others to improve my skills. By taking photos regularly and learning from my mistakes, I have become more proficient in capturing the images I want.

3. Connect

If I connect well with people in the industry, there is a possibility that this is the right hobby. Building connections with industry professionals can ensure that I receive guidance and support to help grow my hobby. For example, I found a local photography group that meets regularly to share tips and tricks and to go on photo walks together.

What do I learn from having a hobby?

But to me, they are special and unique, and that is all that matters to keep me going."

Master essential skills quickly, but remember that you only need to impress yourself, not others.

Time matters; the longer you procrastinate, the greater the possibility that you will do nothing. I always remember that whenever I take photos and then edit them on my computer, I am impressed by what I see and what I have captured. Sure, they may not be the best photos to share with others, but to me, they are special and unique, and that is all that matters to keep me going.

Having a hobby has taught me that nothing comes for free.

To become skilled in something, you need to invest time and money. Photography can be an expensive hobby, but I decided to invest in a good camera and lenses to capture the highest quality images possible. In addition, I spent time learning about various editing software and techniques to enhance my photos.

Everything needs a future to remain sustainable.

What's next? Will you monetize it? How will you sustain it? Will you print postcards? I am currently exploring ways to turn my hobby into a side business by printing postcards. This has required me to think about how to market myself and my work, as well as how to sustain my hobby over time.

I have another project related to traveling, and I want to do it well with a good friend. Remember, to make this hobby sustainable, it is important to find the right people to collaborate with. While I feel excited about this project, I must admit that I am also a little nervous. Nevertheless, I believe that it will turn out to be great.

So, what's next?"
fun portfolio ;)

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