Why it’s so important to take photographs when you travel

There’s much said in the press and the news about the detrimental effects of the use of gadgets and social media. While there are many arguments to why it’s important to have a digital detox on a regular basis – research has shown that we touch our phones an astounding 80 times a day – there is also a lot to be celebrated about being able to get information at the touch of a button or capturing a moment in a matter of seconds.

Am I a digital addict? Yes and no. It is my occupation after all to be on social media channels but I do make an effort to try and put my phone down as much as possible. I never have it with me when I go to sleep. But when it comes to taking photographs, well… I will admit that I do snap a LOT of pictures not only on my phone, but on my camera, too.

But… when was the last time you printed your photos? Too long ago, I suspect. And yet, it’s such a great way to recall why you took those snaps. How you caught the perfect, or not so perfect, moment forever. We should print more photos. Make things with them. Frame them. Make little books we can pick up and see those moments any time we wish.

Make a Little Moments book

A picture is indeed worth a thousand words

While it’s essential I take good images to illustrate my articles, when I am travelling or out and about, I don’t see it as just a job. I’ve always been snap happy on my camera because it’s a way for me to remember all the spectacular places I’ve been; to smile at all those funny times that I’ve had with my husband and children; a great way to fill my home with loving memories of the past; and to recall all those little details that are so often forgotten as the years slide by.

Even though I look through the lens on the majority of my walkabouts around the country and the globe, I do try to put the camera down and commit what I am seeing to my mind’s eye and enjoy the moment – I don’t want it to distract from the experience.

“My children are so young at the moment, I want to be able to show them all the wonderful adventures we’ve had.”

However, I will then pick up my camera again, because being able to reminisce about our trips later down the line is such a magical thing to do together, plus my children are so young at the moment, I want to be able to show them all the wonderful adventures we’ve had.

I’m not alone in thinking this

Cathy Winston from Mummy Travels says, “Travel memories always seem so vivid, I can’t believe they’ll ever fade – but flicking back through photo albums years on, it’s amazing just how much I do forget. Not necessarily the big sights, the tourist attractions, the must-visit bucket list places, but the funny little beach bar where we had fresh coconut. The tuk tuk decorated in every colour of the rainbow. The bright pink of my cheeks after an unexpectedly steep climb to the amazing viewpoint… it’s the quirky as much as the travel highlights that I want to remember.

“Travelling with my daughter, there’s another reason I think it’s so important to take photos: watching her grow every day, it’s easy to forget just how dramatic the changes are year on year. But, looking back at a photo of even a simple family holiday memory, such as making a sandcastle on a beach, I can see how fast she’s growing, how suddenly we’ve gone from a basic bucket and spade to intricate fortresses and messages in the sand. And I’d hate to forget a single moment of that.”

“Photography forces you to make an extra effort to witness moments you might otherwise miss.”

Meanwhile, Maria Belfort Henriques, award-winning photographer of One Tiny Leap explains, “I love how photography takes you on a whole different journey when you travel. Not only does it help you immortalise your travels, but it forces you to make an extra effort to witness moments you might miss otherwise. Be it stretching out the day with the kids to catch the golden hour, explore the off-the-beaten path or my favourite; just watching the locals get on with everyday life.”

Taking photos will make your more aware of your surroundings

When I’m trying to get an idea of the composition of my photo, with, or without a subject, I tend to scrutinise the environment around me. Are there coloured rooftops in the distance; can I also get that pretty tree into my shot; will that mural make a good backdrop? By becoming more aware of the surroundings, not only am I taking in more of the scenery, but able to fine tune the smaller details, which makes all the difference in being able to take a good image – and to appreciate where I am.

You’ll make others happy, too

When I travel, my family and friends are interested in where we have been and look forward to seeing the photographs I’ve taken. Sure, a ream of thousands of pictures is not conducive to a good time for anybody, but when I present the best of what I have taken in say, a photo book, then it’s a fantastic way to be able to share my special moments with loved ones over and over again.

The perfect book to capture your travels

In this digital age, we are all guilty of not printing out our photos, myself included.

However, since discovering how easy is to upload photos from my phone onto Photobox via their website and app, I have been able to create a 24-page Little Moments Photo Book, which is the perfect size to capture our travels.

Plus, with the easy crop tool, as well as a ‘love’ function, which enables your best photos to be made larger, it really only took me a matter of minutes to create a beautiful keepsake. Finally, a straightforward way to ensure my happy memories won’t stay hidden on my devices.

Make a Little Moments book

About Ting

‘May you all find a marvellous adventure’ is the ethos behind My Travel Monkey which is all about inspiring families to travel both at home and abroad, offering tips, reviews and guides to make travelling as a family that little bit easier, as well as showcasing exciting destinations and attractions.

Ting Dalton is an experienced journalist with over 17 years in the publishing industry and she was recently crowned Best Travel Blogger at the Brilliance in Blogging Awards 2017.