How do you see the world? Some see it through routine. Some see it through the happiness of others. A lucky few see it moment-by-moment, as it unfolds in front of them.
Me? I see the world through my camera.
Some folks frown at me for this, as life should be experienced firsthand, without a camera in the way. Put the camera down and just be there. I don’t disagree with this view, but I also don’t entirely agree with it, either.
I have a wild obsession with photography. I get such a thrill out of securing that perfect shot. In fact there was a time when I enjoyed taking pictures more than going back and actually looking at what I had taken (which is probably why my photography didn’t really improve for many years). Now that I’ve forced myself to shine light on them long before they collect digital dust, I have acquired a similar rush at viewing those pictures.
I don’t think I even know how to simply *attend* an event anymore. I’m just not complete without my camera. And many don’t understand how taking pictures does anything other than detract from the event being photographed.
Yes, I enjoy being in the moment and experiencing my many adventures. But through photography, I enhance the event with those little dopamine hits that come from compressing the shutter. And I get the constant excitement of capturing the perfect expression, the riotous interactions, the beautiful candid moments that hide in blinks and boisterous mirth.
Best of all, with my pictures, I can relive my memories indefinitely. Through these 4×6 windows, I’m instantly transported to my past. I’m hopelessly nostalgic, and I romanticize my life. This sampling of all the best times propels me forward, anxious to make the future even better than the past.
The photographic itch keeps me on the move and only perpetuates my exciting existence. And I revel in viewing and sharing these digital scrapbooks.
I try to balance between seeing the world through a viewfinder and with my own eyes. In situations like the eclipse, I could have the camera on a tripod, shooting remotely while living the show sans equipment. Otherwise, I share my experience between my present and future selves, and that excites me to no end.
Want to get the inside scoop on how I create my images?
Sign up for my monthly newsletter!
[…] WC: Through the Viewfinder – LotsaSmiles Photography […]
Awwwwwwn..haha! I thought I was the only one. My friends always try to be alert whenever my phone is with me( I don’t have a camera yet) but the more I take pictures, the more I find those in-between moments that come only once in a while, and also discover how little and quite artistic this beautiful world of ours is. I have a big problem with getting perfect portraits though( one of my friends said I try ‘too much’), but I still don’t stop ‘clicking’. I love me photography!
I’m glad you feel the same way 🙂 Keep practicing, and I’m sure you’ll become a pro at those portraits!
i always love to have my camera near too! especially with kids, they grow so fast and i want to capture the little moments!
Absolutely! I’m sure when they’re older they’ll be glad to have so many great childhood moments captured 🙂
artists are never spectators to life. writers write while others listen, painters sketch while others look, dancers dance while others hum along. what do u think photographers do while others stroll along?
Well said! I completely agree 🙂