
One year ago I've started my blog (about the reason WHY I started just click the mosaic above for my previous post).
Looking back on my photos brings up memories from places, times, posts, commenters who became friends and even friends who are no longer 'friends'.
In great synchronization with my blogs "birthday" (but totally unrelated) I had the honor to participate in first of it's kind (or at least that's what I would like to think) photo project. Before going into details, please click the play button, turn on your speakers and enjoy -
Around the World, Street Photography in BNW from wahliaodotcom on Vimeo.
The idea for the this project was 'born' over Twitter and semi-official name of the outcome is -
"Around the world: A Photography Project Born in 140 Characters". (Thank you, Francesco!).
I had a pleasure of working with 5 other super talented photographers -
Elaine Vallet
Sureka Dharuman
Francesco Gallarotti
Wong Kin Leong
Anissa El Gariani aka nissou*
All of this wouldn't be possible if not Wong Kin Leong aka King Leong, who collected the images, and was responsible to turn them into this beautiful presentation.
If you'd like to participate in future project, please visit and join the Street Photography channel on Vimeo
ALSO, in another turn of event, I'm also featured on "Craig Ferguson images" blog! Please, hop in, and check that as well. Thank you, Craig, for the opportunity!
And if you still here, after this long post, a personal note.
I've planned this post to be happy, grand, celebrating first year, project, featuring..
But, on last Saturday (20/06) my girlfriend and I broke up. After eight wonderful years. I can't feel the joy I wanted for this post. I don't think I'll be taking a break, I sure need your support and something to do while sitting home alone, but it's very hard to do it and enjoy this hobby of ours at the moment.
For those who follow my blog for more than few weeks, you know that many of my photos are of my beautiful, now-ex, girlfriend (you can see it in the mosaic above, which I prepared before the break up) so it's extremely hard for me at the moment to even look at my own photos.
I really feel broken. I love her so much...
There has been 74 Responses to 'One year' so far
david says:
sad news and happy news; must be a bittersweet moment for you. wish you well for the future, ilan.
emillamola says:
Felicidades por este año que nos has regalado y respecto a lo de tu novia solo puedo decirte que lo siento. Recuerda un celebre dialogo que se repite en la pelicula "Shakespeare in love":
- todo se arreglará.
- si, pero como?
- no lo sé, es un misterio.
Francesco Gallarotti says:
I would like to thank you Ilan for the opportunity that you have given me to participate in this fun and unique project. I look forward to many more with you and other photographers from all over the world!
Congratulations on all your achievements and, like I said yesterday many times through many means, don't let this break up be more than what it is... move on, grab your positive energy and focus it on something creative. Get rid of her pictures if they hurt you and move on... Be yourself and be creative because this is what you are, a great creative mind.
Good luck...
Alline says:
Partir à la découverte de tous les voyages du regard...
a.h.lex says:
First: Congratulations to one year wonderful, beautiful, inspiring, great, fantastic, and sometimes more normal than amazing, good and dreamy street photos! Second: I like your work very well and hope that the time of disease will be break up in the near future - don't be sad, summer is coming now!
yours sincerely, a.h.lex
Nicki says:
One Year, one man but not only one chance. It's hard, i know - but also a chance. Anyway, cangratiulations and a lot of power for next shoots! Cheers
z-vet says:
Congratulations for your blog's birthday! I love your photography and wish you all the best.
Sorry for your break-up with a girlfriend, it's very sad i know. But maybe not everything is lost yet? Hope you'll find a way to fix it…
Anne says:
bittersweet indeed. wish you the best and hope you find strenght in your work.
liang says:
congratulations on this anniversary ilan! always appreciate what you have posted!
Terry H. says:
In one short year you have made a major impact on the photo blog world. Keep up the good work and keep your chin up Dude!
Philippe says:
Joyeus Anniversaire à ton blog .
Tu as raison la vidéo est un plaisir , et tes photos sont accompagnées par d'autres merveilleux artistes. La musique et le rythme c'est super ! Phil.
cara says:
Wow. Not sure where to start. Congratulations on so many great things moving forward with your photography. I love the mosaic and the celebration of one year of blogging. I also love the Street Photography Project and will head over there to sign up. Thanks for sharing the info on that.
I'm sorry that you are going through the breakup with your girlfriend.
CraigM says:
First congratulations on one year of blogging, it sure goes fast doesn't it?
Second I'm very sorry to hear your news, I hope that things work out for you soon my friend.
Wong Kin Leong says:
Hey! I came over to read ur blog and was smiling till I hit the last paragraph. I'm sorry I am late to this, but I swear, my heart fell on the floor when I read it.
U know, everytime I read ur twitter posts, I get a huge smile. (kinda gay, but u do make me smile.. :P) So don't let this get to you. Ur photos are great and that makes u great. And great people are put on earth to do great things, I am sure everyone agrees with me, please don't stop doing great things. Pick urself up, dust off and GO! We'll be here for you. Cheers dude. God bless....
