The Vacation Dilemma To bring the camera or not bring the camera, that is the question!
Do you struggle with this question? If you are a serious or professional photographer you have spent years honing your skills to develop the photographer’s eye. Like me you it may be difficult to turn it off.
It is not easy to quiet that ever present impulse to look for compositions. Yet, what happens when we control this instinct and enjoy the moment? Without the pressure to compose or take a photo our creativity can be refreshed and original ideas can be formed.
The idea for this article sprouted while on vacation at the beach. I was absorbed in the “now” or the moment. The rhythm of the crashing waves. The textures in the sand, the shapes and colors of the seashells. Contemplating the distant horizon as it alludes to new beginnings and endings. This is what fuels new ideas!
I personally reach this mental state by having my camera equipment safely stowed back at the hotel. The Canon 5D Mk III, lenses, tripod and a few accessories were out of sight and out of mind. Very helpful when attempting to stifle the impulse to look for compositions.
I admit that I do bring camera equipment with me on vacations. For many years I struggled with that question. I’ve come to learn and accept the fact that whether or not I use my camera, it will always be with me. Just having it allays the guilt I would otherwise feel. Justified or not, it doesn’t matter, the guilt will be there. Therefore I took control by no longer allowing the photography to be the dominating factor in my life. That inborn need to document or tell a story through photography will always be there. No need to fight that, it’s part of what makes me who I am. But I’m in control of that passion and it has its time and place.
On vacations I plan to spend more time away from the camera than with it. I do plan times to focus on taking photos. But it will not interfere with the vacation and the recharging of my creativity. For example, when we stay in the outer banks I will plan to shoot a day or two of sunrise landscapes and a photowalk with my nifty-fifty along the beach. But these times will be interspersed around relaxing and enjoying time with my wife. The point is to plan those moments so they do not disrupt relaxing and your significant other!
I hope this is a balanced approach to the photographer’s vacation dilemma. I’m sure those mature photographers out there agree that going everywhere with a DSLR strapped around the neck is no way to live! Sadly it took me years to realize this. But it takes time to mature and gain experience. For those new to the craft there is no avoiding the fact that it takes time to gain experience and skill. You can’t rush it, you can’t instantly have talent or a photographer’s eye. Even for those with an inborn skill, it still takes time to fully develop it. With time comes experience, knowledge and what all amateurs are searching for their unique style. Understand that it is going to take the time it’s going to take.
Therefore there is no need to sacrifice those times you can relax, clear the mind and observe life free from distractions and yes even the viewfinder! In those moments new lines of thinking emerge allowing your creativity to flourish. This is indispensable to continued growth as a photographer!
Article and photos by Steven G.
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