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Five reasons to leave your camera at home
When packing for that dream trip, a camera is usually high on the list of essential items. Actually, it's not as important as some people think. Here are five reasons to leave your camera at home.One less thing to worry about
It puts a barrier between you and the people
Nothing makes you stand out more than pointing a camera at a complete stranger. An unsuspecting market stall owner or farmer or palace guard is busy trying to do his or her job, and suddenly some tourist comes along and sticks a big lens in their face. Not a good way to get the locals to warm up to you. In some places, posing for photos has become a business and you'll be promptly asked for cash after you take a shot, or be badgered by flocks of children asking for their photo to be taken. Some countries have strict rules about what you can photograph. I once got told off by a cop in Tehran because I took a photo of a statue. The statue was fine, but including the post office behind it was forbidden because it was a government building. With no camera in sight, you'll get a lot less harassment.
Really, does anyone care?
There's nothing quite as boring as looking at someone else's holiday snaps. Oh sure, your family and friends will make admiring noises and ask to see more, but that's because they like you. They'd like you more if you closed the photo album or computer and took them out for a drink.
It can interfere with the moment
When my wife and I attended an archaeology conference in Oxford, we and the other participants got invited to walk among the stones of Stonehenge at dawn. As the sun rose between two of the standing stones it cast an eerie glow through the mist. Everyone hurried to take a picture while I stood there in awe. The conditions were such that nobody got a perfect shot. I ended up with the best memory of the event, still vivid after seven years, because I was actually looking at the sunrise instead of trying to capture it. (Full disclosure: this was mostly due to the fact that my wife was holding our camera at that moment, otherwise it would be her bragging right now.)
Over at Postsecret, where people send in heartfelt messages and confessions on anonymous postcards, someone who says he plays Mickey Mouse at Disneyland tells parents not to rush over and take a picture of their kid cuddling him because the best part of his job is seeing the kid's face light up at meeting him. Taking a shot distracts both him and the kid from a magical moment. Who are we to disagree with Mickey Mouse?
You can get better pictures elsewhere
Chances are you're not a professional photographer. Even if you are, when you're on vacation you probably don't have the time or inclination to take professional quality photos anyway. The pros work under ideal conditions with expensive equipment, and often wait hours, days, or even weeks for the perfect shot. Benefit from and reward their labor by buying postcards and coffee table books full of amazing images of the places you've been. Or check out our Photo of the Day section.
So when you're packing for your next vacation, rethink what you're putting in your bags. Your trip might just be the better for it.
There's nothing quite as boring as looking at someone else's holiday snaps. Oh sure, your family and friends will make admiring noises and ask to see more, but that's because they like you. They'd like you more if you closed the photo album or computer and took them out for a drink.
It can interfere with the moment
When my wife and I attended an archaeology conference in Oxford, we and the other participants got invited to walk among the stones of Stonehenge at dawn. As the sun rose between two of the standing stones it cast an eerie glow through the mist. Everyone hurried to take a picture while I stood there in awe. The conditions were such that nobody got a perfect shot. I ended up with the best memory of the event, still vivid after seven years, because I was actually looking at the sunrise instead of trying to capture it. (Full disclosure: this was mostly due to the fact that my wife was holding our camera at that moment, otherwise it would be her bragging right now.)
Over at Postsecret, where people send in heartfelt messages and confessions on anonymous postcards, someone who says he plays Mickey Mouse at Disneyland tells parents not to rush over and take a picture of their kid cuddling him because the best part of his job is seeing the kid's face light up at meeting him. Taking a shot distracts both him and the kid from a magical moment. Who are we to disagree with Mickey Mouse?
You can get better pictures elsewhere
Chances are you're not a professional photographer. Even if you are, when you're on vacation you probably don't have the time or inclination to take professional quality photos anyway. The pros work under ideal conditions with expensive equipment, and often wait hours, days, or even weeks for the perfect shot. Benefit from and reward their labor by buying postcards and coffee table books full of amazing images of the places you've been. Or check out our Photo of the Day section.
So when you're packing for your next vacation, rethink what you're putting in your bags. Your trip might just be the better for it.
