Appreciating the Beauty Through Our Own Lens

When you visit a famous landmark or a marvel of the world, do you have an impulse to pull out your camera instead of pause in wonder? Almost everyone strives to capture the most picturesque photo when traveling to wanderlust places. We aimless push the button hoping for that amazing shot that will be saved forever. Whether it's for a scrapbook or for a post on social media, many have their eyes on the camera lens rather than the actual spectacle they traveled for. It is pretty surprising to see a tourist without a camera or phone in hand. People often forget to respect the wishes of the locals or even put their lives in danger for the most epic shot. We often forget that we can seize the same image in our minds if we live in the moment and resist the urge to reach for the camera.  While we cannot share the snapshot of the experience for others, we can savor it for ourselves.

The question is how we can solve this problem of over-tourism and would enacting a photography ban at popular sites to minimize the people there just for a post. The tourist attractions have been bombarded by people which adds congestion and mayhem. If there was a ban, then people would be less inclined to go just for the photos. Many cities and places already are changing their regulations by applying full photography bans or reviewing systems to allow photography in a less obtrusive and more desirable way. People should refrain from taking photos and really embrace the moment. There are already plenty of photos of sights everywhere and are frankly repetitive. Rather than turning to photos, people should document their times in writing or through their thoughts. Photography is meant to be an art form and should be valued in your own eyes not others. Therefore, be mindful of the area and the locals and focus on the extraordinary sight to behold.

Related Articles:
Photography Bans Could be a Deterrent for Overtourism