We attended a surprise party for some family way up in the suburbs. The day was gorgeous and we all looked great. My kid had a bright smile and was just giving off joy, but I took NO pictures. And guess what? I don’t regret it…
If you know me well, you know I take photos all day. No matter what fun we are having, I take pictures or record video for the sake of keeping and sharing memories. That day was fun. That day had nice weather. That day, I decided to live in the moment.
I saw friends and family who I hadn’t seen in months. Some I hadn’t seen in over four years! We talked, laughed, ate all the food. At one point in the party, there were fireworks being thrown a few blocks away and I thought the second-floor balcony deck of this gorgeous house would be perfect to catch a glimpse of it. Just Gabby and I were up there and I contemplated getting my phone, but I thought NO. Let me enjoy this moment. Let me admire the look on my daughter’s face as she watches the different colors in the sky.
This also allowed me to reminisce about my own childhood days near the 4th of July when all we did was WATCH the fireworks rather than record or take pictures that lacked showing the real beauty of the epic light show. For those few moments, it was just my daughter and me talking about the fireworks and picking favorites. She was elated and so was I.
My only advice for this Independence day or any day actually, is to put that camera down. Just live in the moment, talk to your kids and just enjoy life! They’ll only be small for a short time and you don’t want it to pass you by…
Luv the idea! I sometimes do that too. Being a blogger and digital entrepreneur, taking the camera out to take some pics for a potential blog post just becomes like a second nature though lol
LOL! I couldn't agree more! There was a point where I carried my DSLR EVERYWHERE. my shoulders would ache so i switched to phone Lens.
This is great advice! Sometimes we are so busy documenting our lives that we forget to just enjoy it~
Great advice!! There are definitely certain moments, celebrations and activities where living it is far more important than capturing it.
I super agree with you it's hard to have a video of fireworks even if took it a photo I just enjoy what I seeing with my son.
I totally agree with you! It's so hard to get good shots of fireworks on camera, so definitely sit back and enjoy!
You are totally right! I tend to document everything as a blogger, however when I am just taking pics for me I am happy. The thing is I now have pictures of a bazillion great memories to look back on for years to come. I think it's important to make your own choices as to when to capture it and when to just store it in the memory bank of your heart.
SO true. I've attempted to take pictures for fireworks before and wasn't too impressed lol It's better to enjoy that special time together.
I took a few photos but then I watched the live show. The fireworks are so much better in person. I love taking the kids to firework shows, it is so much safer than shooting our own.
I quit lugging around my camera years ago. The kids were tired of me snapping every moment of their lives and wanted me to live in the moment instead. Your post is a reminder of why I chose to do that.
I've been more intentional about doing this. The family and I had a dope 4th of July and we were all about the moment as well.
Great advice! Enjoying the moment is so important and so often we're spending it on our phones.
Love your advice. We are often too busy to try capturing the moment when we should be enjoying it with our family.
I have tried taking pics of fireworks, or the moon, and it just isn't the same. Kind of a good reminder how important our own memories are to hold on to..
I totally agree! I normally carry my camera around when we go on family trips and amusement parks. This year I didn't bring the camera at all and enjoyed it way better that I wasn't taking pictures but focusing on having fun with my kiddos.
Fireworks are definitely better live and in the moment. I always have to remind myself of that.
I usually get a few photos and then put my phone away. It is important to live in the moment. You are so right fireworks do not look as good on camera.