I sometimes find myself idly browsing photo websitehs and being amazed at the moments captured. The beauty, the serenity, the absolute perfection of the timing for the shutter to occur. We all experience these magical moments, but if you are anything like me, they do not show up on camera.
I photograph horribly. I don’t look good in photographs, I don’t typically stage them well, it’s just an all over mess. But that doesn’t mean I don’t experience those moments. Me sharing visible moments with the rest of the world is just one of the convinces of modern technology, it is by no means an obligation nor a measurement of the life that you live. When I think about myself, I have to say.. I am blessed. Today I got to go on an awesome run at sunset, my rooftop deck i being renovated so I can do yoga on the roof, I was able to drink coffee and watch the ships sail in and out of the harbor. I would confidently say many of those moments were photographable. But I didn’t because I was in the moment. I know there is a lot of controversy about the idea that taking the best or most picturesque photo takes away from actually being present, and to a point I agree. When I was younger, in college I had a few friends that needed photos every time we would get dressed up to go out. Needed to a point that the only thing longer than the getting ready process itself was the time set aside to take photos. And it had to be perfect. I know there is an entire rabbit hole to go down when it comes to young women and body image, and to that… I say this. I hate that young women can be so self conscious to begin with, but the desire to have the perfect picture just adds to it. And quite honestly, I think it’s stupid. Live the life you love regardless of whether it photographs well. Mine doesn’t. But sometimes those are the best times. The other morning my Mom and sister came to visit and we strolled down the street to our nearest coffee shop in our pajamas. Right out of bed. And we were laughing and carrying on and loving every moment of it. And to be honest, I don’t think I would want anyone to capture that moment, because the way I remember it is perfect the way it is. Additionally, one snap shot cannot capture the whole picture. To continue with the other morning with my Mom and sister… We looked disheveled. But in any of the moments it didn’t matter because there was love, and laughter and life. That’s what made it so special. If you can amazingly capture your life, then I applaud you. But let’s all take the time to think deeper than our photographs to really understand the meaning and the memories. If you’re anything like me… You may not have a lot of those, but that does not mean that you aren’t awesome. Just live the life you love, that’s the best advice I can give.
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Author: Allyson DitizioGeographer, yogi and occasionally creative writer. Archives
September 2016
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