I can look at a photo from over a decade past and can usually tell what kind of mood I was in when it was taken. I think the reason so many of us find photos fascinating is because of the nostalgic element it represents. It’s also a visual history of our lives through the years. How many times have you looked back at an old photograph that you haven’t seen in many years and you are mesmerized by the image? We can look at a photo and it conjures up so many memories….were you happy? Were you sad and just smiling for the camera? Was it a great day when the picture was taken? If there’s someone else (or other people) in the photo, what feelings do they evoke after all this time? Even before the onset of digital cameras, I was fascinated by the power of a single photograph. Nowadays, with most of the population having a camera in their hands via their cell phone, photos are more common; but still intriguing, and more accessible to everyone.
I remember as a child having a photo taken was usually for a special occasion; a birth, wedding or some other significant event. Usually it involved a visit to a special place, a relative visiting from another country, or a major holiday, like Christmas. The whole family would gather around and a designated photographer from the group would take a photo. Nowadays, you don’t need the aid of another person to take a photo for memories….there’s the ever popular selfie. (which can sometimes involve more than one person) I still think when there is someone behind the lens (in a traditional sense) – the photograph for me anyway, is always more memorable. Maybe it’s because the person taking the picture, is usually someone with whom you have a special relationship. You are looking at that person and they are looking back at you. When I look at a photograph now, regardless of how long ago it was taken, I remember who took the photo. I see that person in my memory; behind the camera. Although not present in the photograph, they are forever there. Those end up being my favorite photographs. If it’s a really good photo, usually it was taken by someone I was very close to. I think someone who really cares about you, takes their time to set up the shot and it shows in the final product. That is at least my experience…not-withstanding some people are just naturally better photographers than others.
Some of my favorite photographs were taken with a Canon zoom camera, many years ago – before digital photography became commonplace. In those days, you put a roll of film in your camera, took your photos, and then had to take the film to the photo store to be developed. It sounds like a tedious process to someone who never experienced that, but it was fun anticipating receiving your photos from your vacation or celebration; once they were processed. It was not as instantaneous (and I suppose as convenient) a process, like today’s cameras. There was no do-over…you took a picture and hoped it turned out great. Although I now own more than one digital camera, I rarely use them. The cameras on our smartphones have come such a long way technically, there’s no need to carry around anything else to get your keepsake memories. Unless of course – you need professional photos for work purposes, or if you are a professional photographer or photography enthusiast.
With so many people having a camera in their hands; I see people walking around in public places, seemingly oblivious to what’s happening around them. They are so intent on getting that picture or video, possibly to post on their social media. I would say…try to enjoy the moment in its entirety, because there is no greater recorder than your eyes and brain. I remember years ago, going to a family member’s graduation ceremony. When my relative got up to walk onto the stage, there I was fiddling with my camera on my phone to capture her moment when she accepted her diploma. Sadly, afterwards I did not recall much of her big moment. Photographs are great and will always be cherished. But; let’s not forget what is even more wonderful….the moment you are in and the person or persons presently before you. Enjoy their beautiful company. You will treasure those memories forever.
Hello - From My Viewpoint 
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