Sometimes you just need to leave the camera at home
Jul 7, 2012 21:48:25 #
I know you probably don't agree with that statement and may think I'm not a serious enough amatuer photographer. I really am but sometimes you just need to rest. I have been on a steady pace of travel and grandkids since march. For the past two weeks I have had both adult sons who are in between jobs, and their children at home with me. The two older grands have been with me since the end of may after school was out. My husband/PaPa worked off his last job in La. on June 22 to spend 2 wks before heading to his next job which will be in Canada. He will be leaving Monday the 9th. Our 31st anniversary falls on the 11th. So we took an early anniversary trip to a spa/resort on Mobile Bay called The Grand In Point Clear. This hotel site dates back prior to the civil war. Anyway, I surprised him and my daughter by NOT taking my camera. Yes I missed some good photo ops- they had fireworks on the bay Thursday night among other things. Yes there were times I had thought I should have brought it. However o have been so tired to the ppint of exhaustion I just didn't have the heart to take it. I needed rest and even though I'm home, I still need more. Son with the two grands will be back tomorrow afternoon and the hubby flies out Monday morning. I have plans to take beach photos of the kids and do some other fun things before they have to return to their mother and start school. I'll be planning for my trip to join my husband in Canada then. Sometimes you just need to leave the camera at home.
Jul 7, 2012 22:32:27 #
Very good point. It wouldn't work for me if I tried to do that though as too many people always want my photo or want to see them.
Jul 7, 2012 22:33:20 #
Jul 8, 2012 01:06:05 #
I never leave the camera at home, but I don't always take it out of the trunk.
The last couple of parties I attended, I just enjoyed myself and ignored my wife's requests.
One guy showed up with 7D with a grip and his massive flash. After three shots his wife made him put it away.
The last couple of parties I attended, I just enjoyed myself and ignored my wife's requests.
One guy showed up with 7D with a grip and his massive flash. After three shots his wife made him put it away.
Jul 8, 2012 06:25:08 #
With such a busy life and household, I'm not surprised that you want to leave your camera at home. I daresay I would too.
But Deanna, by the sound of it, you really need a rest before your Health suffers.
I am in the opposite position.
I am single, have chronic pain/fatigue as well as several other health problems (including heart) and must take life very, very slowly. No heavy lifting (back surgery as well). I must walk slowly and take little rests.
I don't socialize, dine out, theatre/film, drive (no car anymore), holiday, and only see my small circle of friends and family every few months. But I live a wonderful life (if simple & rather frugal), and for the first time in some 30 years am very happy and carefree.
I am totally absorbed by Photography and communing with Nature.
My life revolves around photography and my PhotoBlog, so you see my DSLR is really an extension of my hand. It is one of the few things I can do that takes minimal energy. I just have to carry it & press the shutter button (& do a bit of basic photo editing in the evening or days I stay home).
I feel naked without my camera. I take it every time I go out for a walk (except for food shopping). If I had a partner and/or children and other hobbies, I would leave my camera at home more often I suppose.
The important thing in life is to be happy.... with whatever you do........but Family, Friends, great Job and Money are nothing without good health to enjoy it all.
Deanna, when you're exhausted all the time, your body is telling you to slow down and take life a little easier. Maybe you should spend more time taking care of You (not the rest of the family).
But Deanna, by the sound of it, you really need a rest before your Health suffers.
I am in the opposite position.
I am single, have chronic pain/fatigue as well as several other health problems (including heart) and must take life very, very slowly. No heavy lifting (back surgery as well). I must walk slowly and take little rests.
I don't socialize, dine out, theatre/film, drive (no car anymore), holiday, and only see my small circle of friends and family every few months. But I live a wonderful life (if simple & rather frugal), and for the first time in some 30 years am very happy and carefree.
I am totally absorbed by Photography and communing with Nature.
My life revolves around photography and my PhotoBlog, so you see my DSLR is really an extension of my hand. It is one of the few things I can do that takes minimal energy. I just have to carry it & press the shutter button (& do a bit of basic photo editing in the evening or days I stay home).
I feel naked without my camera. I take it every time I go out for a walk (except for food shopping). If I had a partner and/or children and other hobbies, I would leave my camera at home more often I suppose.
The important thing in life is to be happy.... with whatever you do........but Family, Friends, great Job and Money are nothing without good health to enjoy it all.
Deanna, when you're exhausted all the time, your body is telling you to slow down and take life a little easier. Maybe you should spend more time taking care of You (not the rest of the family).
Jul 8, 2012 07:14:02 #
Deanna hg...I also agree with you but for a bit different reason. You need to do what you need to do. It's as simple/complicated as that. I believe there are reasons we feel as we do; some reasons are physical as in Victoria1233's case and some reasons are more intuitive. Too often we allow ourselves to be "pressured" into certain patterns of behavior due to feelings of fulfilling what's acceptable by the "crowd". Live at YOUR pace and style. That will work best for you!
Jul 8, 2012 07:14:31 #
One guy showed up with 7D with a grip and his massive flash. After three shots his wife made him put it away.[/quote]
I can relate to that.
Sometimes, it's just good to sit back and enjoy.
I can relate to that.
Sometimes, it's just good to sit back and enjoy.
Jul 8, 2012 08:41:18 #
deanna_hg wrote:
Sometimes you just need to leave the camera at home.
No way no how................
Jul 8, 2012 08:54:30 #
There are times when I leave my camera at home.
like going to the market half mile away, or ... hmmm can't think of any other time.