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 6)
Shellie Anne Feb 3rd 2010 9:32AM
All excellent points. Living in these Blue Ridge Mountains here there are plenty of funerals where the ONLY photos were of Christmas or weddings, posed, dressed up, nothing natural. I am so thankful people do have their cameras with them to take these photos that would otherwise be missed if we constantly "pose" for them.
Do you recall the one that got away? I have two that come to mind - Kodak moments (I guess that's why we use that term, again arguing with this articles sentiment) yet had no camera with me, and I still remember the scenes:
First, was in San Diego on a hot day on hot black top parking lot behind a pharmacy many many years ago. This corner drugstore also sold ice cream by the cone. Outside in the parking lot was a bright red fire truck parked haphazardly across the rows. Standing in front of it were firefighters all ashed up, dirty, faces darkened and smudged in their yellow jackets and gear - helmets still on, leaning back against the fire engine all eating ice cream cones.
Second, I was driving along toward Smith Mountain Lake here in Virginia - through dairy country. I was cruising along and it had just rained pretty hard. All of a sudden to my left I spied a split rail fence, beyond that a green as green can be pasture land with black and white dairy cows scattered over it grazing, beyond that a big red barn with silver silos, and beyond that the foothills and then peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains - ten different shades of blue as the clouds rose up above them and left the mist lingering behind. Breathtaking is an understatement. I have been by there 100 times since and never catch the same beauty as that misty day.
mark362 Feb 5th 2010 2:10PM
How far off can one guy get? This is a great reminder that you need to be vERY discriminating when reading things.
Robin Feb 4th 2010 1:47AM
I don't disagree with your points but also think there is a place for sensitive use of a camera. One of the benefits with digital cameras is that you don't have to be parsimonious about the number of shots you take like with film -- but that can also be a drawback. The number of people taking photos in museums has skyrocketed and because of the low light/no flash environment -- I am sure that few of those shots were worth it. But sometimes an I-was-here photo can be a priceless souvenir. I agree with the commenter who said why not take a small camera and keep it in your pocket for those moments rather than keeping it constantly in front of your face. For me it is a case-by-case decision -- I've taken trips without a camera except for my cellphone and I've taken trips pretty much to take photos.
Sally Feb 5th 2010 11:23AM
Robin states>> I've taken trips without a camera except for my cellphone
Now if the author were talking about people leaving their CELL PHONES home while on vacation, I'd be right there agreeing...but leaving one's camera....NO THANKS!
Having arrived before dawn to enjoy the serenity of watching the sun rise over the Grand Canyon last spring and to snap a few pics, I seriously considered doing the world a favor and pushing the stranger who chose to walk over and stand next to me over the edge. In the midst of that beautiful moment, he took out his cell phone and loudly droned on and on about how insensitive his girlfriend was to make him (in his words) "get out of his f**king bed so f**king early just so she could see the f**king sun rise over some f**king hole in the ground".
dotlizard Feb 4th 2010 4:00AM
I'm afraid I must add to the ranks of disagree-ers. I have had too many "ones that got away" not to carry a compact superzoom in my handbag or backpack. If anything will detract from my experience of a photogenic moment, it's the stress that I failed to capture this - not just for my own memory, but possibly even for future generations. In our modern, highly-shared world, looking at snaps of someone's vacation isn't the bore-fest we remember from youth when being subjected to people's interminable slideshows of their trips, now it's voluntary and actually quite popular. I enjoy looking at others' pics, and if they enjoy mine, that's good too.
To me taking pictures is a pleasure, not something that gets in the way. Like Shellie Anne, you might see something utterly worthy of preserving and sharing with those who aren't there with you, and that's worth the price of carrying a couple extra ounces of gear alone.
lisa Feb 4th 2010 4:02AM
Hello..Please get back to using FILM. Film is so much more beautiful than digital. the limited number (not so limited actually) makes you a BETTER photographer and makes you see much better. If I am too immersed I just say to myself, Stop, breathe, lookw ithout the camera. That works. Cannot beat the memories later looking at the pics I took. Some rival the pros for sure..Digital especially the little point and shoots are soo obnoxious..I cant stand watching these people holding the digital camera at arms length away from their eye. GROSS! its that intimate gaze into the viewfinder that you find the magic and beauty of the shot..What is more simple than opening a camera back, slapping in the film, closing the door and as some pros have said "F8 and be there!" meaning set the camera at aperture priority, set it at 8 and let the camera select the shutter. Except for low light situations all should come out quite well. Digital is ruining the look of pictures. And dont call it photography. It is not..Digital is digital imaging not photography which utilizes film! It has its place but real photography is produced with FILM. Buy film camera and show Kodak and Fuji your tired of digital.
