We are photographers; and in many ways we always want to have moments recorded in life. But so is everyone else. We as a society love to sit there and take photo after photo of something that we’re looking at in life. In fact, studies have shown that when people take pictures, they can describe certain details from events and moments in greater detail. But when they immediately then go and share them on social media platforms, the moments kind of fade out of memory.
But very recently, I wanted to try something different: I let my phone die and only took with me a film camera to something I went to. I barely took any photos and instead focused on what was happening and having in-person social experiences.
Crazy, right?
This sounds absurd, right? Some person decides to not take pictures and instead just focuses on enjoying a moment? Yes, it does sound crazy but it’s more or less not a norm any more. When you focus on being social and not taking pictures you gain more from the events in life. Part of this comes from your own memories, conversations, and simply taking in what’s going on around you. It just makes sense: if you create memorable moments for yourself you’ll never forget them. You’ll not necessarily need your camera; and sometimes it’s great to step away from it for a while.
This brings up an even bigger point in life: we don’t need to record every moment in life if we are too busy trying to record the next big thing all the time. How often do you go back and look at older memories if Facebook doesn’t bring them back for you? Do you care to?
Meanwhile, what if instead you and a friend just talked about the moments you had instead?
So what’s the point of all this? Use the camera; go ahead, do it. But also try to wean yourself off of it and enjoy life for what it is.
Don’t be so busy trying to capture life as it’s happening to not appreciate life as it’s happening.