I wonder sometimes what the effect of taking photographs has on the
experience of the occasion you are photographing, whether it is an
event, a trip, or whatever. Often it feels like it detracts from my
experience of the moment, to worry about takng photos. I can't sit
back and take it in, as I would if I weren't photographing. This is
especially true of performances (such as plays and concerts by my
kids) and gatherings (parties and reunions). I find myself so
absorbed in capturing the event,i miss half of what goes on.
Especially at a musical event- like the aural part of my brain isn't
as receptive.

On the other hand, it captures the event, allowing everyone to relive
it to a degree more readily than if no pictures were taken, or to
share it with those who weren't present. It is a historical document.
A memory bank, of a sort.
And sometimes it makes me aware of things I might have missed, when I
am forced to concentrate and look for scenes of special visual impact.

On the negative side, it makes the participants or subjects more self-
conscious, which is usually not a good thing.


 © 1998 trc
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