Does photographing a moment steal the experience from you? | Erin Sullivan

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When we witness something amazing, many of us instinctively pull out our phones and snap pictures. Is this obsession with photographing everything impacting our experiences? In a meditative talk, Erin Sullivan reflects on how being more intentional with her lens enhanced her ability to enjoy the moment -- and could help you do the same, too.
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[@bethmalinowski742]

A few years ago I was on a safari when there was a stand off between a couple lions and an alligator. I was recording the event to show people back home. Soon after, I realised I had been watching what was right in front of me through a screen instead. I always regret this because I wasn't really in the moment and missed a magical moment.

[@Ikiguyy]

I literally ask myself this everytime I post something on social media

[@venkatchait007]

same, and within 10 seconds I've convinced myself not to share.

[@conceicaosantos7477]

Yes y Maike this in Brazil

[@EdwarioERS]

When I see a recorded/streamed press conference for an event where the crowd is full of people holding up their phones recording this same presentation I feel critical of these people. There are much better produced broadcast systems capturing this stuff beyond what their measly phone can do. Catch the professional upload later and live in the moment.

[@dwightmitchell1464]

4th of July fireworks are the worst.

[@Cat_in_Spacetime]

Honestly, I feel the same way about the topic.

[@fabled.]

Same thing with clubs and concerts. There's no point of taking a shaky, bad quality, low light, absolute garbage sound video of the thing. It serves no purpose other than to brag to people that you were there and they were not.

[@foogentog]

FabledDan sometimes it’s cool to reminisce about a concert with someone you went with, or even by yourself

[@foogentog]

Fireworks is so retarded though

[@LithicMetals]

I feel so fortunate to be born in an era where I can capture a moment of time and share it with those I care about, and they whom otherwise would have never had a chance to witness. We're so dang lucky :)

[@VivaLaReverend]

I used to stay away from photography because I thought it did take away from fully experiencing the moment. Instead I found myself more engrossed in what's happening around me because I instinctively try to "find the shot" whatever I'm doing. Things that I would never have noticed become more interesting and become their own subjects. So I can't speak for others, but photography has actually immersed me more in everyday life

[@DaniloSouzaMoraes]

That's exactly what the study she mentioned says: www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/psp-pspa0000055.pdf

[@praggyab]

Same thoughts

[@Melissa2087]

same here

[@darkshadow3642]

I used to actively avoid taking pictures in the last years while on vacation and for me, it was a big mistake, because if I had more pictures I could reminisce more and relive these moments but instead now everyday I keep forgetting the little things that I could have photographed

[@zenno-pubgmobile7801]

I just realized the same thing

[@gigglysamentz2021]

This is especially relevant to me in the context of concerts and nights out. I noticed people filming everything forever instead of enjoying the moment, which cannot be captured by a little camera. So I now force myself to never record more than 10 seconds. And if the music is really good, then I'd rather enjoy it to the fullest rather than have to think about filming.

[@fallingstars4271]

this reminds me of a quote from the art of travel ‘a dominant impulse on encountering beauty is to wish to hold on to it, to possess it and give it weight in one’s life. There is an urge to say, ‘I was here, I saw this and it mattered to me.’’

[@davidacvs]

Great talk! Now Please share this video to the people that take videos of an entire concert.

[@chrisklugh]

I love how the camera gets me out to see things. But I have long since realized the difference between a visceral experience, and an opportunity to take a good picture. Most of the time, if I cant see the opportunity to represent itself well though the camera, I won't bother taking the picture. Instead, I relish in the moment and be grateful that my eyes, brain and feelings are capturing a moment that only I can experience by being in the moment. I thank my camera for getting me out there to be there!

[@nathanielbrigham2501]

"if i cant see the opportunity to represent itself well through the camera, I won't bother taking the picture" I like that.

[@hoga8157]

Same as we watch the firework. It becomes stupid when we film it. It is just for that particular moment that firework really works.

[@zhirongzhao6309]

sometimes the photos of the firework are beautiful

[@danb7601]

Very true it absolutely can, but photography, is often not meant only for us, but for others

[@missbriteside6598]

When I take a photo is to remember a feeling. I love what she says photos mean to her. A wonderful ted talk 😌

[@TheRealNyxology]

This vid reminded me of a quote. "If I like a moment, for me, personally, I don't like to have the distraction of the camera. I just want to stay in it." - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

[@meadowsong8560]

Nyxology Great movie and great scene.

