Ever since I got involved in the Local Guides program, which was almost two and a half years ago, I have many times asked myself why I do it and what is the meaning of it. And it comes down to two basic things.
First of all, altruism. Just giving away, without expecting something in return. It’s not about generosity, it’s about being human and functioning as a part of a whole. The joy of gratitude we feel deep inside us when we know we have contributed to someone’s decision.
That means information, pictures, videos, comments that will certainly help other people, other explorers, not waste time. It’s really important to be able to guide others to make the right choice. What to choose, what to avoid, where to go, how to go there. Giving away gives me a feeling of taking care of others. People I don’t know and I never will. But watching my photo views counter going up day by day, I realize that some have found what they were looking for or I have given them a new perspective regarding a place. I also understand that up to a point I have affected the perception that a person has for a place.
Secondly, photography. Freezing time, capturing the moment whatever we call it, it’s something which gives us a glimpse of our surroundings in a unique way. And there are so many ways of photographic expression. You can give a general view of something using a panorama or a photosphere, or you can just point out details, something small but significant, something that most people would pass by, but not you. Sometimes it’s the small things that matter, the details that can make all the difference.
I have come a long way, since I first started taking pictures and posting them on maps. I have evolved my photography skills to a point that I feel very proud of the perspective I have given to other people. How I spot things, the way I compose a photo, the point of view I choose, light, colors and so many other details. Let’s not forget that camera phones have given us incredible potential in the past few years, and I have managed to learn to take advantage of that potential, by utilizing all those different modes offered in the camera interface.
Technical things aside, Local guides means a lot to me. For me it’s a chance to participate in something bigger than you or me. Being part of such a huge community means realizing that we are all residents of this huge “global village” called Earth. And we have so many neighbors we can all be friends with…
. I feel honored to have met you my friend and was impressed of the nice person and great Local Guide you are. Thank you for such inspiring story and for your contribution.