ElAd Feb 6th 2010 7:37PM
For Lisa, I " was" a devout Canon film fan up until my last trip to Israel when I brought a small Canon PowerShot A590IS instead. The images it took in a mall came out perfect and I know that my Pro Model Canon film camera would never had captured the images that accurately. One particular image was of a Nine West Shoe store from across the way. In the back of the store was a lighted shoe display that would have baffled my film camera but the little "toy" digital got it 100% correct. I know old habits die hard but I am now a convert and just painfully purchased a Canon EOS Rebel T1i. As for a "Kodak Moment I missed". My wife and I were in the Old City of Jerusalem awaiting the start of a tour. She growled put away that camera. Just as I shut it down, a Greek Orthodox Priest wearing the traditional long black garments, hat, long beard etc. and conversing away on a cell phone like a teenager. Priceless memory of what makes Jerusalem such a fascinating place. Images are also a way, many years later, to relive travel trips, visits etc. with family and or friends, that you know will never be repeated. . In short bring that camera and there is no law that you have to use it. Just use it wisely.
lisa Feb 4th 2010 4:15AM
"Hello..Please get back to using FILM. Film is so much more beautiful than digital. The limited number of frames (not so limited actually) makes you a BETTER photographer and makes you see much better. If I am too immersed I just say to myself, Stop, breathe, look without the camera. That works. Cannot beat the memories later looking at the pics I took. Some rival the pros for sure..Digital especially the little point and shoots are soo obnoxious..I cant stand watching these people holding the digital camera at arms length away from their eye. GROSS! its that intimate gaze into the viewfinder that you find the magic and beauty of the shot..What is more simple than opening a camera back, slapping in the film, closing the door and as some pros have said "F8 and be there!" meaning set the camera at aperture priority, set it at 8 and let the camera select the shutter. Except for low light situations all should come out quite well. Digital is ruining the look of pictures. And dont call it photography. It is not..Digital is digital imaging not photography which utilizes film! It has its place but real photography is produced with FILM. Buy film camera and show Kodak and Fuji your tired of digital."
Aryn Feb 5th 2010 12:39PM
You realize the digital cameras have viewfinders as well, right?
virginia.sprayboat Feb 4th 2010 11:24AM
For some people, taking photographs is not their thing and the admonition that you miss the moment, possibly. However, for me, I can remember where I was when I took a photo, that moment is etched indelibly in my mind, similar to a scent that can recall a fond memory. I have not missed the moment. I try not to be rude and yes it is understood in some areas, money (very little) is expected. Part of traveling. My experiences have been positive.
skibip Feb 5th 2010 7:10AM
Wow....what great logic. In fact, it applies equally to the kids....and the spouse. Let's write an article about leaving them home next trip too !!!
Stupid friggin' article and stupid friggin Gadling for publishing it and stupid friggin' me for reading it !!
Lil Feb 5th 2010 7:43AM
I don't take photos for someone else (except my family). My grandson is photographed practically daily by his parents as well as professional photog's. My daughter carries cameras, so does my other daughter, and so do my 3 grandkids old enough to travel and so do we. When the kids travel, nothing beats boredom like giving them a camera in the back seat and let them have at it. Sure we had pictures of toes and teddybears, but they also did some really great photos as well. We take a laptop with us and transfer the photos, deleting the ones not saveworthy and start again. A photo of my grandson ended up (with permission) in a baby retail clothing store in Austrailia. My granddaughters ended up business cards and a blow up for a professional photographer. My grandson ended up playing his bass in the paper. I think the neatest unintentional moments were when I screwed up photos during a gown fitting for my daughter, and it ended up a movie with a sound bite about something special, same thing at a kindergarten concert. The pictures taken on a Disney Cruise were spectacular, and when it came to a family reunion, I made the photos of Cinderella with the twins and other characters into a coloring book, the kids loved and made the photo of my grandson on stage into a drawing. One of my favorites is the drop of water off meling snow, before it lands. Time stands still with fluidity. It is the same with photos. These are captures of space in time of a word said, a moment of awe, or fun. One of the best is my husband's fathers's senior trip to Washington. There's 5 guys who were photographed in the left side of the photo and then again on the right side of the photo. There is a story behind it in the 1920's but it is worth mounting and keeping. Moments in time. Moments of good time. Well worth the extra weight.
