A Week of Photography 14: A Nostalgic Farewell to 2024

Exploring the Foggy Streets of Zagreb Through Photography: A Reflective Look at the Last Moments of 2024

This week, I’m sharing my perspective on the final day of the past year, as I experienced it in Zagreb. Upon arriving in the city center, I was met with cold, gray skies and a dense fog that enveloped the city. Despite being dressed warmly – in a turtleneck, winter jacket, hat, and gloves – I almost froze.

How was 2024 for you?

Have you taken review of your accomplishments and missteps? Are you excited about turning the calendar page to 2025, or do you feel a tinge of melancholy, even dread, at the thought that yet another year has passed and that you’ll never be this young again? And perhaps, with that, not as carefree?

Personally, when I look back on the past year, I find reasons for optimism, but also for dissatisfaction with certain things. However, through my photographic story, I wanted to convey the mood of that final day of the past year. It was a day steeped in cold, grayness, and fog, and I let those conditions shape my experience – one of nostalgia.

It’s true that not everything in the city was bleak and depressing. In some spots, crowds gathered outside cafés, music blaring. But as I observed those scenes, I couldn’t help but question their authenticity. Were all those people truly happy, or were the cheap, somewhat “tacky” tunes, designer clothing, and reserved tables costing hundreds of euros merely a defense mechanism against inner anxiety? It felt as if much of it was a facade, a display of “Look how great my life is!” – but is it, really?

In contrast, just a few streets away, I found an entirely different scene. People walking alone, lost in their thoughts and burdens. These moments captured my attention because they felt more genuine, even if they seemed cold and somber on the surface. Had it been a sunny day, I might have explored smiles and vibrant colors; perhaps a photo or two would have been taken in color. But this day, and this series, lean into nostalgia – for sunlight, for connection, or perhaps simply for youthful days.

I hope these images convey even a small part of the emotions that accompanied me that day.

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All photos were taken by the author using a Fujifilm XE-4 camera paired with a 27mm f/2.8 lens.

About the Author: I am a passionate photographer and a philosopher of both photography and life, a TEDx speaker, a Master of Molecular Biology, and a product manager. I curate two newsletters: Lens Chronicles, where I explore the intersections of photography, travel, and philosophy, and Thoughtful Corner, where I share ideas, reflections, and insights for curious minds. Thank you for taking the time to enjoy my work.