But when I do have it, almost always, I decide at the time I think about using it if I really want to.
If I leave it home I've pre-decided and don't have it if I really want it.
like going to the market half mile away, or ... hmmm can't think of any other time.
But when I do have it, almost always, I decide at the time I think about using it if I really want to.
If I leave it home I've pre-decided and don't have it if I really want it.
Jul 8, 2012 09:48:08 #
As BigBear just said, I leave my camera at home when I go to the food market (also).
The rare times I go out without my camera, I nearly always regret it. I see something worth shooting and can't do a thing about it as I haven't got my camera with me.
At least if you're carrying it or have it in the car etc you have the opportunity to decide whether to take it out or not.
To give you an example.......A rare social occasion...... I travelled by train to the 21st birthday of my friend's daughter. I left home 2 hours early so I could go for a walk along the beach at their seaside suburb. I took a few photos on the beach, sat down for a rest & to watch the seagulls for a while and then walked to the party. The best opportunity was at the actual 21st party. It was crowded at the party and I didn't anticipate taking photos as I am not experienced at taking indoor crowd or people shots.
Just prior to 'speeches', I saw a well-lit photo opportunity to take a photo of my friend's daughter. Not only did it turn out perfect, but was the best photo taken that night and the daughter uses this photo on her Facebook page and all internet correspondence.
I never imagined that I would have the opportunity, OR, take a brilliant photo. I usually tire easily and anticipated sitting down most of the party.
(note: I normally photograph flowers, animals & birds with a few beach or city street shots on the side).
Yes, I think BigBear is right. Taking your camera with a basic lens everywhere gives you the ability to take up opportunities if they arise.
I have a wheeled trolley which I sometimes take out to stow my heavy tripod, macro lens, bottle of water/thermos, handtowel, snack etc in if I feel like taking 'extras' on my walks. I think there has actually been only once that I have taken my camera out walking and NOT used it at all.
The rare times I go out without my camera, I nearly always regret it. I see something worth shooting and can't do a thing about it as I haven't got my camera with me.
At least if you're carrying it or have it in the car etc you have the opportunity to decide whether to take it out or not.
To give you an example.......A rare social occasion...... I travelled by train to the 21st birthday of my friend's daughter. I left home 2 hours early so I could go for a walk along the beach at their seaside suburb. I took a few photos on the beach, sat down for a rest & to watch the seagulls for a while and then walked to the party. The best opportunity was at the actual 21st party. It was crowded at the party and I didn't anticipate taking photos as I am not experienced at taking indoor crowd or people shots.
Just prior to 'speeches', I saw a well-lit photo opportunity to take a photo of my friend's daughter. Not only did it turn out perfect, but was the best photo taken that night and the daughter uses this photo on her Facebook page and all internet correspondence.
I never imagined that I would have the opportunity, OR, take a brilliant photo. I usually tire easily and anticipated sitting down most of the party.
(note: I normally photograph flowers, animals & birds with a few beach or city street shots on the side).
Yes, I think BigBear is right. Taking your camera with a basic lens everywhere gives you the ability to take up opportunities if they arise.
I have a wheeled trolley which I sometimes take out to stow my heavy tripod, macro lens, bottle of water/thermos, handtowel, snack etc in if I feel like taking 'extras' on my walks. I think there has actually been only once that I have taken my camera out walking and NOT used it at all.
Jul 8, 2012 09:55:44 #
I keep a PS in the car all the time and take my DSLRs with me when we go to events, parties, exploring, vacationing etc. Never shopping or just visiting friends.
Jul 8, 2012 10:12:46 #
oldmalky
Loc: West Midlands,England.
deanna_hg wrote:
I know you probably don't agree with that statemen... (show quote)
Good for you,your health MUST come first,opportunitys to photograph will always be there but you cant take them if you are bed ridden or ill in hospital,take yourself a well earned rest recharge your batteries and get back to photography when you feel like it. Happy anniversary as well.
Jul 8, 2012 10:54:32 #
oldmalky wrote:
opportunitys to photograph will always be there
Some photographic opportunities come only once in a lifetime
Jul 8, 2012 18:25:04 #
Difficult as it may seem, yes, it is a good idea to take a rest. I've tried and only succeeded on two occasions in the last 2-1/2 years. The last time I decided to leave the camera home and just enjoy my time with friends, a unique photo opportunity arose and I was there without.
Instead of leaving the camera at home, now, I simply take it with much forethought about what will it take for me to actually use it. That is how I take my time away from the camera.
Instead of leaving the camera at home, now, I simply take it with much forethought about what will it take for me to actually use it. That is how I take my time away from the camera.
Jul 8, 2012 21:47:44 #
I really appreciate everyone's thoughtfulness in responding and the 'Happy Anniversary's'. Please don't think me pathetic:)Just so much has been going on until my zip is zapped. I actually bought a new Olympus tough body P&S that I haven't even gotten out of the package. I bought it for my grandkids to use when I'm taking photos and they want to 'help'. One of them especially likes to pretend to take photos so I had him in mind. I'll be getting it out this wk. for him so I may have some from him to share. I'll be sure to stick it in my purse. I guess the really sad thing was I couldn't even use my camera phone because it died and I didn't have the charger. So it was 2nights and 1 full day at this very nice and expensive resort with no camera, phone, computer and very little tv. I hope to go back in the future to really enjoy what they have to offer. In the meantime I'm looking forward to joining my husband in Canada and the photo ops that will come with it. :)
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