This fateful photo of a straw-headed bulbul fledgling perched on my Vans, was shot on film from my dad's camera, some 30 years ago. Was reclined on the lawn of Fort Canning Hill away from the crowds, nodding off on the grass, while watching the dragonflies and clouds whiz by, when I was jolted awake by a sudden tap on my toecap. Had thought some birds had shat on me; sat up to the sight of this little one curiously perched on my foot.
I'd cautiously powered up the noisy point-and-shoot camera, from the pocket of my cargo pants, with hope that it wouldn't scare the bird into flight; it surprisingly stayed for the photo, then after about a minute, took off towards its parents, who were watching intently from the branches of a nearby tree. This was not a unique run-in, for as a child, I often found myself with insects and animals sidling up to me. Still was an odd tale to recount to dad, we seldom spoke; so in typical teen angst, I'd asked him instead to just look out for the odd photo, after the film got processed.
Dad had questions after he saw the developed photo, and I was glad to recount the moment. It was one of the rare times, he listened. He kept many of the photos developed over the years since, and in his way showed his support. I've since come to see the parallel of my own fledgling journey; how incredulous its been. Photography truly has been for me, an affirming inroad into mindfulness, and perhaps a stoic reminder of providence, that all that is meant to be, shall be, both in terms of photography and life-at-large.
In retrospect, the photos I went on to capture over the years, eventually shared digitally through messages and social media, have been sort of visual postcards to dad and the family. As we gear up for the projects ahead this 2025, I pause to reflect on dad's passing from Covid, the demise of several close mentors since, and the associated challenges as an educator post-pandemic. Reckon that the rekindling of mindful walks with camera has now become not just a platform and avenue to celebrate life and its wonders through my lens, but also a powerful vehicle to shine light unto the many altruistic causes around me.
Sometimes words cannot express nor adequately encapsulate the stretch and struggles, hence am grateful and glad for the kindred people I've met in my sporting journey and through photography; as well as the joy and peace I've come to experience and share beyond crossroads and detours. As timely as things are, this photo has resurfaced, a full circle moment, for my son turns 15, and daughter 17. I tell them both how proud I am of them, though I sometimes doubt they truly understand. So like the straw-headed bulbul, I learn to trust the process, that in time, all fledglings will find their way.
