(All the photos and video in this post were shot during a random night, one month ago using the OM SYSTEM OM-3 and M.Zuiko 25mm f/1.2 PRO).
My son was playing the guitar before a family walk in Omaha’s Old Market. I had my camera on me, and took some deliberate, intentional photographs of him.
Why? Because I wanted to remember these moments.
I’ve been focused on that word lately: intentional.
Research done in 2017, 2020 and 2021 all found relationships between taking photographs and memory. Most of it is not great news: snapshot-like photography might actually make our memory worse.
In one of the studies, visitors to art galleries who took photos of the artwork were not able to remember the artwork as well as others who took no photographs at all.
It’s an interesting facet of our society: everyone, everywhere taking photos and videos of almost every aspect of our lives. Are our memories at stake?
After reading this research, I worried: is my constant need to take photographs making me forget what’s important in these moments?
From an NPR article on the subject: "When people rely on technology to remember something for them, they're essentially outsourcing their memory," says Linda Henkel, a psychology professor at Fairfield University. "They know their camera is capturing that moment for them, so they don't pay full attention to it in a way that might help them remember."
That scares me personally, because one of the things that has gotten me out of a later-in-life state of constant depression is this: every day presents us with opportunity to experience wonder.
I need to remember it ALL… and I want my camera there with me.
I desperately need to remember these amazing things I see every day.
The inspiration I find in other people’s art:
The interesting way shadows move on the sidewalk:
And incredibly common light on a building that takes my breath away:
Luckily, for us, the research provides a path for us “everyday carry” photographers.
Another researcher found (from the NPR article):
“Focus in on details. If you immerse yourself in the details of a scene as you prepare to take a photo, that process can help anchor memories,” according to New York University's Barasch. "As we search the visual field to decide what to capture in a photo, we are more likely to commit those details to memory," she says. As such, "taking photos can actually enhance memory for certain details in an experience."
Now, THAT is what I needed to read!
The process of reviewing our photos and editing them is important as well.
Also from the article:
“Look at your photos regularly. Photos are an effective tool for memory retention only if we take the time to look at photos — which many of us don't do,” says Henkel: "We need to take the time to look at photos after the experiences and reactivate those mental representations."
Again - wonderful news. Yay for us, the ones who are intentional.
This night a month ago was just a common one.
But the evening was full of all kinds of beautiful things.
Intentionality is important.
Experiencing the every-day with a focus on the beautiful within the commonplace is something worth doing…
All of these big-or-small moments matter, and if we pay attention while we photograph, our memories will be more distinct.
This is the scene that ended the night as I ran into my local grocery store for family snacks and looked behind me:
I made an audio-version of this newsletter here:
P.S. - If you’re getting this, you’re probably already subscribed to my newsletter, but please share this with any photography enthusiasts who are looking for inspiration, tips and a positive photo community (no judgement here)!
And as always, send me any questions you have or topics you’d like to see me cover in upcoming newsletters or YouTube videos (you can subscribe here).
More than anything, even if you don’t purchase a print, subscribing to my YouTube channel, watching some videos, and leaving me a comment about what you think is a great, free, way to support me!
Oh - and this post is 100% AI-free. Every title, sentence, misspelling, and mistake is mine, and I love that.
DEATH TO THE ROBOTS.
Comments? Leave them below or email me: jerredz@gmail.com
Good stuff, Jerred! For me, I can look at a photo I've taken and recall when and where I was at the time I took it. Not always, but more often than not. I have always thought photography improved my memory.
Great post, Jerred!
My initial reaction when I hear about “studies“ is that they’re bunk.
While I do agree that many people take way too many pictures and neglect taking in the moment, my gut tells me that this falls into a fairly normal range regarding everything from fitness to food to fantasy novels.
There will always be people who denigrate one thing and venerate another.
I really appreciate your honest take on this because it does challenge me to not forget to be present even when trying to preserve the moment