Hindustan Times
Click-a-lots, the lot of us
The last time I was at a concert, I remember this moment where I peeled my eyes away from the stage for just a bit to look at the people around me. I realised that more than half the people there were so engrossed taking photographs and shooting videos for later that they were missing out on experiencing the music now.
Does that happen to you when you’re on holiday or travelling? Do you stop at every bend of the river to stop and take photos, when you could be sitting on a rock, looking at the scene before you, enjoying the wind through your hair? When you get to the beach, do you take photos before you wade into the waves for a swim?
Not all taking of photographs that’s bad. They’re great mementos and very useful for sending to family and friends as updates of what you’ve been up to. But sometimes, I think we get so busy in the act of recording our presence at a place and saving the view for posterity that we fail to cherish the moment for what it is.
It’s worse now with the camera phones. You’ll see someone whipping their phone out at every occasion - to record the sound of the river for later, instead of listening to it now; to take a picture at the bonfire to put on Facebook, instead of enjoying its heat while it lasts.
Oddly enough, at a friend’s place last evening where some 7-8 people had gathered, one of the guests wanted to check his Facebook account to see the updates from the same people he was sitting with in the room at the moment. It seemed ironical to me.
I find myself taking more photographs when I’m travelling for work. For a travel writer taking photographs is important; you take photos of everything so that when you’re back at work, writing your story, you don’t kick yourself for not having a photo of something, When I’m on holiday, I prefer to leave everything behind, including the need to record this moment for others who’re not there. I prefer to etch the experience in my mind so completely that instead of looking through photographs, I only have to finger the memory whenever I want to revisit the place.
So which one are you? Are you Mr Click-a-Minute, or do you prefer to leave the equipment behind and enjoy a quiet holiday? Or are you one of those blessed ones who’s managed to find the formula for balance?
(5 votes, average: 4.8 out of 5)
Loading ...Posted by Neha Dara on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Filed under Travel · Tagged camera phones, clicking pictures, clicks, photo mania, photographs, shooting videos
The camera used to have a reel which allowed only 32 photographs so one had to be real stingy with the pics and be content with however one is looking in them . Now we all rush to the see how the pic turned out after every click so that it is worth diplaying on facebook…..i find that funny too but it is dificult habit to break!!
No doubt it is fun to come back with a gazillion photos but i sure the miss the time that could have been used to make everlasting memories…..
I dont think I will ever be able to leave the camera behind , but will try and avoid the photo mania next time……
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neha Reply:
June 3rd, 2009 at 12:08 pm
[Shalini] That’s such a valid point. Earlier we chose our shots more carefully. We were limited by the reel, and then each shot would get developed so… Now, it’s just point and shoot, ALL the time.
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The only time I ever took a camera on a trip was Kenya, where I had to. Otherwise, I never, ever, EVER carry a camera.
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neha Reply:
June 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
[Kushal]
Smart woman
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you re right. the camera is really distractive. especially on nature trails and treks. the whole point becomes then to get the best shot, instead of having fun….in a way i then prefer the 32 pic limited camera. so we have no other option once the 32 pics are over.
http://mywriterkeeda.wordpress.com
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neha Reply:
June 3rd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
[Ismart Alec]
so what’s your plan of action for reclaiming your next holiday from your camera?
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Ishmart Alec Reply:
June 3rd, 2009 at 4:16 pm
hahha… maybe get over with the touristy pics in the first 15 mins and dump the cam in the bag. 32 film roll is still better… so you re not tempted to remove it and delte pics for newer ones…..or have someone take the pics while you enjoy..my god i never knew i had such strong thoughts on pics in holidays
http://mywriterkeeda.wordpress.com
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I’m the ‘live the moment’ kind, who would love to have photographs taken by someone else!
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That’s a real good point. I’ve faced the same confusion a lot many times. Somehow, I’ve managed to strike a fair balance so far, but at times you do get carried away with ur camera.
M going out this weekend, and i’ll keep your post in mind.
http://choosingmyconfessions.wordpress.com/
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thats exactly what i feel, neha…..after being on a trek recently thats what i was thinking about, should i keep my camera aside & enjoy the moment while i am here at the himalayas or do i keep on clicking pictures from various angles and leave the moment without having enjoyed it & being there….luckily, i chose the former…..its required to strike a fine balance between both & realise what we would lose to make a decision!!
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neha Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 11:17 am
[Chaitra]
Did you regret it later?
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Hmm , you know something Neha , maybe for a lot people - its really important to caputure a moment - not because they have to upload it on their facebook account or show it to a zillion people when they are back home , but more because they NEED to capture the moment.
I might not really be the follower of the saying a picture is worth a thousand words , but i find it fascinating to interpret more than what meets the eye in a frame. Once you carry back a memory with you - and revisit that place - it can actually become like a source of inspiration to aid your writing better.
so i guess - its the balance that works the best for me and not click every minute or leave the camera behind route. If a picture can capture an angle , a compositing , a moment that cant be really defined through words - doesnt that add a new dimension to a travel memory too?
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Such an interesting post! I take tons of photos on all my trips and would hate to not have them as mementos. I think it’s important to capture the moment for oneself, instead of wanting to post it on Facebook asap, but too much of anything can be bad thing, not to say irritating for your fellow travelers.
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A nice post……. I too have noticed this….. It happens with me and then i keep my camera in my bag and rely on my laziness so that only take it out when i really feel to click a snap……..
The second thing that i have noticed is when we plan for travel, we are always in a time constraint and most people try to cover a lot of things…. so that they may not feel bad if someone asks if they have been to that XYZ place in that particular place……
My idea is to go to a place and if you dont have the adequate time then just visit those places which you may find interesting and enjoy those places….. Instead of just putting a tick mark against all must see destinations…..
In hindi i would say….. Har Mandir Mein Mattha Tekney ki Jagah , Ek Mandir Mein Itmenan se Pooja Karney par jyada sukoon milta hai….
Came to your blog for the first time and found it quite interesting…..
Will keep a tab on it for your new posts but before that i have my task cut out and i.e. to read all your earlier posts…
Byee…
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