Why You Should Carry a Camera Everywhere You Go

Back in the day, there were occasions where going out of my house without my camera made me feel that something was missing.

As life started becoming more complicated, work deadlines mounted, family duties increased, and like many other people, I started depending on my smartphone to take photographs.

However, from time to time, I find myself getting my camera back, and I am reminded of the reason why nothing can replace my camera.

A camera does not only capture moments.

A camera helps you look at the world differently.

A Camera Helps You See What You Do Not See

How often do we miss looking at a flower because we do not stop for a moment?

Or missed out on the sight of the golden sun rising since you were too busy with your smartphone?

Now that you have a camera with you, things change.

You suddenly start to see patterns in the clouds, reflections in water, birds sitting on electric lines, children playing in the park, and beauty in simple and usual surroundings.

A photographer does not go to beautiful places.

He/she finds beauty in usual places.

Every Walk Becomes an Adventure

Everyone walks to get somewhere.

Photographers walk to get their story.

This simple walk in the evening suddenly becomes a chance to take a picture of a butterfly perched on a leaf, an old couple smiling together, or raindrops hitting the earth.

The destination loses its importance.

The journey becomes the reward.

You Begin Collecting Memories Instead of Possessions

Years later, you won’t remember the coffee you had on a random Tuesday.

But you’ll remember the picture you took of your daughter chasing pigeons.

Or the rainbow that appeared all of a sudden after a rainstorm.

Or the stranger who gave you that smile and made your day.

Photographs hold feelings that memories forget.

Every single one is a time capsule.

A Camera Teaches Patience

Not all times in photography have to be about clicking the shutter.

Some times in photography are just about waiting for the perfect moment.

Waiting for the perfect light to fall on your subject.

Waiting for the bird to take off into the sky.

Waiting for the kid to laugh.

Waiting for the perfect facial expression.

You Start Living in the Present

Ironically, having a camera in hand is a way to spend less time on your phone.

Rather than scrolling through notifications all the time, you are peering through a viewfinder.

You are concentrating on what is happening right before your eyes.

You are being fully present.

Photography transforms into a mindful activity.

The Best Moments Are Rarely Planned

My favorite pictures came about unintentionally.
It was due to the fact that my camera was always within reach.
A dramatic sunset.
A curious squirrel.
A child waving from the train window.
A flock of birds taking off into flight.
Without my camera being at home, such moments would be remembered only in my head.

A Camera Encourages Creativity

Photography is not merely about capturing reality.

It is about creating meaning out of it.

In fact, two photographers can be standing right next to each other but take totally different photos.

Your imagination gets extended through the lens of the camera.

Your Family Will Thank You Someday

This may be the most crucial reason.

Photos become invaluable with time.

The photos you take today can become your children’s memories tomorrow.

They will gaze at the pictures years down the line and recall birthdays, holidays, festivals, grandparents, pets, and many other insignificant moments that would have been forgotten.

Your photos become a part of your family’s history.

You Don’t Need an Expensive Camera

One of the misconceptions about photography is that you have to use the most up-to-date camera equipment, along with expensive lenses.

This isn’t necessary.

The best camera is the one you can bring with you wherever you go.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a DSLR, mirrorless, point-and-shoot, or even the camera on your phone. What really counts is your readiness to look around and see things.

That being said, having a real camera always helps.

My Camera Is More Than a Gadget

My Canon camera has come with me everywhere – family gatherings, silent mornings, car rides, festivals, and everyday events that turned into unforgettable ones after some time.

Each scar on its body means a place where I have been.

Each picture means a story I was lucky to see.

It is not just an appliance anymore.

It is my memory keeper.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of life never really announces itself.

It comes suddenly and goes as fast as it came.

And that is the very reason I still believe in carrying a camera around.

Not to be sure that every day will bring me an award-winning picture.

But that there is one normal day which will leave me with an image I’ll cherish forever.

A camera isn’t just there to help us remember the world.

It reminds us of the world too.