>> As a teenager, I used to regularly say "I'd rather look at life for real than through a view-finder of a camera"
I agree with you, and also agree on the "balance" aspect. My father passed away 27yrs ago, before digital cameras. My memories of him now are just ambient. I remember vague feelings of our time together, but there are no aha-moment photos that capture moments in time. Perhaps in another 10yrs it will be a vague memory.
Of the most cherished photos I have now, are shocked faces, grimaces, wide smiles, and movement of my own children and cat.
Photos I dont value much are those I can find online anyway (e.g., a photo I have of the Eiffel Tower). OTOH, a nice angle of the Eiffel Tower, perhaps with kids trying to "hold" it, would be valued.
I agree with you, and also agree on the "balance" aspect. My father passed away 27yrs ago, before digital cameras. My memories of him now are just ambient. I remember vague feelings of our time together, but there are no aha-moment photos that capture moments in time. Perhaps in another 10yrs it will be a vague memory.
Of the most cherished photos I have now, are shocked faces, grimaces, wide smiles, and movement of my own children and cat.
Photos I dont value much are those I can find online anyway (e.g., a photo I have of the Eiffel Tower). OTOH, a nice angle of the Eiffel Tower, perhaps with kids trying to "hold" it, would be valued.