Prioritizing Pictures: How and Why I Do It
Ok, I am just going to say it. It may not be a popular take. Buttttt…here it is: phone pictures will never, ever compare to photos from a camera. People don’t like to hear that because it is an inconvenient truth 😬
Phones are PHONES, not cameras. It secretly drives me bonkers when I’m talking with someone and they explain totally the reason they invested in their phone is because the camera. Whenever I see an Apple commercial advertising the new qualities and camera specs of the new iPhone, I’m reminded of this little pet peeve of mine.
Unpopular opinion??? 😅😬 Well, I stand by it. I have always been known to carry my camera around, for personal and professional situations — and even in the most laid back of times, like a vacation or a simple weekend at home — I am usually reaching for my camera at some point.
It’s definitely cumbersome to lug around a DSLR. I won’t win the phone vs. camera argument when it comes to ease of transport. However, I make a point to carry my camera with me because it means I am more likely to capture, document and record everyday moments not just intentionally, but with quality. It’s worth the hassle to me.
I also ask my family to carve out time for simple photo dates. For these pictures, we took a walk in the park and found a great trail surrounded by trees and dappled sunlight. It was a picturesque autumn late afternoon, and I asked my husband to shoot some photos of my daughter and myself. He isn’t a photographer and he doesn’t love this chore, but I do know he loves the pictures and it makes the both of us so happy! We are preserving sweet and simple memories, plain and simple.
Here are a few quick tips to start prioritizing photography in your daily life.
If you are asking someone ELSE to take your photos, someone like a husband or boyfriend or family member, set the camera up for them. I always shoot in manual mode and set it to the exact settings I want. It makes it simple for anyone to shoot - they need to just aim and focus (which is on automatic for my camera).
If you’re asking a stranger to take your photo, that’s another story. You’ve got to be careful here! This doesn’t always work, but if possible, find someone that is carrying around a camera! This is especially relevant and easier than expected when it comes to vacations, scenic spots, and events. If they have a camera, odds are that they are good at composing a great photo!
Use the rule of thirds! Composition matters.
Find a camera that works for you (even if it is your phone 🫣). I would really, really, really strongly suggest an actual camera because it will give you a sense of purpose and intention. You’ll use it only for photos. It does not have to be a fancy DSLR or one of the newer mirrorless models. What about a good old fashioned film camera? I got one for $10 at a yard sale once! How about an Instax, Polaroid, or something even more fun…like a disposable film camera? You’ll be itching to see your photos developed, and it builds so much anticipation!
Location scout along your everyday paths: your coffeehouse in town, your daily suburban commute, or your local park. Chances are you have a perfect location for photos right in your own backyard! I recommend golden hour, which you can Google based on when the sun sets in your location.
Carve out 10-20 minutes on the way to groceries, after dinner, or on the weekend. It doesn’t have to be a whole photo shoot or production! These photos took 15 mins tops to shoot. We stopped at the park on the way to visit family. Of course this doesn’t work every day or weekend but I like to try at least 1x per month.
I hope that these realistic tips and peek into my “why” are helpful for you! If you crave capturing life’s moments like this, I am certain it will help you to find ways to bring your camera out purposefully and meaningfully.
Ciao, xo