John Coumbias, APSSA (Vers), EPSSA (Mille), HON.CPE, A.APS, E.CPE, AFIAP, GPU (Zeus) Country: South Africa As I write this, I am struck by the challenges we as humanity are currently experiencing. Covid 19, a once “far away”, foreign concept, suddenly and with a global mighty impact, reared its head and life, as we know, came to a shattering halt.  Confined to the boundaries of our homes, distanced from loved ones and facing an invisible threat, all plans, dreams and hopes have been rudely and indefinitely suspended. Individual independence and autonomy have given way to prescribed and legislated confinement. Days have lost meaning, with one-day merging into the next with nothing notable to differentiate it from any other day. Social media is filled with the daily plights the world is facing – hunger; uncertainty; fear.

And yet, as I write this, my resolve, my hope, my faith in a “better tomorrow”, is renewed as the magic and mightiness of a Johannesburg thunder storm rages outside my window. As photographers, we have trained ourselves to look at the ever changing and colourful kaleidoscope of a landscape and to appreciate the wonder and marvel of nature and humanity. And so, as my soul is restored watching the rain fall over a static, desolate neighbourhood, I am inspired to delve into the richness of mankind through my library of photos.
Photos are so much more than just “a frozen moment in time.”  
Photos have the power to transcend time and distance. They immortalize man kind and its existence. They immortalise a feeling, an emotion. They stand testament to a moment in time. They give validity to an experience, to an event. They tell a story.
We are so blessed to have a hobby that allows us, even for just a moment, to transcend the stark reality of life. Sifting through my library of photos, I’m transported thousands of kilometres away, afforded the opportunity to experience magic, mystery, awe. A single image engulfs me in the magical morning light of a mist covered valley. Another allows me to recall a crisp, fresh morning sitting patiently alongside a watering hole, waiting for the inhabitant wildlife to come and refresh themselves, while listening to an orchestra of bird melodies.  And as I continue to “page” through my photos, I am once again reminded of God’s awe and endless glory.
Having the power to transcend “man-made” barriers – race, gender, religion, economic standing – photography for me is a means to communicate with the world in a common language of understanding. And perhaps, for that reason, I don’t have a particular “favourite” genre. By embracing all genres, I have been afforded the opportunity to appreciate the uniqueness, beauty and complexity of each modality – nature; landscape; portrait, street photography and travel. For me, a potential photo is created through light, and it is this light that allows me to compose and capture the magic of a given moment. 
While my photography remains a “hobby”, I have been blessed to have been recognised and awarded numerous accolades, to name but a few - APSSA (Vers), EPSSA (Mille),HO.CPE, (A.APS), E.CPE, AFIAP, GPU (Zeus). 
Photography has taught me patience, not to give up, not to be discouraged and to believe in myself. It has taught me that with each sunset, there is a glorious dawn. That no two days are ever the same. That each moment is unique and dynamic. That what we capture through our lens is our own unique interpretation of a given “reality.” And it is these lessons learnt that I draw upon in a moment where my resolve, my faith, my hope is being challenged. 
To every photographer out there, we all have a story to share. Keep sharing your photos. Keep sharing your “magic.” More than ever before, the world needs your photos to remind them of the awe that is our planet.
I am humbled to be part of you.