Non Photography Day . . .

Did you notice the photos I posted of the school sports day this year?

No?

That’s because I didn’t take my camera.

Some time ago I realised that I was taking photos to show other people things that I should have been witnessing for myself but that I was actually missing out on because I had a camera stuck to my eye. Mummy type things – school plays and such like. Sometimes I look at photos I have taken and can’t remember taking them. Worse – I can’t remember the event because I have been so focused (sorry) on the taking of the photos rather than the taking part.

Hmm – ok – this may be because I am a photographer and it is hard for me to not be joined to my camera via my index finger at all times but there are some things more important to *experience* than to *document*.

Who am I documenting for anyway?

So, with that theory in my head, it was with interest that I found out about Non Photography Day on 17th July.

Whatever your activities that day, appreciate the life and dimension of the moment you are in rather than documenting the appearance of it.

The idea instantly rang true for me and I felt a sense of relief that someone else felt the same way as I did about it all. When you take as many photos as I do in a year, it doesn’t do any harm to stop and take stock of the important things and simply have a day off. I know that some people will think it is a silly idea and will be scornful of it all but I totally understand the sentiment behind it.

On 17th July I will be spending the day with my family on holiday. Thankfully I wont have to cancel any client shoots or abandon a wedding! I will be trying my best to have a day without my camera stuck in front of my face.

Do you think my children will recognise me?

Photo by poppy kay over at Flickr.