24 Stories Later: Where This Started
Today’s post isn’t about photography. It’s about something I hadn’t done for this long before: writing.
Today marks the 24th time I’ve written a post about creativity, or my thoughts around it, on a weekly basis. Writing might sound old-fashioned in today’s world, but it has become something fun and meaningful for me—a way to document my creative process. It’s been both challenging and rewarding.
Everything started after my trip to Japan. I don’t really know why or exactly when, but after visiting the country I had dreamed of seeing since I was a child, a spark was ignited. I wanted to look back at those photos, those days, those memories, and share my experience. I never imagined that a simple observation about social media—my first post—would turn into 24 different stories, almost half a year of writing something new every Tuesday.
Sometimes the topics flow easily, especially when they relate to Japan. Other times, I look back through old photos to remember what was happening then. And sometimes, it feels impossible. Nothing comes to mind. I get stuck in this so-called writer’s block—though I don’t think I can call myself a writer, at least not yet. My trick has been to keep going, to not let my mind sabotage the process. One story at a time.
Over these 24 weeks, I’ve written about many things, mostly travel. Writing about real estate photography might be a bit boring or too technical—no one wants to hear about photoshopping fridge magnets off doors. Oddly, though, the most visited post on my website is the one about the abandoned police station. I still wonder why. Maybe it’s because of the stories people imagine, or just curiosity about how an abandoned police station looks. Either way, that story remains the only one that truly connects my work and my writing—and I must admit, I do enjoy shooting places like that from time to time.
But back to this project, the journal. Today marks a milestone for me. Something I never thought I would achieve, but here I am. It might not seem like much, but for someone who is 99.999% sure they have ADHD (though never officially diagnosed), sticking to something for this long is worth celebrating.
In the past, I’ve had countless ideas—a podcast, a motion graphics career—but most of them faded because my mind jumped between projects. This journal, however, stayed. It’s been proof that I can commit to something and step outside my comfort zone. I wish I had known that ten or fifteen years ago.
At first, I thought this project was about writing and building an audience. I started putting too much pressure on myself, trying to please people, constantly asking for validation. It became painful, because I’m not perfect. Far from it. I’m not yet a writer, a photographer, a videographer, or an artist—but I’m on my way. In my own way. And one day I might be one, two, or all of those. Or maybe none, and that’s okay too.
To become any of them, I’ve learned I must follow my own rhythm and thoughts. I can’t care too much about what people think of my work. I appreciate it deeply when someone says they’ve read a story or my blog—that makes me happy, because it means they’re seeing who I am, not who I try to be.
Some have suggested turning these stories into videos, in Spanish or English. It’s an idea I’m exploring, though I don’t want it to replace this journal. For now, I’ll keep writing. Time will tell where it goes.
So if you’ve read even one of these stories, or just visited for the photos or the abandoned police station, thank you. Thank you for your patience and for supporting this personal experiment to remember my adventures and thoughts.
As I look ahead to the next story, I’d love to hear from you—what would you like me to write about next? Is there a story you’ve enjoyed the most?
Cheers,
Gracias… Totales.
(P.S. Yes, I stole that last line from Soda Stereo—and what of it?)
Oh, and by the way — I’ve finished preparing a few prints from my Japan series. You can check them out below. If any of them speak to you, you’re welcome to purchase one and support this little project so it can keep going.
This print is done on Canson Rag Photographique 310gms which is high-quality archival paper that ensures the longevity of the print, minimising fading and discolouration over time.
If you have any specific questions about the print or me, feel free to visit my F&Q and About pages or email me at hi(at)fuentesalvaro.com
This print is done on Canson Rag Photographique 310gms which is high-quality archival paper that ensures the longevity of the print, minimising fading and discolouration over time.
If you have any specific questions about the print or me, feel free to visit my F&Q and About pages or email me at hi(at)fuentesalvaro.com
