Pause, Snap, and Savor
We’ve all been there—pulling out our phones to capture the perfect shot of a sunset, a birthday, or even a random coffee date. It feels like second nature now. But have you ever wondered if we’re losing something by always viewing life through a lens? Or are we adding value to our experiences by freezing them in time? I want to dive into different sides of this question and explore whether taking pictures to create memories is underrated or overrated.
The Beauty of Freezing a Moment
There’s something magical about snapping a photo. It’s like pausing life and saying, “I want to remember this forever.” When we look back at old pictures, we don’t just see an image—we’re hit with waves of nostalgia. We remember the laughter, the warmth of the sun, the music playing in the background. Those moments come rushing back with vivid detail. It’s not just a snapshot; it’s a doorway back in time. Life moves fast, memories fade, but pictures? They last. In this way, taking photos feels like a gift we give to our future selves.
Photos of my parents fr om 90s
The Trap of Missing the Moment
But while we’re busy trying to capture the perfect shot, are we actually experiencing what’s happening? I think this is wh ere things get tricky. It’s easy to get caught up in framing the right angle, getting the lighting just right, or making sure our photos are Instagram-worthy. In doing so, we might end up watching life unfold through our phone screens, missing out on the present moment. It’s like being an observer of your own life, and sometimes, that feels like losing something real. Think about it: Have you ever been at a concert and noticed everyone holding up their phones to record it? Instead of feeling the music and the energy of the crowd, people are more focused on getting a video. That’s when taking pictures feels overrated—when the act of capturing takes over living the actual experience.
The Joy of Creation for Some People
But here's the other side. For content creators, photographers, or anyone whose profession requires taking pictures and they love the art of it, taking pictures doesn’t feel like missing out—it’s part of what makes the moment special. It’s not just about capturing a memory; it’s about the creativity that comes with it. The process of framing a beautiful shot or finding the perfect candid moment can actually heighten the experience. For these people, photography isn’t a distraction—it’s a way of engaging more deeply with the world around them.
In fact, some people find happiness in sharing their photos with others, whether through social media or personal projects. It’s a way of expressing themselves and their experiences, turning ordinary moments into something meaningful. Something fr om their perspective. For them, taking pictures isn’t just a way to remember; it’s a way to celebrate and connect.
Balance
So, there’s no denying the joy and value that photos can bring—they help us remember, feel, and share our lives. But there’s also a fine line between capturing a moment and missing it altogether. The key is balance. Snap that photo, sure—but then put the camera down and immerse yourself in the moment. Take a mental picture too. Let the memory live in your mind as much as it does on your phone. After all, the best memories are the ones wh ere you were fully present, whether you caught them on camera or not.
It’s not about avoiding pictures altogether but using them mindfully. Photos should enhance our experiences, not replace them. So next time we’re tempted to reach for our camera, we could ask ourselves: Am I capturing this moment to remember it, or am I already too busy documenting it to truly live it?
Here are just some of the photos from my collection this spring—moments I paused for, but didn’t forget to live in. :)
- City Park, New Orleans
- Rainy New York
- Santa Monica Beach, California
- Redwoods National Park, California
- Local Gallery, New Orleans
- Bourbon Street, New Orleans
- By the AMNH (American Museum of Natural History), New York
- Heavy Rain at Monterey Beach, California
- Singing Man, New York
- City Park, New Orleans
