For many of us, the holidays are about spending time with family and friends, exchanging gifts, travel, and leisure. If you’re the photographer among your family and friends, chances are it’s expected that you’ll capture the love and joy and all of the genuine smiles with your professional camera, because after all, it’s what you love to do, isn’t it?
If you’re anything like me, your work life and personal life flow together as sure as rivers meet the oceans. Some may consider this unhealthy, but for those of us who can’t seem to turn off the creative photographer within, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Or would we?
Over the last several years, I’ve found myself leaving my DSLRs at home during the holidays, and as a result, my memories of these joyful times aren’t of myself crouched in an awkward position to get the best shot. They aren’t clouded by me stressing out about everyone actually looking at the camera and the one goofball making the silly face for one photograph they’ll probably share with dozens, if not hundreds of their friends and likely credit me for. I've come to the conclusion that although it may be good exercise running back and forth to the camera to activate the self-timer, it isn't very much fun at all.
While I may leave my professional equipment neatly packed away and ready for action at a later time, I’m not saying I don’t take any pictures at all. In fact, I feel like I’ve been getting more pictures with my iPhone than I would probably take with a DSLR during these times anyway, largely due to the fact that it seems to always be in a pocket of mine, or nearby.
If you’re a working photographer, do yourself a favor and consider “clocking out” for the holidays. If you still find yourself longing for your pro camera on Christmas morning, by all means, go and get it.
Here’s to hoping everyone finds exactly what they're wanting under the Christmas tree this year. Happy holidays.
Lead image by Element5 Digital via Pexels.
Nah, just carry a little pocket camera like a Canon GX9 MkII or Panasonic Lumix TZ90 and shoot the breeze. Just don't let it get heavy.
Yeah I was going to say that I just throw my fuji and bag. It's hard to not take photos honestly lol. Even if it's an option. At least you have something with you?
It's not impossible to share from the camera via WiFi. Certainly more convenient right in the phone, and for most simple, straightforward shots, why not? However sometimes you just need an adjustable camera to get a shot.