Why make it a memory
This might sound odd
coming from me, a
dedicated photographer, but
there are times when it’s
better to leave the camera
behind and make a
memory in real life.
These images
therefore are not from
the night described but
from another
when I was out
walking by myself.
Setting the scene
As the sun started it’s early journey into the mountains, we walked through the field, air crisp, new snow laying softly on the bare branches of the trees as they reached towards the coming moon. Sky stained apricot, amber, glowing between the cotton tufted clouds like a pearl. I was tempted to go home and grab the camera, but I knew that I would miss this amazing moment.
Instead I concentrated not on aperture, and ISO, but on the cloud formation, counting the bird chirps as sundown settled in for the night, our footsteps solemn and crunching, the grass below the snow brittle. The feeling of the air as it tried to find a bare spot to tickle our skin, a beautiful sunset made all the more lovely because I was fully involved in watching it, completely in that moment, there with my love, the sky wondrous.
This is what I found out
I realized that there are times when we should capture those amazing images in our brain, use our eyes to memorize it, file it away in our head instead of picking up the camera. Those very special memories that can’t be absorbed through the lens, the moments when the feelings overwhelm your heart, they are the ones that you should use all of your senses to record, not the camera.
We can miss so much using a camera to capture memories, the nuances of the light might be saved, but the physical and emotional memory of that moment won’t be in the photograph.
Not every moment needs a camera
And not every moment merits that kind of memory, but there are some that should be cherished without the camera. That night with the stunning sunset I choose not to go and get the camera, and instead choose to make a memory.
Pas de regrets - No regrets.
I made mine a memory, not just a photograph.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
I couldn't agree more. There are moments when I regret not having brought my camera with me, and then there are those when I'm content to simply be in the moment and let my senses be full, as you so eloquently describe.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written and so true. Sometimes we need just the experience of seeing what is around us. I sometimes miss a lot because I am busy snapping away. Thanks for your great thoughts on this.
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
I never remember my camera but I surely have many beautiful memories. great post~!
ReplyDeleteYou are equally talented at sharing your memories in words.
ReplyDeleteI had my camera recently when my neighbor and I celebrated her birthday over lunch but I chose not to photograph and to just enjoy the time/memory together.
Lovely post and photos ! I do the same all though not very much . I am the type to want to capture it in photos so I can look back on it later and remember it all over again but I do know what you mean ! Have a good day !
ReplyDeletethats was beautiful, words and photos,
ReplyDeleteRight on sista!! Some of the most picturesque photos are in my mind, because the camera was left behind. But be careful what you wish for, Remember I was without Mr. Cannon for 6 weeks and was totally lost!!!
ReplyDeleteJen~
ReplyDeleteI so agree!
some of my most cherished beautiful..
as well as painful memories..
are there, safely stored in the that tiny portion of my heart..
to be replayed at will in my mind!
but then,how I would love to have some of them on film..
or printed..
thanks for sharing!
hugs!
Loui♥
I totally agree. I have done it before. And I may be doing that this weekend in New York. Just breathing it all in and absorbing it into my mind. Sometimes a camera can be a burden.
ReplyDeleteJen, I am going to share William Wordsworth's poem "I Wandered Lonely As a Cloud" because it so aptly describes exactly what you are saying about the mind's eye and leaving the camera behind and them coming home and writing about your walk. Wordsworth become so overwhelmed by the daffodils that he writes his poem. And the eyes on the aspen are pretty creepy.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting that you would feel this way. I NEVER take a camera to the beach! At first I said it was because I have my hands dirty picking up shells but then I noticed I felt FREE when I walked onto the beach! My hubby carries it sometimes and I take a few photos from the car. But when I walk the beach...it's with a bag for shells in hand and that's ALL!
ReplyDeleteI've always said, a photograph can capture the scene, but it cannot capture the emotions! Cheers.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteAs photographers we feel the need to have that camera in our hand at all times. But you are so right about making memories, something we all need to do more of.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree.
ReplyDeleteThere will be times when you will be in the field without a camera. And, you will see the most glorious sunset or the most beautiful scene that you have ever witnessed. Don't be bitter because you can't record it. Sit down, drink it in, and enjoy it for what it is! ~DeGriff
Jen - You write so beautifully! Thanks for sharing these special moments with us.
ReplyDeleteJudy
Beautiful, Jen. And I know what you mean. There is a small triangle of land across the road from our alfalfa field that my mind sees as beautiful - any time of year. I try to capture that on camera, but the camera just can't take it all in. So important to make 'real' memories, and also important to write them down - even if they're not written as eloquently as yours. :-)
ReplyDeleteJen, I didn’t see your memory but I saw mine. . . thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes this is a good lesson. This is why I put away the video camera. You can miss alot when you are always snappping away.
ReplyDeleteOh, you're so right about that Jen...beautiful moments to be savored with our whole heart and all our senses. I love to smell the air. Keep the scents with me and make a memory to ponder later. Loved this post, your beautifully chosen words and peaceful frame of mind. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder. I am so guilty of this.
ReplyDeleteToo true Jen, the eye and the heart can capture a moment much better than the lens of a camera. Thanks for a lovely post, Deb
ReplyDeleteIt is true. And so many things you can't capture with the camera but are so integral to a really great memory. Sadly, though, unless I take a picture of it, I probably won't remember the memory, I have such a bad one!
ReplyDeleteOh my Jen. My husband was saying this exact thing a couple of nights ago. We were talking about when our kids were small and how many pictures and videos we have of them from those years, but we don't take time to look at them that often anymore. We enjoy talking about the experiences more. Although I admit when I have my kids captive here at Christmas I am going to bring out the old videos that my daughter-in-law has been begging me to see. Ann
ReplyDeleteI agree, Jen!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Sometimes I just leave my camera in the case..but not often! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful advice...memories mean so much more
ReplyDeleteGood advice, Jen. Since I've started blogging, I see scenes in a deeper way. But sometimes I realize that I don't have to capture them all for the blog. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteRight on Jen. You are so correct. I was just talking about this the other day with a friend. The camera can weigh one down and I'm now beginning to leave it behind on some of these treks:)
ReplyDeleteI understand how sometimes you just want to experience the moment and hold it in your mind and heart. That being said, I am really glad that you shared the picture of the tree with eyes. As I was scrolling down and past the pic it registered that that tree had eyes. I had to go back and study it for a bit. Amazing and kind of weird. Excellent photo!
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful, Jen. There are moments that one should be caught up in just feeling and treasuring. I could feel your tranquil walk in the snow, and it was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Laura