Article Response #3

“Photographic images play an inescapable part in the way the world is experienced for most people.” In many parts of the world you can’t go anywhere without seeing someone pull out a camera and snap a picture. This is usually evident in large tourist areas, people want to “capture the moment” as they say. Pictures serve as their permit memories. In the article Sontag states that “The camera mediates reality for the tourist, it gives shape to his or her experience.” I believe this is something that all people do. As tourists we visit the unknown and we want to bring back what we have seen to our friends and families. Talking about what we have seen is only a fraction of what bringing back a picture can do. Having a picture to go along with your story lets people who are not on the trip feel like they where there with you. By taking pictures you are showing people through your eyes all you have experienced. By looking at a photo you automatically recall stories that have happen during that event. A photo can not only connect us to the past but it can also connect us to the present. When taking photos of places you have been and the things you have seen you are able to connect with people on all types of levels.

The article also goes on to say that “if tourists believe that their cameras reveal to them the world as it really is, then they will not be able to see photography as an art, and the resulting photographs will offer no space in which to reinterpret events within the artistic production of memory and self.” This was one part of the article that I don’t agree with. As a tourist myself, especially on this trip I feel that I can see my photos as art. You don’t need to be an artist of any kind to know what art is. Art is everywhere and even tourists can capture the essence of that. Although tourists usually don’t go looking for the perfect sight to take a photograph they are able to sometimes take some really great photos. Tourists can photograph the “unphotographable” they have a fresh look and eye for things. As a tourist you are not looking to outdo another photographer or trying to get the best shot for a magazine. You are out to capture the beauty of something for yourself making it easy for you not to loose sight of the magic that is captured with every shot.

I consider myself the epitome of what a tourist is described as. When I am on vacation I take pictures of everything and anything. I want to remember every possible moment of my trip and I find the best way to do that is through photos. Memories fade but pictures last a lifetime and that is exactly why I take so many pictures. I want to capture the moments as they happen so if I do forget about something I have a picture to look back on that will trigger my memory. I want to be able to show my children when I get older the things I have been able to do in my life. As well as share these special memories with the people I love most in my life. I like having people feel like they are apart of something and that is what my photos do they give the people closest to me a glimpse of what I have seen in my life and the things that I have been able to do while I am not with them. They preserve those special moments in my life that I never what to have fade away. No matter if I am taking pictures with my friends to show my fun side or the places I have been they have all had a special meaning in my life.

I don’t take photos just to take photos. When I am on vacation I am usually shooting picture of the scenery or places that I visit. If I am with my family there will not be too many pictures of our family because we really don’t like to get our picture taken. Rather, most of the pictures will be of the dog doing something cute. On the other hand if I am on a vacation with my friends along with the photos of where we have been and what we have seen will be an abundant amount of photos of all of us. This is also true when I take photos at school. I will have tons of pictures of all of my friends, sisters, events and outings that happen while we are there. Most of my pictures at school are focused more on the people rather the scene because when it comes to my friends they tell the story better then scene would.

Pictures I feel are meant to be seen that is why most of the pictures I take do go on facebook for the mere fact that I want my friends to be able to see them. It is also an easier way for them to have their own copy of the picture if they are in it and saves me money since I now don’t have to print them out a copy. Even though putting pictures on Facebook is easy I am still a big believer in the old fashion photo albums. I print all my photos out and place them in albums. I probably spend more money at Walgreen's on photos then anyone I know. I love having photos all around my rooms in frames to display the fun times I have had in my life. One of my favorite things to do with my photos is scrapbook. I love to be able to take my photos and create something with them that no one else will have. It gives me the opportunity to show off my photos in a creative way and doctor up the photos with stickers and journal entries. This is just another way for me to be creative beyond the lens of the camera and that exactly what I feel photography is, having a sense of creativity even when the camera is put away.