Linda Feb 5th 2010 7:25AM
I wouldnt trade the memories of my kids at Disney when they were little for and of the reasons listed above. They grow too fast and to have those to hang up for even the children to remember the great times and places we went together.
And the great thing about digital cameras is you can get so many shots and keep the ones that are worth it and toss out the kids with their eyes closed. LOVE my photos of goofy hanging my kid upside down or captain hook with his hook around their neck.
KIKI Feb 5th 2010 7:33AM
I agree and disagree. Sometimes you just have to enjoy the REAL moment and not thru a lens. But, vacation is hard to not want all those pictures. I tell my husband to stop taking so many, it gets repetitive. One here and there is enough! And when going to our kids events and sports I rarely take pictures or videos becuase i am not enjoying them in their live moments. These parents who record every moment, are they really going to watch all that stuff? I like to pick one swim meet, one wrestling match, one baseball game, etc. and take some pictures and videos and date it....the rest of the season i sit and cheer for my kids with no equipment!
junk monkey Feb 5th 2010 7:59AM
What moron wroth this? I guess he couldn't afford a good camera.
David Feb 5th 2010 9:17AM
I can't believe some of these articles are ever published and the people writing them are getting paid. I love my camera, and I take pride in the pictures I take. There is a certain satisfaction one gets when doing something themselves. I built my house...I made that table...I painted that painting..I took that picture. I'm not the best wood worker or the best photographer in the world, but I'm proud of my work and I get a great sense of accomplishment knowing "I made it". Anyone can buy something but not everyone can create...that's the difference.
youradumbass Feb 5th 2010 9:17AM
What moron wroth this? I guess he couldn't afford a good camera.
D Feb 5th 2010 8:42AM
What a weird article? Why would anyone want to not take a camera? That is the most important thing that I take. Looking at the photos years later brings back great memories. Mabye the person wrote the article as a joke to see what reaction he/she would get. That is what I am starting to think....................Yeah.....that's it!!
Sybil Feb 5th 2010 12:38PM
This is the most rediculous article yet. To state that just because you take a single photo causes you not to be "in the moment" is just plain stupid.
My guess is that the article was written by a professional who see his income dwindling by people taking their own photographs and therefore not buying his.
I look at the photos of my chren/grandchildren growing up in places we have visited and they bring back sucj wonderful memories my aging mind would otherwise have forgotten. Catching and retaining their expressions at such wonderful sights as Bryce Canyon etc is a priceless memory help for my life time and theirs.
I have photographs of my Great Great Grandparents which my Great Grandchildren love to look at, and I thrill at the likenesses that have come down through 8 generations to today. Thank goodness someone had the sense to take those photographs back in 1880 otherwise we wouldn't have that wonder to carry through countless generations.
Total rubbish article
Drouot Feb 5th 2010 8:54AM
Right on the nose! These "five reasons" for leaving your camera home while traveling are about the most reasonable and lucid comments I've ever read on the subject and ought to be carved in stone! Having been once a world-traveler enamored with photography, it eventually dawned on me that one of the prime reasons I was taking pictures was to impress and to dazzle my friends and relatives back home about my "having been around" and my "having been there and my having seen that" while secretely hoping that dumb as they might have been, they had never dared to travel to these far away places. In short, photography was for me primarily an ego thing, not a honest means of documenting one's travels for posterity. These comments go against what most people hold to be true about photography and travel and, like "common sense", they are anything but "common". Congratulations therefore to this wise, original, lucid and daring author for his comments that defy the common "political correctness" most people associate with "taking pictures" while traveling!
GRD