Are You An InstaTraveler?
I'm a big advocate for travel and photography but as I watched the above video I can't help but wonder what taking the exact same pictures is doing to our view of the world?
Do I really need the same picture of the Eiffel Tower as x number of people have taken before? Does taking that photo diminish my ability to experience the real site?
The more I travel, the idea of slowing down and savoring the moment while in it becomes more real. Sure you can take pictures of travel sites, but put yourself in the frame or stretch your creativity and find a lesser known angle. Not only will you remember it more but you'll probably stumble upon different things because of the experience. I've been reading Away and Aware: A Field Guide to Mindful Travel by Sara Clemence and was immediately struck by my need to unplug a bit on trips. After all, a vacation is supposed to be a vacation whether you're a slow or fast traveler.
So next time you're standing in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, think about what you're taking a photo of. Is it the site or is it the way you are experiencing it? Why not find a new way, even if it's only new to you, to interact with the landscape. You never know what hidden gems you might stumble upon.
