Portrait of Willem Vermandere in a bookshop. Photo © Paul Indigo

In a world where we are bombarded with images constantly, how can photography still manage to surprise us and make us see the world in a new way?

Social media, news, advertising, and entertainment all rely heavily on visuals to capture our attention. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of pictures we see every day. It can be hard to imagine how photography could still surprise us or make us see the world in a new way. But the truth is, photography is a powerful art form that can still surprise and inspire us, even in a world saturated with images.

My shoes are on the steep staircase in the Halletoren in Brugge. Photo © Paul Indigo

One reason is that it allows us to see the world through someone else's eyes. Every photographer has a unique perspective. They invite us to see the world differently by sharing their images with us. A skilled photographer can make us see the beauty in the mundane, find the art in the chaos, and uncover the hidden stories that lie beneath the surface of everyday life.

"The look" from my series celebrating individuality through fashion.  Photo © Paul Indigo

Another way that photography can surprise us is by challenging our assumptions and biases. Photographs have the power to capture moments and people in a way that defies stereotypes and preconceptions. By showing us images of people and places that we may have preconceived notions about, photography can challenge us to think differently and expand our perspectives.

Cooling down. Photo © Paul Indigo

Photography can also surprise us by revealing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Photographers can find beauty and wonder in unexpected places by taking a closer look at the world around us. A flower, a rusted door hinge, or a silhouette can become a work of art in the hands of a skilled photographer.

Photo © Paul Indigo

Finally, photography can surprise us by capturing fleeting moments that we might otherwise miss. A moment a hand trailing in water on a boat in a canal, an expression of joy, or a wave crashing on the shore can all be captured in a single moment, frozen in time forever. Photography allows us to see and appreciate these moments in a way that would be impossible without the camera's lens.

Man with a shopping bag. Photo © Paul Indigo

Even in a world where we are bombarded with images constantly, photography can still surprise us and make us see the world in a new way. By allowing us to see through someone else's eyes, challenging our assumptions, finding beauty in unexpected places, and capturing fleeting moments, photography is a powerful art form that continues to inspire and delight us.

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Celebrating Individuality through Fashion series.

Writer and photographer: Paul Indigo