Let's be honest. We live in a photo-obsessed generation. With our iPhones doubling as cameras, we have the ability to take photos at any and all times, and people seem to be reacting pretty dramatically to this cultural phenomenon. On one hand, you've got selfie-girl (or guy), posting images of themselves every five minutes, doing everything from washing the dishes to "taking a nap" (just for your information, if you are awake enough to take a selfie, you are not actually napping). Then, there is the crowd that curls their noses at any and all casual photography, arguing it detracts from the moment. Plenty has been written lately on the dangers of our generation's selfie-obsession, but here are a few reasons to consider why pulling out your phone and snapping away can be a good decision.
1. Make you smile
One of my favorite things about photos is how they have the ability to make you laugh and smile long after the photo is taken. Just a glance at pictures from your past can help you to remember the good things in your life, even on days when you're feeling down or discouraged. Those silly Photo Booth photos you took with your besties during your last visit home can become a welcome reminder of the people who love you, when you find yourself far away from them.
2. Serve as a visual diary
Going right along with the first reason is this second one. Photos capture moments and somehow, looking at those photos has the ability to bring those memories rushing back. I have lost count of the number of times I have flipped through old photographs, delightedly discovered images from a day or holiday long forgotten and been hit with a rush of memories. So, even when we don't take time to write down every detail of our lives, photos can help capture memories in a lasting way.
3. Enhance the moments
Sometimes, taking photos becomes a memory in and of itself. Early this week, two of my roommates and I went to a concert. A local vendor had a free photo booth set up, offering you three free pictures on a photo strip. We were warned that we had exactly five seconds between each photo to change props and re-pose. The couple in front of us miscalculated every time, ending up with a comical set of photos that--while not perfect or posed--showcased them and their night in a unique and personal way. They were laughing so hard, and when our turn came, so were we as we scrambled to grab props and pull together a coordinated pose before the flash went off (a skill we mastered, by the way...). The point is that, sometimes, the moment taking a photo creates can be as meaningful and memorable as the actual photo taken.
4. Share your life
As much as over-sharing can be a problem in today's society, there is a huge benefit in the ability to connect via social media with loved ones far away. Pictures can be a significant part of this. They offer a visual way to share, enabling family and friends to see a glimpse of our lives, even when those lives are in different places or taking different paths.
5. Capture beauty
Some moments, places and scenes are so breathtakingly, heart-stoppingly beautiful, no words can do them justice. Once again, these are instances in which photos can be invaluable. They serve as an art form all their own.
6. Personalize your life
One of my favorite uses of of photos is in decorating. I use them for everything from my laptop background to decor on my wall. Photos make a fantastic decorating tool. They can put a smile on your face and be the crowning jewel of a room all at the same time.
So, next time someone starts snapping photos, enjoy it. No, photos are not the most important thing, but they can be entertaining, memorable and totally worth taking.
