Thoughts and terrible rhymes

Ah, the confusion between taking photos or just enjoying the moment. This is confusing for some travelers as there is the choice to either take a lot of photos to check out later, or to totally experience what is happening, but have less material to reminisce on. What's the best way?

"Agh, I wish I had a camera with me!" We were riding a tricycle on the way back to the city. The dirt path was lined by trees on both sides of the road. They looked like friends bidding us to see them again soon. There's also a tricycle in front of us. The driver expertly zigzags his way across the uneven powdery dry road. 

Clouds of dust started to form, rising towards the trees. Light leaked in between the branches. The powdery air kissed the light, revealing magnificent sun rays. It was magnificent, and gone after three seconds, as we zoomed past the view. 

The Jay Way

The first friend who gave me a different perspective on travel photography is my Buddhist friend, Jay. Unlike the stereotype of the devoted, Jay wears regular clothes, enjoys watching "Doctor Who" and "Breaking Bad." 

I wanted to see photos from the Buddhism Festival in Hong Kong. He said that he isn't fond of taking photos. My response was similar to hearing someone say that they don't like Nutella. "What?!" I asked how he looked back. "I just use my memory. Sometimes I randomly remember something and I smile. It's a pleasant moment." He continues to casually eat his gyoza as if what he said was not a big deal. It looked like what he said had the same depth as "Sheena, your hair looks like a bird's nest."

The Lens Cleanse

I attempted to do the "Jay Way" during some of my trips and events. One of the easier ways was joining a random road trip since a lot of people already have cameras with them. When I was the only one with a camera, it was more tricky dancing to the thought of taking photos or enjoying the present.

Without much photos to share, I found that conversations are more interesting when discussing past trips. It takes 1 second for someone to show me a photo. However, to hear that person vividly talk about his/her trip is an amazing personal experience. I could almost smell the sea salt air when a friend tells me about his/her weekend at the beach.

The GoPro Oh (sorry I can't think of a better rhyme)

Unlike Jay, my traveler friend Gzon has a different approach to travel photography. He explained that he's learned to be efficient in taking just enough establishing shots when he's in a new place. It's effortless, after a few shots he puts his GoPro down to fully explore the place. His "no fuss" approach is impressive.You can check out his shots here!

My Filter

As for me, I find that both approaches are great, depending on the situation. I usually use Gzon's style of taking quick photos, just enough for a few keepsakes, and then just doing whatever it is you're supposed to do in the area. 

When deciding if I should take that shot, I also ask myself, "is this something that I would like my children and grandchildren to see?" That usually lessens clutter in my roll. I take significanlty less shots of food and my shoes (I hear they're called "shoefies", ahh youth.) This serves as a finer filter for selecting what subjects I want to capture. 

Good luck to you, shutterbugs!

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