The title refers to my personal favorite photograph, which holds a special place in my heart. This image is not just a snapshot but a profound lesson in photography and life.

I vividly remember the evening I took this photo. It was around 8 PM, and my team and I were working overtime on a big campaign. I always carry a camera with me, and that day, I had my Sigma DP1 Merrill, a camera I sold two years ago. I was particularly drawn to its unique sensor, which captured colors beautifully, despite the camera’s slow performance. However, this story isn’t about the gear; it’s about what this photo taught me.

During a break, I stepped out onto the 20th-floor balcony of my office building in the heart of Jakarta’s business district. The view overlooked the city’s main road, bustling with life. I brought my camera to capture the landscape. The DP1 Merrill, limited to ISO 100, required careful settings. I placed it on the railing, set the shutter speed to 1/100 and the aperture to f/2.8. I knew the photo wouldn’t be perfectly sharp, but at least it would have enough light. I took the shot and returned to work, not reviewing it until a week later.

Processing the raw file was a slow and meticulous task using Sigma’s proprietary software. As I adjusted the saturation, exposure, highlights, and contrast, I was stunned by the result. The image was breathtaking. The noise, the building lights, and the vibrant colors of car lights stuck in traffic — yellow, white, and red — created a vivid, dynamic scene.

This photo made me reflect deeply. Having lived and worked in Jakarta all my life, the image resonated with me on a personal level. It captures the city’s relentless energy — the endless traffic, the late-night work hours, the neon lights that never dim, all unfolding under a starless sky. This photograph is a testament to the city’s unyielding spirit and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in its chaos.

Through this experience, I learned that photography is not just about technical skills or equipment; it’s about capturing moments that speak to your soul and tell a story. This photo, in all its imperfections, taught me to see the world differently and appreciate the vibrant life that surrounds me.