Andy says:
Congrats on the anniversary! I always love coming here. Sorry to hear about your breakup though :(
beanow says:
Congrats and kisses :)
Fritsch says:
What can I say, Ilan? Every kind of art needs this desperate, broken & bittersweets moments. It gives us depth & width. I'm sure.
I like your photos because they show me captured feelings I know pretty well. And that wouldn't happen if you were not going through things you're going through right now.
"And it's not a cry that you hear at night / It's not somebody who's seen the light / It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen)
I hope I can be a friend when the going gets tough not only when it's time to congratulate to one year of great photography & one year of great photoblogging!
All the best & connect whenever you feel like, Fritsch.
sil says:
Congrats on your photographic anniversary, Ilan. You have an immense talent and it shows in each of your images. I'm sorry to hear about your breakup... but I quote Francesco Gallarotti comment: move on,grab your positive energy and focus it on something creative.
A big hug!
Si says:
Wonderful post Ilan! And great project by all you guys, you should all be very proud, and I'm very proud to tweet and share with you as we all continue to learn and travel through this modern life together.
I think collaboration is something we should all do more of, we have found all these fantastic mediums to communicate with and every day I learn something new from you guys, not just about photography but about life.
Keep up the amazing work Ilan, and keep your chin up buddy.
Everyone who reads this should follow, digg, stumble, coolphotoblog, vote etc etc etc and most importantly join in!
Much love,
Si
Ion P. says:
c o n g r a t u l a t i o n s
to all, great project :-)
Geir says:
I find it strange that you've been on only a year. Your blog has had a lot more impact than mine, which I've been running for five.... Should I take the hint?...
Congratulations, and here's to at least one more year of photo sharing ;-)
PixeLuz says:
Thanks to the mosaic, i can discover some shots i didn't know.
Ilan, you're right, go on, be positive! I guess we have all known these difficult breaks, but we have overcome :)
T and S says:
Ilan - WOW, there's so many things happening at the same time. You seem to be having a roll-a-coaster ride.
Congratulations on your blog's first anniversary and your first photo project.
Here's wishing you a speedy recovery from the breakup.
Hang in there Ilan...Thomas
Craig Ferguson says:
Congratulations on the one year, commiserations for the break up and thank you for agreeing to be featured on my site. All the best.
Ivar says:
Congratulation on one year.. you have some great pictures. Nice compilation too... and sorry to hear about the breakup.
Kamal says:
sad and happy news. first of all congrats that you've made it this far with your photoblog. and second, don't be too hard on yourself. all the best to you!
pando says:
Congratulations, Ilan!
Take care ;)
pierre says:
Happy birdthday man!
standley says:
Congratulations for this anniversary!
I feel so sorry about the break up. Thumbs up, a new life is in front of you!
Tatiana says:
Superbe !
Doum says:
Wow, nice quality shots presented by the video. I learn something; Ilan is Jerusalem, interesting. And happy first years of blogging. Good week.
XaviH says:
Ilan, I suppose this is live, a mixture of nice and not so nice, even sad, experiences. But, regarding the "photografic" side of your live, you are involved in plenty of exciting new projects (Nissou is an absolutley outstandig artist!): hold them tight and enjoy man!!
A big hug Ilan!
Kevin says:
Heartache is atrocious and words alone cannot heal.
You've got a terrific eye for photography - keep on keeping on - our experiences shape and make us stronger. Perhaps you can direct your emotions into photography - it might be a great way to help shake away the blues.
c o n f l a g r a t i o says:
Congratulations for your first year blogging, I suposse not easy road, isn't it? And thank for help introducing me in the ring of twitter photograher. Thanks a lot. Cheers! ;)
Beat says:
sad news Ilan but time heals we say in switzerland. best wishes Beat
Marcie says:
So sorry to hear of your heartbreak..
Keep up the good work. It's been a wonderful year. Love how you put together this mosaic.
Soe says:
Walk On Strong, Ilan !
Justin says:
Happy bday to your blog - awesome project that you got to be part of - congrats!
mononeil says:
Happy and Sad news. That's Life !
Keep on posting.
Anonymous
keep on posting and don't be sad
http://krikis.aminus3.com
Rajesh says:
We are with you in your sad times. You have always delighted us with your wonderful images. Life has to continue. So do not feel let down. Carry on your amazing work of art.
Stephane says:
Amidst sad times and celebration times if choice is to be made I'll go for celebration carrying sad along with me to drown it and resurface. Resurfacing is what's lying ahead and if done right, with a creative seed planted some eight years ago, which will unleash its untouched potential in no time if taken care of.Don't mull things over and let it bloom and make you stronger. That's what She did anyway, made you stronger.
Peace Ilan. Photgraphy will do the rest.
João André Farinha says:
The video is really weel put together. Great photos all around, from some of my favourite photobloggers :P
Ronnie 2¢ says:
Congrats on the year and for maintaining such a high standard right thru. The 'Around the World' presentation is a cool reminder of many of your images here. An achievement !
rian says:
aww.. that sucks, man.. well, it's good to keep yourself busy to avoid mooning over the past.. congratulations too on these recognitions that you've been receiving.. :D
John Maslowski says:
Congrats on one year and all the great images. Kind of bittersweet, an unfortunate experience that life throws at us for a reason that we don't understand at the moment, but may realize at some future time. Like Rian says, keeping busy is a good thing. Take care Ilan and hope to see you posting more images.
martie says:
Yes, bittersweet. The "around the world" project is amazing! And congratulations on your blogging birthday - and the recognition. You are a wonderful photographer.
