The Day a Single Photograph Crossed the Ocean

Photographs have a mysterious power.

A single shot taken casually can remain in someone's heart, and
sometimes it can give birth to a new story in an unexpected place.

Recently, such an event happened to me.

A single photo I posted on Unsplash crossed the ocean and became part of a romance novel published abroad.

I only speak a little English.
Even so, I have continued to share my work because I want to enjoy connecting with the world through photography and web design.

Last year, I received a message via Instagram through Unsplash asking, "May I use your photo for a book?"

At first, I was surprised.
But I remember being very happy that that one photo had stirred someone's creative spirit.

More than half a year later, I received a polite message apologizing for the delay, explaining that they had been too busy with immigration to get in touch.

It mentioned that the publication was delayed due to immigration procedures, learning a new language, and obtaining permissions for other photos.

The message was so sincere that even though I am usually cautious and might suspect a scam, this time I didn't hesitate to send a reply with my thanks and permission to use it.

The novel they sent me was a romance novel.

I still cannot read all of the English.

But photographs do not need words.

A single photo crossed the ocean, reached someone's heart, and became part of a story.

Such an event has made me want to continue sharing my work from now on.