Comments on: Travels without a camera

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:10:30 +0000

Well written. It’s sod’s law isn’t it? But you saw them, and remembered each one. And you’ve been able to share a lyrical description of seeing those birds with us too

By: viewfromalake

viewfromalake — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:41:01 +0000

……Yes, word quickly spread that I had forgotten my camera at the cottage this weekend. Before you know it a deer is wandering across our lawn, taunting me with it’s good looks. Soon after a porcupine comes out of the woods to mock me. Other sightings – red-wing blackbird, pair of goldfinches, hairy woodpecker, red-breasted nuthatch and our loon pair with TWO babies. You’ll just have to take my word for it. I have no photographic evidence.

(from my blog)

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:55:36 +0000

TJ, your photo collection sounds incredible; something well worth being proud of. As you say there are many ways to capture the magic of a place; through writing, drawing, painting and of course through photography. As many have said already, it’s about a balance, and about enjoying the place while there as well as capturing its essence, by whichever method, for our memory. Thanks for sharing your rich experience here.

By: TJ

TJ — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 23:18:20 +0000

another thought provoking article. I have traveled the world for 40 years. I am the son of a professional photographer, and a photographer myself. I can’t imagine not having a camera with me. I have re-visited some of the same places many times and no two photographs are the same.I see the world through a lens. However, I do keep a journal. I have several at this point in my life. I also draw in my journals.I certainly have many memories to accompany the trips, but……. the photographs line the walls of my house, the walls of galleries and every time we see them, my wife and I revisit those destinations and relive every trip again.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:00:12 +0000

Thanks Anj, I’d love to read your description from the balcony. As you say, it’s a great way to capture not just a static image of a memory, but the sounds, the smells and the tastes of it too. If a picture is worth 1000 words, imagine how rich the picture would be from 1000 carefully chosen words?

By: Anj (@1writergrrl)

Anj (@1writergrrl) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:53:43 +0000

Obviously, this opinion shows what a ‘word’ person I am, but I could go without a camera as long as I have a pen and paper (okay, notebook). Whilst a photograph, especially a great one, can help you go back visually, I prefer the way that words can help you to wrap yourself completely in that moment in time. This past year I took a trip with my family (hubby, 5yo & 3yo) to one of my fave beach holiday destinations, Noosa. My most memorable moment came when I had 10 mins to myself, sitting outside on the balcony with a glass of wine – I kept my eyes closed to concentrate on the sounds, smells, the feel of the wind and sun. I have a pic from that balcony, but it’s got nothing on my sense memory and the words I wrote to record it all.

Great article, as usual…thanks!

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:28:35 +0000

Thanks Richard. 6 weeks in Africa is a long time to be without a camera. Sketching a safari scene while the animals posed for you would be a very impressive feat!

By: Richard Tulloch

Richard Tulloch — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:00:23 +0000

I used to take a sketchbook with me, Andy. Not that I’m a great artist, but it does force you to really look at things. Still, not having a camera for six weeks travelling in Africa was a big mistake!

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:22:34 +0000

Thanks Nina. Like you say, there is a balance to strike between getting the pictures we want to remember the moment later, and stepping back and enjoying the experience there and then. Nice blog by the way!

By: nina

nina — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:49:27 +0000

I share the same sentiments. There were plenty of instances wherein I wasn’t able to fully enjoy the moment because I was so busy looking through the viewfinder. Though I want to take a picture of everything, there are times when I just sit back and enjoy the view. While my camera is still something I cannot leave behind when I travel, there are days during the trip that I leave the camera in my room and wander around just so I can enjoy myself without the pressure to take a photo.