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someday in July I made an impromptu decision to go down to the lighthouse because the light looked really good that day. i was shooting a test roll at that time and thought the lighthouse would be a good subject to finish my roll with.

when I reached the place it was close to sunset. despite the place being pretty crowded, it was quite quiet and all I could hear were the sound of waves crashing against the shore. when I was done taking photos, I leaned back against the railing and watched the sun set in front of me. everyone else was doing the same - though some were taking photos, talking or moving about, we were all mesmerized by the sunset regardless.

it was this shared commonality that made it feel like we have come to this implicit understanding with each other. though we were strangers, it felt nice to busk in each other's company as we enjoyed the view and the tranquility that the lighthouse provided.

I plugged in my earphones and played a few favourite tunes, and that was the moment I felt truly at peace. though it was brief and fleeting just like the sunset, it was nice too.

(also iso400 pushed 1.5 stops under afternoon light is something else... try it)

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I really think it's a judgment call we have to make. It depends on the company culture and individual bosses on how they view mental health conditions (e.g. stigmatising or ignorant assumptions) and staff suffering from these conditions. I suffer from depression but I've had the blessing of a very understanding and supportive supervisor who has defended me to management, and allowed me time off for my therapy appointments.

But I can definitely understand the difficulties in opening up- I've been shut out by close friends who didn't understand or did not want to understand, despite attempts to reach out and be open about my condition. Much less at the workplace where the stakes are higher and you could lose your job because people are ignorant.

Yet my openness has also resulted in others being frank with me about their own conditions and struggles. And I come away from each convo feeling that we could all do with safe spaces to share, why not start with ourselves? Just some thoughts, hope it encourages more to be open!

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I have opened up to my Employer a few weeks ago about my mental health. The company was willing to accept my condition. However, it felt controversial when they used "mental health" as a hint to quietly "ask me to leave" due to some conditions I have been struggling with my mental health.

Does being open in the workplace allows harmony and less discrimination regarding mental health? I do not see it tbh. How then should we be open about mental health in the workplace or should we even be open about it at all?

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Are you someone who's readily open to your friends and family? -Ben

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Are you someone who's readily open to your friends and family? -Ben

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Share that one time, you had a really peaceful moment. -Ben

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Share that one time, you had a really peaceful moment. -Ben

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If you have something you'd wish to share on this topic, feel free to do so! (Your comments are anonymous btw, i also dunno who posted what sia) -Ben

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If you have something you'd wish to share on this topic, feel free to do so! (Your comments are anonymous btw, i also dunno who posted what sia) -Ben

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Share some balancing acts you've achieved! :D -Ben

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Share some balancing acts you've achieved! :D -Ben

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How comfortable are you doing things alone? (there's nothing wrong being uncomfortable with it also, btw!) -Ben

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How comfortable are you doing things alone? (there's nothing wrong being uncomfortable with it also, btw!) -Ben

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For photographers - share with fellow photogs and non-photogs how photography has helped you with your mental health? You may even inspire someone to take up a camera and start shooting! - Ben

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For photographers - share with fellow photogs and non-photogs how photography has helped you with your mental health? You may even inspire someone to take up a camera and start shooting! - Ben

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Share a community you are in that helps you be in that comfortable mental space with us! - Ben

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Share a community you are in that helps you be in that comfortable mental space with us! - Ben

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Are you always rushing around all day, err'day? What are your thoughts on slowing down in Singapore? Can or cannot? - Ben

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Are you always rushing around all day, err'day? What are your thoughts on slowing down in Singapore? Can or cannot? - Ben

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And I’m definitely intrigued by the discarded rose lying by the pavement, the shadows of passers-by that seem to linger in your mind. Sort of like a bittersweet moment captured. Bittersweet in that you’re kind of conflicted with something in your mind yet life still goes on as it is. And maybe that’s one brutal truth one seems to be combatting with.