One of the first investments many travellers make is a good camera. That makes sense, because we all want to share and take home some great memories.
But is it really necessary to sweat about getting the “right” picture? Isn’t it sometimes better to just enjoy the moment?
There is a school of thought that taking photos detracts from the experience, because you’re too busy trying to get the right picture. Others say that taking photos focuses the mind on what’s important, so it actually enhances travel.
Research published by the American Psychological Association suggests that people who take photos of their experiences usually enjoy themselves more than people who don’t.
However, it also found that taking photos didn’t enhance the enjoyment of those distracted by using bulky equipment.
This suggests that a few snaps with your phone’s camera will give you the best of both worlds. Or will it? That depends on the results you expect.
I’ve often found myself frustrated by the poor quality of images from my phone camera, although that may be because I’ve skimped on my purchase and gone for a lower-quality brand at a bargain price. Next time I need a phone, it’ll be a good one.
In any case, my suggestion is that you don’t waste too much time getting the right snap. Sometimes an opportunity just arises — as it did with the beach sunset I photographed recently (above) — but too often you can waste time waiting for the right shot.
Especially in these days of unlimited digital storage, photos can be hard to retrieve when you want them. But memories last forever.