And I am sorry that your relationship has ended. Eight years is a long time. But you will have so many memories of good times and every experience we have shapes the person we become. And although you are sad today, one day you will smile again.
Zing says:
Keep up the good work!
cako says:
Thanks for a year full of wonderful photos.
Jon Rieley-Goddard says:
Happy birthday to yr blog!
I loved the video, too.
No words for the rest, but shalom.
Anna says:
Ilan congratulations, and at the same time I am so sorry to hear about your girlfriend. It must be hard, but you keep up the good spirits and good things will happen. I know that sometimes things happen for a reason, and I tell you that I don't know when that reason will bring the result, but if you keep going and be positive, it will get better...Anna :)
François-Noël says:
Congratulations ! Splendid work
Une très bonne idée de mêler ces "regards" de rue sur une même vidéo avec un montage et une musique sympa !
k@ says:
Happy new year ! :) I didn't understand everything you said about Flick'r, i just opened a page over there but posted only 2 pics and I'm not sure I'll stay... Too much work, plus I prefer to make photos to spend time commenting like crazy I guess, even if there are many interesting photographers over there... I'll see. I wish you the best, man ! See you on OUR calm & positive pages :))
pixeltoko says:
I wish you strength and keep on making those great images!
Yashar says:
very cool..
Foto'S says:
Singles. Very interesting photograph :)
Alex says:
Enhorabuena por este año, en el que nos has regalado tan buenas fotografias, cada una de ellas con un mensaje.
Sigue asi, buen trabajo.
Saludos.
William Alexander López says:
Muchas Felicidades por este año, y que sigan muchos más y que año con año logres superarte y evolucionar mucho más fotográficamente.
Sigue adelante, no hay tiempo para ver atrás ....
flo g says:
congrats for your blog anniversaire.I have seen the video: you had together a very good idea,even if I hope to see it more slowly ;)
bluechameleon says:
...I've not left you a comment here, but you know it's been said and I say a huge congratulations Ilan and many more years of success.
Time my friend, it's on your side, and it's healing a little more every day. *hugs*
Michael Rawluk says:
Congratulations on the one year. I think you photos might help you to heal.
Briony says:
congratulations! i am sorry to hear about you and your girlfriend...i can only imagine how you are feeling. make sure you are keeping your eyes fixed on the future it will help in this time of transitions!
Luis A. De Jesus R. says:
A cliché I am sure, but all things happen for a reason. Perhaps it's nebulous now, but the pieces have a way of falling into place --that's if we are paying attention.
Your blog is a fond and refreshing discovery.
Catalin Oprea says:
Hi,
To many years, happy birthday :). Good light and a better year - I wish you a logarithmic rise ;).
PS: Also, thanks for your visit.
Carlbom Photography says:
Great images over the past few months I've been following you.
I promise to stop by more often, lots of inspiration here. :)
BR
joshi daniel says:
the mosaic is very beautiful! when you present your images as mosaic it looks more beautiful!
Phototherapy says:
This one is one of my prefered - not for inspiration, I must confess that i don't know much about him...
I like these pastel luminescent colors, remembering in some way old past colors. This is accentuated by the posters and the old fashion furnitures.
The gesture of people is essential, parallel, same in eveything, even in loneless, globalized, with the macdo moto...
The angle on view is ideal to my opinion, showing both in and out. The dark foregound gives a good graphical basis, acting like some kind of "root" of the image.
This is a very good image, Ilan, beautiful and making a lot of sense (very good documentary by the way).
Ståle says:
First of all: Congratuations on being one of the chosen ones. You fully deserve the recognition. The shots in the presentation were exquisite. A real inspiration top others. Many thanks to you and your co-photographers, Ilan.
It's been good following your photo blog this past year, and I hope to follow it along time still.
For the time being I'm taking a blog holiday. Summer is upon us here in Norway, and it really is not the time of year to look at a screen. But this evening the thunder and rain ruled.
All the best!
Younes Bounhat says:
Congrats on your first year. Hopefully the first of many! Keep posting and sharing your awesome work!
NJ & SB Photography says:
Felicidades y muchas gracias por este año de bellas fotografías compartidas con todos nosotros.
Lamento que hayas roto con tu novia, quizas todavia haya una nueva oportunidad, si no el tiempo suavizará tu dolor no te quepa duda!
un abrazo Ilan
Núria
Sandy says:
Congrats on one year and I'm enjoying these photos!
LightningPaul says:
Thanks for the video. Awesome you've got the chance to work with these others. Especially I'm a big fan of nissou* and Elaine Vallet.
Laura says:
i simply love what i see on your page. Love your vision. i 'm not a photographer but i love taking pictures with my small camera... congratulations.
Sylvain says:
Your work is very impressive !
I love the video.
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