In 2022, I took a solo trip to Paris — one week, one goal: capture the city in the dark. It was part family visit, part urban photo mission. I arrived fully geared up: tripods, lights, gimbals… My uncle laughed, said I looked like I came to shoot a commercial. He also warned me: “Watch your stuff — Paris is dangerous.” I didn’t listen.

Day two: I got robbed. First time in my life. After that, I started paying more attention to my stuff and only carried what I needed for the shoot. That week was a rollercoaster — the highs, the lows, the raw streets, the quiet corners. Paris showed me its beauty and its grit. And I captured both.