[@jeckyll71]

Well said. Especially when you're the photographer and are traveling with your significant other who doesn't enjoy photography, it's important to be in synch on how to ensure both people enjoy the experience, because your actions also affect the person you're with :)

[@Melissa2087]

I take photos and videos of everything. I hate when people say " you aren't experiencing it." Yes... I am. And when I'm old and can't remember anymore, I will have these as memories of things I can look back on.

[@wiandryadiwasistio2062]

true. sometimes even the process of getting those photos/videos _is_ the moment we’re living and experiencing

[@ofirshukrun449]

I think the main problem with cameras today is that it is located on our phone. Going on a trip with your phone, trying to snap every moment literally destroys the moment itself in the brain. Most of my experiences that I can still remember were without any shots. Also, I've noticed that as more as I watch a video or photos of someplace I've been too, It feels like I can't recall the moment anymore and the single thing that lasts in my brain is the video/photo details. For me, a few photos will do.

[@salome3049]

The crowds in nature have always scared me. I go to nature to find silence and peace so it is better in an ordinary wood nearby than at these exposed famous sites. Beautiful photos :-) wow

[@random_shit_online6104]

I legit have always thought about it

[@nmtumbleweed5320]

You can't narrow photography in this way because the interpretation of the person taking the photograph and the person interpreting the photograph is infinite. When I take a photo I’m not telling myself, “I hope no one else is taking this exact photo”. And whether or not someone is stopping to enjoy the actual thing they are taking the photo of is a generalization, how long is long enough for someone to appreciate a view. And when someone is taking a photo they are capturing that moment in time for themselves and doesn’t need to be analyzed by another person of why, when, where, how often etc.

[@sirmarisa]

Why?

[@Samtagri]

Her talk if full of none sense generalizations. But it fits with the mainstream prejudice about people snapping photos with their phones everywhere, so she gets a red talk out of it. Sheeple everywhere.

[@AromaticFragrances]

This deserves more views. Her perspective is pure beauty. ❤

[@fiendevriendt8852]

Photography is an interesting subject on which there are different opinions. Erin brings both her own opinion and the idea of someone else. Everything she says can be linked to yourself as a photographer but also to yourself as an ordinary person who likes to put something on social media. Erin tells very calmly and easily, this brings me a feeling of self-confidence. She shows interaction and makes the audience think. She started the ted talk with a goal, I find this very brave. Are there still photographers who agree with her opinion? I do.

[@RecordsLotus_]

A photograph is making some archive of the moment, capturing it for the future. How people perceive the meaning of this picture is subjective.

[@ifell3]

Lovely pictures Erin, I've noticed this when it was my daughters sports day, I missed the being there in the moment a few times, concentrating on the shot rather than cheering her on more, but the memories are great. But I agree the moment can be more compelling!

[@crab6241]

I believe you're losing some of the experience by just taking pics. Be present. Be in the moment. Take a pic, but dont just jump on fb to share it and lose that moment in person. Makes sense to me.

[@user-mm3ei3iq8v]

I'm currently on a trip to France, and I'm listening to this Ted Talk because I'm having doubts about my own photography. It made me think about how important it is to face the present moment, and how photography can be a tool to capture a moment in memory. Photography is an important way to share one's experiences with others, but I felt that it was wrong to make photography the sole purpose of photography. I'm thinking that if I start thinking about what I want to convey through the photos, then I'll naturally end up with 1.2 photos. Especially if you're sharing that moment with someone else. I would like to face this now and increase my level of spiritual fulfillment. This is self-discipline. Thank you for giving me a great opportunity to think.

[@Bonobo3D]

Beautiful photographs Erin Sullivan, and a thought provoking talk.

[@shuo4509]

Ohhhh this is just what I’ve been thinking which I also haven’t been able to verbalize well.....thx!! I feel relieved now!

[@tishamae6546]

I love this speech. Stunningly thought provoking and actually support my philosophy. 💝Love from Philippines!

[@osse1n]

When you ignore the moment, it hasn't happened.

[@NicholasKew]

Experiencing a moment is really important to me but I noticed that recording a moment is also equally important. I realised this when browsing through some old photos, the detailed memories it brings back is something I treasure. Social media gets quite a lot of negativity but sometimes I feel having a blog to look back on can be personally rewarding. A social influencer would have so much recorded. Haha not sure if everyone feels the same?

