A digital life is one that is always connected. From the moment you wake up, it is the first thing you look at. Same story after you brush your teeth to go to sleep. It is always at the back of your mind or resting on your palm. We should be smarter than that.
Smartphones have made our lives easier, busier and horribly documented. Even drinks to cool us and food to sustain us are photographed and posted online. Documented but not living in it. We go somewhere, we think of how to expertly photograph it, caption and hashtag for our social media accounts. We are not in the moment, just merely recording it.
And nothing is more documented than an event people are invited to. Like weddings, baptismals, even birthings. For ordinary occasions and unexpected ones like birthing and birthdays, go ahead and use your smartphone to photograph what you ate, who you’re with, with your famous duck face and peace signs. But weddings are another story.
The bride and groom have prepared and dreamt of this day for a long time. The bride probably since she was a little girl. The theme, the colours down to the tiniest detail. Her gown would be stunning, her makeup accentuating all her best features, the ceremony solemn.. Wait, is that.. Put down that smartphone! The couple booked a photographer just for this moment. Someone who will take incredible pictures. For this, their moment. For memories. For their children and children’s children. This is so everybody could take part and enjoy this moment and simply be with them as they embark on this coupled journey and they want you to witness it, share in it not document it.
Besides, you are merely blocking the winning shot that the paid photographer is aiming for. These photographers are skilled in getting the best angles and photos. And their gear is better equipped to get shots that will not pixelate even if magnified should the couple want it blown up to life size proportions.
How much is a moment worth? Probably not a quick question to answer. But it sure is not worth 20 or more smartphones recording your wedding.
