Relive the carefree days of youth, where every moment is magic.
One morning in Kumarakom, while chasing golden sunrises and endless green paddy fields, I stumbled upon a secret world—a place untouched by time. Far from the suffocating noise of the city, laughter echoed through the air. It wasn’t rehearsed or filtered—it was raw, boundless joy. And at the heart of it all were two brothers, Emmanuel and Gabriel, wild and free, as if they had mastered the art of happiness.
Rural Serenity Sunlit greenery with clothes drying.
Joyful Bond Emmanuel and Gabriel share a playful bath.
It was a Saturday, a day off from school, and with no parents at home, they naturally ruled their tiny kingdom. Their throne? A worn-out blue barrel filled with water, which they had effortlessly transformed into the grandest swimming pool in their eyes. The moment they saw my camera, their excitement instantly exploded. Not only did they pose, but they also performed, like fearless warriors of childhood, commanding the stage with energy that never faded. With each splash and each grin, they made a bold statement: This is our world, and we are unstoppable.
Playful Moments Emmanuel and Gabriel make funny faces.
Playful Chaos Emmanuel and Gabriel embrace pure joy.
But they weren’t done. The thrill escalated. They climbed rooftops, standing tall against the vast sky as if they could touch the heavens. A fallen tree? Not an obstacle, but an adventure waiting to happen. They balanced on it effortlessly, defying gravity with mischievous smiles, their laughter louder than the rustling leaves. Their pet cat, unaware of the spectacle, joined in the fun—posed, played, and became part of this unforgettable visual symphony.
Framed Eyes Emmanuel and Gabriel strike a playful pose.
Peeking Joy Emmanuel peeks out with a soft smile.
And yet, despite the magic of the moment, they never once asked to see the photos. Not once did they care about getting the pictures later. There was no need for approval, and no obsession with social media likes—just pure, unfiltered Kumarakom stories naturally unfolding in front of my lens. In moments like these, I can’t help but wonder: How much would I give to go back to this? More importantly, how much would anyone give to trade the pressures of adulthood for this innocence, this limitless joy?
Rooftop Stance Gabriel stands on a rooftop, looking down.
Rooted Strong Gabriel balances on a large tree trunk.
Looking at these photos now, I realize they are more than just images. They are a visualization of core memories, a glimpse into a life we all once had but somehow lost along the way. The thrill of playing in the water, climbing trees, and laughing until your stomach hurts—this was what childhood was supposed to be. These moments, unplanned and unexpected, become the greatest treasures we never knew we needed.
Steady Together Emmanuel and Gabriel stand on a thick branch.
Trust Walk Emmanuel and Gabriel move carefully on a tree.
That morning, I had set out looking for landscapes. Instead, I found a lesson on happiness through the lens of street photography. The best things in life don’t need filters, captions, or approval—they just happen. Emmanuel and Gabriel, in their wild, fearless energy, unknowingly gave me the greatest gift: a reminder that the best memories are the ones we accidentally stumble upon.
Shared Joy Emmanuel and Gabriel pose with their pet cat.
Copyrights: All the photos and text in this post are the copyright of Kevin Navis and Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film. Their reproduction is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.
