I've been thinking recently about a certain irony: we spend so much of our time capturing memories that, in some cases, we may fail to create those memories. Take vacations or parties for example. Many of us spend the entire time with a camera in hand, catching each moment as it comes. Sometimes we manufacture moments for the camera, contrived situations that do not reflect reality, but make for pleasant memories. But most importantly, rather than relishing the moment itself, and throwing ourselves with wild abandon into happiness, we constantly concern ourselves with making sure that it can be recorded properly. Why do we do this?
Personally, I fall into that category of those who are more or less obsessed with documenting everything. I find that, without keeping records of what happened, I can forget entire days, weeks, periods of my life. I can forget entire vacations, entire relationships, entire epiphanies, entire moments of pure bliss. And once they are forgotten, they are lost forever to the erosion of time. But I can't help but wonder, is this focus on record-keeping counter-productive? It's really very similar to the old debate of whether to live for the present or the future. Do we invest our time and money so as to enjoy their fruits later? Or do we not put off joy, choosing instead to pour ourselves into the here and now? What if all the effort we put into preserving for the future was put instead into living each moment to its fullest potential? Would we be happier? Would we have more moments to look back on fondly, adding color and light to the story of our past?
We have such an intense desire to preserve the present so we can enjoy it in the future. But what does it mean if we're trying so hard to capture it, that we end up letting it pass us by?
Number six: http://www.nomeatathlete.com/30-things-my-parents-didnt-teach-me
ReplyDeleteI am exactly the opposite way. I have owned two cameras -- both gifts -- and taken maybe two dozen pictures.
It could be true that taking too many pictures can take away from an experience - I have definitely dealt with that before. But, the reward of having the pictures later to remember the event is worth taking some good pictures. I am the same as you, Vienna that I forget things so easily. Having the pictures helps me remember details and feelings I would forget otherwise - totally worth it.
ReplyDeleteI think my bottom line is, as always, balance. Recently I went on a boat ride with my work team and I was designated as picture taker. I had an amazing time and endeavored to get at least one good picture of everyone - I almost made it. Those pictures have brought some joy to everyone who went... I hope and I love looking at them and remembering what a great time we had.
Taking pictures can also help you notice details you might otherwise miss - like those leaves that looked like emeralds. :-)
I have to somewhat agree with you on this. However, sometimes too many photos isn't a bad thing - you get to remember exactly where you were and what you saw. I'm torn on this one... great post!
ReplyDeletexo katie elizabeth
ohheyylife.blogspot.com
See, I can understand where you're coming from, but it's a bit hard for me to understand. I have an amazing memory, it's one of the few things that I regularly take pride in. I remember tons of events and details about everything I do and everyone I meet. People are amazed when I can tell them the name of their first dog, or where they went to preschool, or their favorite color. Though I have a lot of trouble with names. I remember faces, but not names, don't know why.
ReplyDeleteThe point I'm trying to make here is that since I remember almost everything, I rarely take pictures of events. Unless I am asked to (like at my cousin's wedding) I rarely take my camera to parties, and when I take my camera on vacation it's to take pictures of things I can't at home. I like taking pictures of things, not moments, I just remember all the important moments in my head.
Now, before you tell me you're jealous of my memory, don't. Everyone always tells me they wish they had a memory like mine. While I take pride in my memory, there are moments where I wish I could just forget things. I have trouble letting things go because I remember them. I remember what it felt like when I found out about Will, I remember how Jasmine, my first cat, felt when she died in my arms, I remember an embarrassing moment that happened in first grade that still makes me blush when I think about it.
I start this cycle where I remember a small embarrassing moment, maybe it was nothing more than not seeing the cross walk change when I'm trying to cross the street. However, that's when I start to think of other times I have messed up, which slowly and gradually get more severe. Maybe the actual incidences I am remembering weren't as severe as the first, but the feeling inside me feels like a balloon and that's slowly being filled with more memories until all I can do is yell expletives until I feel better. I have a lot of trouble forgiving people when they've really hurt me, because from that point on, I will remember them hurting me. They could do a complete 180 in their personality, but it doesn't change the fact that they hurt me.
I guess what I'm trying to say in a really round about fashion is I wish I was a little more like you. Then I would be able to take pictures of all the good times in my life, and I wouldn't have to worry about the small things.
I was hoping you'd post the "You're doing it wrong" picture on your blog! Seriously, though, you raise some fascinating issues about our image-based society. It's a strange thing indeed that so many of us (myself included) don't think reality is *real* until its turned into an editable image.
ReplyDeleteKeep those smart ideas flowing!