I’ve noticed a trend lately. People uploading stylised selfies through the latest app—fun, vibrant, and everywhere, resulting in a toy in plastic packaging.
But I won’t be doing it. Not because I’m against fun, or because I don’t enjoy seeing others play with new tools. I just have this quiet rule I live by: if everyone’s doing it, I probably won’t.
Not out of rebellion. But out of rhythm.
Trends, by nature, vanish as quickly as they arrive. And I’ve never wanted to build something that disappears with the scroll. I’ve never filtered my images because of this reason. I want to create work and live a life that lasts longer than a moment.
So I keep walking my own path. Slower, perhaps. Less flashy. But mine.
In a world full of echoes, I find value in creating something original that stands the test of time.
When I look at my creative process, I think of it as a long journey, not a race. Yes, the instant gratification of jumping into the latest trend can be tempting, but I’ve realised that true artistry doesn’t thrive in the rush of the present moment. It’s in the quiet, deliberate choices that give way to something enduring.
In my photography, for instance, I don’t simply aim to capture a moment — I strive to immortalise it, to give it layers, depth, and meaning that go beyond the superficial gloss of the latest gimmick. The art I create is made to resonate with the viewer, to stir something inside them, and to remind them that beauty and truth are timeless, not confined to what’s currently in vogue.
I don’t follow trends because my work isn’t meant to blend in with the noise. It’s meant to stand out, to offer something distinct, to be seen and felt in a way that can’t be replicated by a swipe or a click. I want my images to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and leave an impression that lasts far beyond the next app update.
What I offer isn’t a fleeting moment of fun; it’s a lasting experience, a reflection of authenticity and purpose. So while others may race to the front of the trend parade, I’m content to quietly refine my craft, to slow down and make every moment count.
Because in a world full of echoes, I believe the greatest value lies in creating something that rings true and stands the test of time.
And that’s the beautiful difference I choose.
Ray