[@jamesblankenship3077]

Love your commentary, attitude. Beautiful. Enjoy

[@Cat_in_Spacetime]

She's living my dream ❤️

[@AndyArthurArts]

This is so inspiring,I love the photo WOW...💝💝💝

[@wowandrss]

It all boils down to ego and confidence. You need to share and get the validation or whatever external response you can get from others, if you do these things out of ego. When it's all about you, living in that moment, you putting yourself out there to just have that experience for yourself, because you wanted it for yourself, that's what someone confident would do. They wouldn't be running to another person to seek affirmation as to what they did was approved by someone else or be praised by them. They live free of others in that sense. Something we should all strive for.

[@pathkeepers]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="399">6:39</a> the body language in this moment betrays what she’s saying. She knows, as we all do, that we are indeed alone when it comes to life and death. She wears the defeated sideways grimace, and squints at the idea, as if trying not to see the reality of the situation. As if seeing it from just the right perspective will make it believable. Taking photos of your experiences is the same as filling your house with possessions. You’re trying to hold on to life. To become immortal in the face of annihilation.

[@alexplorer]

It's good she included the pictures of her taking pictures in her talk about people taking pictures. Next will be her talk about selfies so she can talk about herself while showing more pictures of herself.

[@Chase55tx]

As a professional phtographer for over 30 years. Thank You!

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

Technology, Education and Design. TED. This talk hit on all three.

[@najibamammadova4227]

That thing I've been trying to explain to people for years is finally being said

[@crystalsnow03]

❝Remember this moments only comes once .❞ this hits so hard.

[@brazenserpent7]

once°

[@lupowins]

The Ghibli museum in Tokyo is a perfect example of this. They do not allow photography in the museum and it was the best way to experience a museum. You could explore more and find the details of exhibits in a way you can’t when you are snapping away or dealing with others doing the same thing.

[@b3arodactyl]

All museums should do this tbh, Van Gogh museum does as well and it’s great

[@wiandryadiwasistio2062]

nah 🙅‍♂️

[@lupowins]

@@wiandryadiwasistio2062 Enjoy life viewing it through a screen. Clearly you have never been to the Ghibli museum otherwise you would understand.

[@Bashar3A]

Recall visiting one German castle where photography was not allowed. It was liberating to focus on the place itself.

[@Beardyvlogger]

This is totally me. I don't take many pictures when i travel because i prefer to take it in and enjoy the moments

[@rupal2907]

Thank you for this ted talk Erin ma'am 😊 learned a skill of keeping balance between taking photograph without missing to live that moment and to experience it!

[@williamborges3914]

'Great presentation! As an enthusiast photographer I make it a point to leave the camera at home when experiencing new things and places. I want to enjoy them for the unique life events that they are. If I decide they are photo-worthy I go back later with the goal of making images using specific techniques. Do I take photos to impress "followers" or quixotically pretend I'll make "big money" as a pro? Nope. I take them to please myself. If the images please others, that's just frosting on the cake.

[@muhammadyaseen6638]

Great talk,great message.

[@changelingchild4299]

I have a camera phobia, and the last time I went to a museum it was crowded full of people, nearly every one holding a phone or camera in front of their face taking pictures in all directions. I ended up a shaking, panicking mess cowering in a corner while people mindlessly snapped pictures of the exhibit behind me. Staff eventually identified my situation and took me to a quiet room, but now what used to be a fun and invigorating experience has been ruined for me. It used to be that just a few people would be taking photos in a way that was selective and respectful of those around them. People would use information booklets and browse gallery websites photos online and only take 1 or 2 pictures for memories. Now it is the majority, all taking hundreds of identical photos and living life through a lense. Museums have become my worst nightmare.

[@charmedprince]

The absence of cameras make for beautiful written accounts. This is why we have oral and written literature, history books and scriptures that describe what people saw and experienced. There are also works of art: sketches, paintings and drawings that capture experiences. When the camera was invented, people depended on it for "proof", and writing and drawing becomes more and more obsolete. Now only a few very dedicated people do it.

[@invox9490]

I take long walks without my cellphone and just talking with my bother or friends... And I live in the city! Highly recommend it.

[@TheRoseyLife]

Only if you believe it does..we are a sum of our beliefs. If I taking pictures brings me joy, then those around me will experience my joy, if I am worried about not enjoying the moment then those around me will feel I am not enjoying he moment. We manifest EVERYTHING xoxo

[@alessioori5958]

Whatching ted's videos means getting ideas

[@dgbastoss1]

Everybody has a TED lecture now a days...

[@MrSdsok]

Ahmen to that....

[@Simar2222]

Your point being?

[@rmcgraw7943]

I don’t need a photo. I rather be there, sit down, watch the event. Generally, u take a pic or video to show you were there, not to be there.

