Stop Taking Photos!

[CurtEgerer]

Interesting study and parallel to my own experiences: You Don't Need to Take Photos of Everything - Taking Photos May Impede Memory . While I think the study is aimed more at those who document every waking moment of their lives on FacebookTwitterWhatevergram, their example of the museum is pretty much what I've experienced with car events.

About 3-4 years ago, I began taking fewer and fewer photos at car events, sometimes - horror or horrors - not even bringing a camera At some point, I realized that I was missing out on the actual event by focusing in (no pun intended ) on taking pics. It's somewhat amazing to just stand there and take in the race or rally or car gathering and all that surrounds it and not be bothered with having to think about the next good photo op. Of course every event (and every non-event!) is documented for posterity on the interwebs with more pics then you can stand to look at anyway. So no need to take your own anymore!

[a911s]

You make a good point, Curt. Susan Sontag made the same one in her book of essays "On Photography" in 1977.

I do think pursuing photography can lead you to explore areas of the world (and yourself) that you might not experience otherwise. But spending too much time with a camera pressed to your face or "chimping" a DSLR review monitor does seriously get in the way.

The good thing about photographing for many years is that you tend to shoot less over time - just by the simple reason that you are editing much earlier in the process.

[TZombek]

Sometimes it's more important to be present.

[CurtEgerer]

And this is not meant as a slight to anyone, just a new perspective. I'm an amateur camera/photo junkie, always have been. That's probably why it was such a revelation to me to just set the camera down and enjoy the moment.

[LongRanger]

. . . not meant as a slight . . . just a new perspective. I'm an amateur camera/photo junkie . . . That's probably why it was such a revelation to me to just set the camera down and enjoy the moment . . .

Hmm

I get into this discussion, all the time --- with Zovig, my Mom + Sister, The Ungrateful Offspring . . . everyone

If you don't take a picture . . . it's like it never happened


Yes-yes --- my memory may be crystal-clear, even --- wait for it . . . photographic

But, unless I'm remarkably/tirelessly artistic --- either physically or verbally . . .


. . . I might never be able to share what I alone remember


And, let's face it . . .
. . . memory fades . . .
. . . memory lies . . .

. . . memory dies



I have literally cases of old photographs --- yawning/heavy boxes full . . . going back decades . . . carefully stashed-away

. . . family outings, birthdays, museums, car shows --- my Grandparents . . . unbelievable what's there


And unless I have a sh!t-load of time to spend/waste/lose . . . I avoid those boxes --- because . . .

. . . they're haunted

. . . haunted by the places . . .
. . . and the faces . . .
. . . and the Stories . . .

. . . and all that time . . .


. . . that I would've forgotten -- and lost . . .

. . . if The Boy who took those pictures, Back Then --- didn't leave them for The Old Man who'll see/pore-over them So-Much-Later




Thank (your Deity here) for digital

[blucille]

Finally a thread I can agree with, 100%....while I enjoy taking photos and videos, I prefer to be 'in the moment'

[Reza]

I am a snapshot junkie. There i said it. But i agree completely that it is good to have gadget powered-down time.

[setho]

Drives me nuts when I see people taking pictures and videos at concerts!

[Chuck Miller]

It's true for me....
I take FAR less pics then I use to..........

Man, if I only took photos of this stuff back in the day starting in about '62.....
I wasn't alone, I hardly remember anyone who did.... except the smart ones.......

Most of the time back then it was the wives, girlfriends, and the pros.......

[dummkopf]

I like photos. I like them for reference. Especially with my friends or some special event. And I DO think a nice camera that is easy to operate is a big plus-digital. Also you can share them with your friends. I try not to be consumed. Sometimes I just point the camera in the direction and press the button. Now things like remote controlled GoPro cameras you can set with your smart phone..... How can we not?