This Moment is Less Important

Than the story I will tell about it later.

I don’t fully know the implications of what I’m talking about today (or ever), but I thought I’d mention it.

Cameras are dirt cheap these days. Mass-production, perhaps-shoddy workmanship and perceived obsolescence are likely the prime suspects, but the point is, pretty much everyone who wants a camera has one. But this entry isn’t really about cameras, it’s about web presence. Every day we see new pictures on Facebook of our friends’ adventures. Pretty much anytime we have a big event, we post pictures for all to see and comment upon — almost as proof that our lives are eventful. How important is this becoming? I want to say ‘very’. Very important. These days it’s more or less assumed that you will post photos of your big vacation trip or birthday party. It’d be unthinkable to not bring a camera to Europe.

I guess that isn’t very new or surprising, but is “telling the story afterward” becoming part of our experiences? A while ago I was getting ready to go on a walk with some girls and someone said, “Does someone have a camera? Are you all on Facebook?” This walk was suddenly an event to be experienced and commented on later by people who weren’t with us.

In some cases I wonder… does it take away from the moment to document everything so thoroughly? Or does it add to it? Sometimes you see pictures of couples kissing and posing. This is probably fun, yes. But it changes the moment to have a camera there. A kiss becomes a scene or a statement rather than a sweet private moment. On the other hand, now the camera is part of the experience. Taking pictures is undoubtedly an activity on its own. Let’s go outside and take pictures!

Like I said, I have no ultimate point here. Just saying.