[@shuo4509]

agreed

[@nonameneededd]

Love the speech.. I would say as vastly different individuals, not everybody has said mindset when it comes to this belief. My philosophy is live and let live, but if you can make another person see things from a different prospective, I believe that’s all that should matter. I get it if it’s work related, seeing that everything is online nowadays, but where has this culture taken us? People are so quick with their phones, and it’s with anything, it’s like vultures, they don’t see the consequences of their actions. Me personally, I’m not a visual person, I can only recall a few times in my life where I actually “see” the beauty in what it is I’m looking at, I’m a feeler, I like living through experiences and having myself fully enchanted by it. Nature is one of them experiences where not only there is beauty in it, but it can ground you and change your perspective really quickly. Reminds me of that quote “ your eyes are the best camera you will have”. When you fully experience a time/place in the moment and have a feeling attached to it, you can relive that moment just by tapping back into the memories attached to it.

[@BombayMaverick]

Digital photography has brought the change where one can view the picture as soon as it's clicked. Throwback to the film cameras where one would have to carefully think about the settings before realising the shutter, wait for hours for the developed copies and then relish the past moment as well as the skill involved.

[@verily360]

Yes instant gratification. And as a result photos are less valuable to us.

[@beckyweaver5981]

As a photographer/videographer, I can tell you YES.

[@shellcornally1930]

Have you ever taken a picture of a rainbow and viewed it after? ... It is nothing compared to what you view and experience in that moment... The human experience in a moment is a multitude of emotion and awe... We can imagine looking at a photo but the experience with our own eyes is as real as it gets and imagination can come with it at the same time.. When the photography is viewed with the eye first then the camera can enhance..

[@Jason-gt2kx]

I worked with NASA briefly and got the opportunity to tour Lockheed Martin. Due to security we couldn't use our cell phones or take pics. It was an amazing experience to see the Orion capsule being testing. I probably got to experience more of it because I couldn't stop to take pics, but I have to say it would have been nice to had 1 or 2 pics lol

[@AG-nt8ow]

50/50. Good question.

[@kit8675]

shhwhd i like taking *some* photos when im hanging out with people, esp ppl i like, it always brings me back to those moments and god i dont want to let go

[@Cafe-O-Milk]

Yes, it does, photography is too intrusive. Live the moment.

[@nonenone2669]

Damn. All her pictures are crazy good. Especially the bears.

[@zubairpi]

Once I went to this beautiful spot in the mountains in Germany without my camera and reached before sunrise. I thought nobody will be there until I saw the 20 or so photographers with all their gear waiting for the sun. As the only guy without a camera, they probably that I was a psychopath! :D

[@YouAndImpact]

Great video. 👍🏻

[@patricshain9077]

Why do we take photos in the first place? Well to answer your question imo it’s because memories fade but photos last forever. Over time.. we might remember the main details or what stood out the most “like the sunrise of your picture in Utah” but we forget almost everything else. I love photos, especially authentic ones. Everyone can pose and smile for a picture. For example when im with my girl, I’ll walk slowly so she gets ahead of me to take a picture, wait for her to realize and turn around with a smile or silly face to see what im doing and take a photo. It’s authentic and I just hope maybe by seeing these pictures she can see how I view her through my eyes. Never stop taking photos. But stop taking videos and watching life through a camera when the experience is right in front of you. The real thing will always be better ❤

[@daniellozano3220]

This only works if you are a photographer. Most people just miss the moment to get crappy pictures and videos.

[@justins5756]

Yea i would say it’s bad if you are like the average tourist just taking to post online to signal you went there

[@user-tf7ie5rv6z]

100%

[@georgianacucuteanu3196]

Photography makes you experience better the moment that you capture by looking at it later on

[@RXP91]

That's why 360 cameras are so great, you get to stay in the moment and capture everything! There's no framing, no view finder nothing. You just press a button and that's it.

[@WilliamParkerer]

Agreed!

[@trungnguyenhoang6821]

So always remember to allocate timeslot for your sensory experience

[@philipherr6782]

Interesting and fun talk:)

[@troutstalker4744]

If not recorded, I dont think I myself at this point in my life be able to remember some of the special moments and sights that I have encountered

[@Blindswordsman1994]

Depends really. There are some people who would only go somewhere so that they can take a selfie and post on Instagram, and then there are others who would purposely visit a place to experience what it’s really like but at the same time try to capture the moment in a photograph so that they can look back on it in later years.

