The Douala young fruit seller

It was a day like many others in Douala, humid air, the sounds of street vendors, and the rhythmic buzz of life. I had passed by this fruit stand countless times before. A familiar blur in my daily routine. But that day was different. I had my new camera slung over my shoulder and was walking the streets with what I call my “photographer’s eyes”, more alert, more curious, more open.

That’s when I saw her.

A young fruit seller, wrapped in radiant red and framed by a vibrant tapestry of mangoes, tomatoes, and cabbages. Her bright smile cut through the ordinary like morning sunlight through mist. She greeted me as always, but this time, I really saw her.

What a beautiful lady, I thought. What a moment. What a composition. Without hesitation, but with respect, I asked if I could take her portrait. She beamed and agreed without a trace of hesitation. One click of the shutter, and the moment was preserved.

There’s something powerful about slowing down, about truly seeing the people who make up the fabric of a place. This photograph isn’t just a portrait; it’s a reminder. That behind every ordinary day lies the extraordinary, waiting to be noticed. Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in perspective.

This image will always hold a special place in my heart, not only as one of the first I took with my new gear, but because it marks a moment of connection. A moment when the camera helped me bridge the gap between passerby and storyteller.

May we all learn to carry our photographer’s eyes into everyday life.