Lifestyle

While I hesitate to attribute the course of my life to a single event, there is one particular moment that holds significant importance in my journey towards realizing my dreams.

Having spent two exhilarating winter seasons in Europe as the in-house photographer for SkiDeal, a renowned tour operator, I had the opportunity to traverse the continent and capture stunning photographs in some of the most breathtaking settings. However, as those winter seasons drew to a close, the pressure to conform to a more conventional path began to weigh on me. Returning home to pursue further studies seemed like the sensible choice.

Fast forward to the summer of 2014, in vibrant Tel Aviv, Israel. Amidst the sweltering heat, as I bartended at an Italian restaurant, my mind wandered, grappling with the uncertainties of my future. It was on this very day that a chance encounter altered the course of my life. A customer, an American on vacation in Israel, handed me a ski magazine from his bag – ‘Skiing’s Photo Annual.’ The cover, a captivating black and white image taken in Japan, instantly caught my attention. Engaging in conversation about our shared love for skiing, I mentioned my experience photographing winter landscapes. I found myself at a crossroads, torn between continuing down that path or venturing into uncharted territory.

To this day, I cannot explain why, but as the customer prepared to leave, he turned around and handed me the magazine, saying, “Keep this, maybe I’ll see a photo of yours in here one day.”

That served as an awakening moment. It was a clear sign for me to pursue my passion, although deep down, I already knew that was my path. I resolved to follow my dream and do whatever it took to see my photographs grace the pages of respected magazines worldwide.

Today, my collection of magazines featuring my work grows faster than I can manage, and this past season alone, I added eight more coveted cover shots. Each publication holds a special place in my heart, and I strive to collect them all, preserving them as cherished memories to pass on to my future family.

Printed magazines hold a special significance for me, and I still possess the very magazine that was given to me on that scorching summer day. It stands as a constant reminder to always pursue my dreams.

I will never forget the day I purchased my first digital camera—a used Nikon D50. With a little help from my parents, I was able to acquire this camera when I was just 14 years old. Little did I know then the profound impact it would have on my life and the person it would help shape me into. One particular memory stands out vividly in my mind—the exhilaration I felt as I held the camera for the first time and captured my initial photos amidst the vibrant and colorful Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem. Fueled by my passion for photography and an insatiable thirst for discovery, all I wanted was to capture stunning images and absorb as much knowledge as possible.

But why am I reminiscing about my first digital camera when the title of this anecdote is “Film Camera”? In other words, an analog device devoid of screens, featuring a manual winder.

You see, during my younger years, I never had the opportunity to experiment with or learn the intricacies of a film camera, except for a few occasional shots I took using my parents’ ever-changing “point and shoot” cameras during family vacations. It seemed I was born in an era too late to fully embrace the world of film photography. This realization motivated me to purchase my first used film camera. As an established professional photographer, I discovered a renewed passion for traditional film-based photography. The curiosity and excitement I experienced while delving into film photography transported me back to my 14-year-old self—holding my first digital camera, brimming with enthusiasm.

Often times, I deliberately restricted myself to my humble Nikon SLR as my sole equipment. I embraced the challenge of limited shots and the anticipation that came with waiting for negatives to develop, eager for that first glimpse of the captured images. Each photograph taken on my film camera possesses an extraordinary power, depth, and a story of its own.

These moments captured on film always compel me to pause, if only for an extra fleeting second, transporting me back to a time when I was a raw and unrefined 14-year-old, armed with a camera, ready to conquer the world.

When it comes to spending time in the mountains, I find myself drawn to the trails. These pathways, often carved through knee-deep powder or shaped by the relentless mountain winds, offer a captivating and unique experience. They guide us through dense forests, rugged terrains, and occasionally expose us to exhilarating ridges that quicken the pulse.

Each time the snowfall blankets the trails, a fresh canvas is unveiled before us. Once again, we are entrusted with the task of painting the mountain with new trails and leaving our footprints behind.

Occasionally, I ponder over the reasons behind the immense joy I derive from lugging my weighty camera pack up the mountains. After all, it can take hours to ascend, only to descend back to the bottom in a matter of seconds.

While I may never find a definitive answer to this question, I am aware that something within the unhurried and repetitive rhythm of ski touring and hiking allows me to establish a deeper connection with the mountains. It often feels like a form of meditation, a tranquil communion with nature.