[@monakhoirunnisah5551]

Aku slalu begitu ketika berkunjung ke suatu tempat, sedikit saja ambil fotonya, nikmati suasananya, kalo butuh foto lg semoga bisa berkunjung lg hehehe. Tapi kebanyakan tempat wisata di Indonesia malah dibuat utk wisata foto, bukan wisata pengalaman.

[@dafnik8925]

Yes, it does! It's terrible. Social media has sooo many bad effects on society and the ways we live our lives. If you don't post it, then people even tend to believe it hasn't happened. It's so weird.

[@EnidAgnusDei]

Whilst folk are looking forward, always, always look back. I have found a cure to cut down on taking way too many photos (that is an issue with digital cameras) so what I do is I pretend I am shooting film, I have but 1 film so thus can only take a maximum of 38 photos, not only does it slow you right down, no you can't look at the screen nor delete any you have taken, so with each photo you take you really have to think do I need to take this? will the lighting be better in 5 mins? Give it a try, I find it works well and increases your hit rate too.

[@mrwhotheheck5092]

Either way it's cool.

[@fkmyoutube]

I am more of a video person. I would take videos of places that I have visited, then sometimes replay the video and relive the moments which watching it, with the sound and everything.

[@ngan1925]

“Ask yourself you are taking this photo”👍🏻

[@Matt10124]

Life consists of moments, and more often then not I prefer to just be still and experience these moments.

[@PX02]

Sometimes. When you ask people, "what did you do during your trip?" They answered, "we took pictures". They couldn't recall all the details of what happened during their trip. They have mental fog, all they know is that they took pictures, lot of pictures. But the experiences and memories are foggy.

[@eSKAone-]

Don't get attached, on photographs or memories. So basically, don't stress yourself out about such questions, just enjoy life the way you want.

[@kavorjosep]

She's beautiful and kinda flamboyant~ but that's okay I love that.

[@vinylized9089]

This is so true for concerts why shoot the whole show when its about experience the band live.

[@jammin6816]

I have the best of both worlds- my wife takes most of our pictures and I get to be in the here and now. 😎

[@daniel.adeyemi]

I've thought about this, and nowadays I just ask for pictures from other people who take pictures.

[@conceicaosantos7477]

Yes in Brazil every kids Maike fotos every time in School,bus,cara,etc.

[@stephenmedley5844]

A photography preservs the moment for you, but it cannot capture the smell of the air, the wind, the temperature on that day, the sounds of the wind, birds, the traffic far away, the thunder far away. It may help you to remember all that, BUT therefore you need to experience that moment at first - without concentrating on taking a picture but focussing the moment for yourself - like meditation. Sometimes I do not picture a special moment, I want to experience it fully, with no camera between me and the sensation. Sometimes photography is also like meditation, however then you focus the technique, like concentrating on drawing calligraphy, but you do not focus on the moment itself. When you notice that, its time to put away your camera and just enjoy the silence, the sundown, the moment in the crowded street in downtown - whatever you see, where ever you are. Sometimes you have to put away all your need of being vain, sharing your skills with other people. Just do not care about it, just care for yourself in that moment. Its only a pity that you will have no picture about that moment later ;)

[@AK-tc1wq]

The simple answer :- Yes, yes it does

[@Neorient]

pure experience

[@meekking3999]

Omg! I used to take so many photos of. Y kids and I stopped for this very reason. I decided it distracts from the moment. Besides it’s OUR memories. I don’t have to give others our memories bc their OURS.

[@davidflorez1196]

THIS, we don't have to give other our memories 👌🏽

[@carlton2361]

Pictures is cool to have

[@itsdevgarg]

Agree 💯💯

[@zeyadaiman9381]

Wow

[@kingdomde9023]

@08.10 The way it ends suits perfectly an ad against heroin.

[@josephkus905]

Love the presentation. So sock of the zynax voices. Its running rapid in front of the cameras. Like its cool to sound like your on drugs

[@lifewithlivi1211]

I clicked on this video to find out about this in most real life situations, not at a popular tourist spot or national park. What about when you’re photographing a moment of your day with your kids and you’re the only one there? Does your memory of that experience become what’s in the photo or do you actually remember taking the picture? Do your children remember seeing you behind a phone or camera or enjoying the moment with them? Taking a photo that’s already been taken is one thing but capturing memories of your life is something else.

[@ManjunathKarkal]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="160">2:40</a> i wonder if that guy in jeans could concentrat!!😉

[@saosaqii5807]

You forget the experience because you believe you’ve stored it in digital form so you don’t have to remember it

[@spencer3823]

*slowly sends to my mother*