In some ways, this is correct. Spending ages setting up a camera for a perfect shot on the Great Wall of China, for instance, can prevent you from using that time to embrace the stunning surroundings. Absorbing the world around you is maybe a more worthwhile activity, rather than viewing it all from your cameras display screen?
However, this sparks an interesting debate, especially for someone like me who has a passion for all things 'arty'. I love photography, and I love capturing these moments. Anyone can whip out digital camera and snap a picture of the view from their hotel window, but taking a photo of a moment is something else entirely. I'm not saying I have such a talent, but every now and then, you get that perfect image, and viewing it is often incredible.
For me, a moment is an amazing thing. That almost split second where something unrepeatable a felt or done. Does photography stop you from experiencing these?
I don't think so. Capturing such an experience is often a huge achievement, not just from the photographic side of 'getting a good photo', but because of what memories may be attached. For everyone involved, seeing this picture take you back to that moment; allows you to almost re-live it. That's what i find so special about photography, saving and preserving memories.(I'm not saying we don't have the capacity to do this without the aid of an image, but it gives it clearly and untarnished .)
Maybe this re-visiting of photos has more of an impact on me, because I would classify myself as a 'visual' person. I find information easier to gather and process when I can see it in front of me, and photography(and art!)are great portrayals of visual beauty. Although sounds and smells do transport you back to a time you associate with them; seeing images is a much more effective stimulus for me. Basically, photos are great for creating nostalgia!
I also find that these moments are often always consist of people, or human interaction. To demonstrate this, here are some examples of the occasional times I felt I have captured a moment worth saving; and showing:
This is a picture of my mum and brother, and at the time of my taking this, I wasn't expecting to create such a picture. Looking back on it now; it reminds me of that day when everyone in my household became slightly hyper, the stupid face my brother is pulling makes me smile even now!
I took this in the summer, as my friends were playing a rounders game ( I actually used photography as a way to get out of playing, I'm not a sporty person..!!) It does a great job of capturing the urgency and fun of the game for the players.
This photo I actually took on my phone, but it's just such a good representation of my friends. At the time, another friend was trying to swing on a dangerous looking rope..thingy, hence the 'terrified' look and hug! It happened so fast, I was lucky to get it.
Concerts also bring up issues for me. One one side, its a great photographic opportunity, especially at a smaller gig, however, could it be distracting from the music?
When I was at a Mcfly concert in April, I didn't take my camera or take any photos whilst they were playing, and I'm not really sure if I regret that or not. It was busy, so I doubt any I did take would have been any good, but now the memories I have are vague. I know that I loved it, and I can remember a few songs, but don't have any lasting reminders, which does sadden me. Even if I had taken crappy photos and videos on my phone, like I did when I saw Bastille, it would have something physical to hold on to from that night. It's always nice to be able to look through them, and be transported back to a time when the only thing that mattered was the band on stage.
These are a few of my favourite pictures from a smaller gig ('the summer warm up'!):
I do have more photographs that I would say captured a moment, but they're too embarrassing for my friends and family to share online...!
So, I believe, instead of preventing us from living moments, photograpahs allow us to live them all over again, something which writing this and seeing these pictures again, has allowed me to do.
No comments:
Post a Comment