A friend of mine shared an article with me regarding photographers and their memories. Oddly enough, it stated that people who take photographs are less likely to remember the details of an event because they are so focused on “getting a pic.” WRONGO. I seriously couldn’t disagree more.
I take photographs because I want to remember, and I believe that it only strengthens my memories. The other day somebody said/tweeted something to the effect of, “I saw a boy the other day and thought he was really cute, but when I tried to think of him later, I couldn’t remember his face!” I feel like that happens with most things or events, not just people.
When I scroll through the thousands of photographs on my phone [I should really back them up…] I remember details [not the visible ones] that would have otherwise slipped my mind – possibly forever. And even without the picture to trigger a memory, if Daniel questions something, I instantly reply, “No, I remember because I took a photograph of __________.” The act of capturing a moment jogs my memory. So really? You’re gonna tell me my memory sucks because I hide behind my lens? HA. It’s a comical theory.
The only argument I can foresee being possibly true is that I go through my photographs frequently. I have an advantage because I blog. Between editing the photos, uploading them, writing little paragraphs around them, previewing, and posting [and then checking for errors again], I’ve pretty must memorized these “moments.” Yes, I see most of my photographs multiple times, which might be why the whole process only strengthens my memories. So there’s that, I suppose.
Oh look, photos. 🙂 Both are from the summer Daniel and I started dating. 🙂
Purse: vintage, won in a giveaway 🙂 // Glasses: Bonlook Honeybadger
Wrap bracelet: Flourish Leather [I won the bag from a giveaway on Danielle’s blog years ago!]
Sucky memory my BUTT. 🙂
xoxo
I am linking up with my pal Kiki again to write a post in which my voice shines through – so I made an effort to express my opinion. 🙂
I definitely love being behind the camera rather than on the receiving end of the lens, and I, too, remember a lot of details (I had to wear full-on Goretex rain gear to get that shot while laying on the ground under an umbrella). I read somewhere that exercise enhances memory–and photography is definitely exercise!
I’m pretty much the same way. I take a lot of photos and I love the memories behind all of them. For as many photos as I put on Instagram or my blog, I also take a LOT of pictures that are just for me. Looking back at a photo from 5 years ago last night, I thought about how it was that I remembered details of the entire day, just by looking at a single picture of me sitting next to the water. I’ve had people get annoyed at all the pictures I take before, but all of them have come back later and said it was so nice to have memories I captured that nobody else thought to do.
Sometimes I must admit that having my camera in hand gives me something to hide behind, but I also find myself viewing events/places/people differently and more distinctly. If a photographer interrupts FOR pictures, then I might agree that it lessens the ability to live in the moment, but when my photograph captures an important moment I cannot think of anything more perfect!
This is my favorite post from you that I've read so far! You really did a great job getting your voice out there and your opinion. I love the informal language that makes it feel like a conversation. And you intersperse the photos perfectly. Thanks for sharing!
I love the tone of this piece, very well written, and as always the pictures are fantastic and I kind of want to go shopping with you 😉 Thanks for linking up!
Hey girl, hey! 🙂 I finally got on the train and linked up with Kiki. Glad to see you here too. Love the outfit, the accessories, your rings and of course, your words. I enjoyed hearing your perspective on photos and memories. I'm with you – photos (and for me, songs too) can jog the tiniest of a detail of a memory!
I resonate with your thoughts about photography/memories. Thanks for sharing.
I couldn't agree more, Roxy! My husband often gets irritated with my use of the camera, but I feel the same way. We took a trip to Boston and I left my memory card in my computer at home. I was BEREFT! We tried to get another memory card and couldn't. And we ended up buying a disposable camera. I can't wait to go back to Boston, camera in hand and TRULY capture the memories. Photography in my opinion, enhances life! Great post!
You make a GREAT argument for photos and memory. Love your perspective AND your photos and voice. 🙂 I wish my phone would hold thousands of memories…but my phone HAS no more memory. 🙂
I like the different perspective on taking pictures. It made me stop and think. Love the photo of the locket!