CAPTURING THE MOMENT
I love the art of photography - playing around with different lighting and composition, being inspired by other photographers, learning different cameras and equipment. The challenge of it excites me and the endless possibilities never leave room for boredom. As much as I appreciate good photography and want to continue developing my own work, I don't think I'll ever move past my simple iPhone camera. I love always having it in my pocket, ready to capture a memory at any moment.
Here are three ways I use photography to enhance my joy in the moment.
CAPTURING THE MOMENT
Some people will question the etiquette of whipping your phone out at all times, in the middle of dinner or conversation. That's a legitimate question, and the circumstances should be considered, of course! But don't assume that taking a photo always has to be distracting. You don't have to break the conversation to take a photo; make it a part of the experience of hanging out.
Sometimes, capturing the moment is about using a nice camera, the right lighting, and staging a perfect photo (there is an art to this that I want to continue to learn and grow in).
If your context and surroundings allow, don't even worry about being distracting. Be "that person" that's standing on your chair before dinner to get a good angle, and laugh about it. You'll capture a moment worth remembering, and the whole experience of getting the shot will become part of the moment.
ENHANCING THE MOMENT
For others, the motivation to keep your phone in your pocket isn't about etiquette, it's about wanting to enjoy the moment itself, and not get wrapped up in getting the perfect shot. But for me, when I pull out my phone for a picture, I'm not missing the moment. I'm very task driven and action oriented, so at any given time I may be thinking of the next task to be done, or how much time I have to get to my next destination, or where I'd like to be a year from now.
Taking photos forces me to focus on what's right in front of me. To stop for a minute, slow down, and look at my surroundings. It helps me look for the beautiful, the happy, the things I already love. Using a nice camera and staging just the right props and lighting can produce a wonderful, perfect shot. But sometimes capturing the passing imperfection of a moment is just as beautiful and even more memorable.
REDEEMING THE MOMENT
One of the things I want to be marked by is thankfulness, and photography is one way I practice being thankful. I love capturing the things in life that I'm thankful for and appreciate - whether morning snuggles with Emet and Monica, or beautiful vistas in northern California. Taking photos of moments that are special to me is a way of redeeming the moment and creating thankfulness in my heart.
What kinds of things inspire and motivate you to take photos?
| Credits: Author - Jacintha Payne; Photography - Calvin and Jacintha Payne |