Ah, vacation.  A time to get away and a time to see new places and experience new things.  It’s something we all look forward to with every ounce of our being.  It’s a break from boring life.  Vacation’s also a time for cameras to come out of the wood works.  This sounds like the perfect idea but it’s not.  Perhaps we should minimize taking vacation photos and here’s why.

Vacations are all about creating memories together with people that you love and care about in new and exciting situations.  Photos are about capturing things in the moment so that you can relive those memories together at a later date.

The Problem

With the invention of camera phones with high resolution cameras, it’s become so common place to see someone pull out a phone and snap a selfie or take pictures of a beautiful scene.  In fact, the amount of cell phone photography in places such as national parks has become staggering.  People have become so worried about sharing photos on Facebook and Instagram that they forget the reason they went on vacation to begin with: to relax and to bond.

I’ve learned that, when you pull out a camera, a different part of your brain starts working.  You’re still very much there in the moment, but at the same time, you’ve also checked out.  You’re more concerned with your photo than what is happening around you.  Perhaps you even check out from those people whom you came on vacation with.  Talk about defeating your object.

My Experience

I admit that I chase after every possible high quality photo that I can get when visiting places with so many possibilities.  I spent last summer doing that at Bryce Canyon and Zion’s National Parks.  My camera was always at the ready with plenty of memory card space available.  It’s addicting.  I can’t help it.  However, it’s also defeating part of the reason I’m out there to begin with.

I’ve had to start teaching myself to pause with the professional photography and simply take in my surroundings more.  This started when I was out on a shoot trying to take a photo for a piece of music I was hoping to be the cover for.  I didn’t end up getting the cover but I also had to be reminded to stop chasing the sunset behind me when it came time for the shot I set out to take in the first place.

What started out as a nice and leisurely trip to a scenic vista ended up being a memory of being constantly reminded to come back and get my shot.  This was a business trip not a vacation and I have some unpleasant memories.  I can only imagine what would have happened in the Utah national parks if I hadn’t already received that lesson.

My Lesson

Because of that lesson, I did get to spend some quality time with my spouse, father, and stepmother just enjoying the view at both national parks.  I have memories of fun together instead of being reminded to come spend time with my family thanks to my photo-chasing.  I got to see the excitement my stepmom has for being outdoors and even got to see my dad enjoy himself out there (he’s far from an outdoorsman).

If we put down the camera for a few minutes, we can actually take in the scenic vistas we’ve gone to go see.  We can also create the memories which we set out to in the first place.  Then our vacation photos will mean something to us when we look back.  We’ll have those happy memories together and our family/friendship bonds will be closer.  We can only do this if we minimize taking vacation photos.

If you are worried about having photos to jog your memory, there are options.  Limit the number of photos that you take so that you don’t overpower your vacation with picture-taking.  It will open up your time to be there with your family together.  Choose a handful of photo opportunities so you can get photos but consider other options as well.

Also, check into some fine art photography options while you are there or after you return.  There are photographers, professional and otherwise, who will gladly sell you a print or two of places you’ve been to.  They might even have better versions than your cell phone camera would take.  This will remove stress from your vacation and allow you to create beautiful memories together.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you minimize taking vacation photos, you can enjoy your vacation more.  You’ll be more present in the moment.  Your family/friends will enjoy your company rather than the company of your camera lens.  I’ve been there so I know it works.  You won’t regret it.

If you find that you want to buy fine art photo prints of your last vacation, please check out our online store to see if we have something to suit your needs.  If you don’t see something from your vacation there, please tell us where you want prints from in the comments section and we will see what we can do about adding something to our store for you.