During Ramadan, my lunchtime routine is usually a quiet affair. I’d step out of the freezing office air to soak in the sun’s warmth with some shelter from the shade of the trees. Despite the midday heat, ten minutes outdoors is usually the "sweet spot" for me. It’s just enough to enjoy the fresh air without getting to the point of perspiration. I’d spend those moments stretching and people-watching before heading back to the office for a bit of Netflix and a much-needed afternoon nap. It’s a rhythm I’ve kept for the past couple of years.
This year, however, something changed. Instead of "photosynthesising" like a plant rooted to one spot, I felt a sudden urge to wander. I started taking short, random walks around my workplace. I’d gaze at textures and structures, wondering if they had been there all along. This went on for the first week into the fasting month before it finally struck me: Why am I not taking photos?
The following Monday, I brought my Pentax MX to the office, paired with the 50mm f/1.4 lens, loaded with a roll of Fomapan 200 film. So at 12.00pm sharp every day, I strode out of the office like a man on a mission. I began hunting for interplays of light and shadow, interesting textures, and objects that usually go unnoticed. Even on the days I didn’t release the shutter, the process was still enjoyable. It felt like a bite-sized photowalk. I still kept my outdoors limit to ten minutes to avoid burning out, and while that lone roll of film lasted much longer than I wanted to (frankly, I thought I could finish the roll before Raya), it has been a refreshing ritual that has truly alleviated the restlessness of workdays this Ramadan.