Photography vs. Presence: Are We Missing the Moment for the Perfect Shot?

"Are We Seeing the World or Just Framing It?"

In today’s world, most of us love visiting new places. For many, traveling is more than just a break from routine—it’s a way to escape the everyday grind and do something refreshing. Whether close to home or in a far-off country, exploring new places is exciting. People look forward to trying new things, finding some relaxation, and, of course, capturing special moments. I share this passion for travel, though I don’t always have the time to go as often as I’d like. But whenever the opportunity comes, I jump at the chance to get out and explore.

Recently, I took a rare trip with a friend that brought back vivid memories of a visit from my teenage years. After nearly 26 years, I was back in Mainamati—a historical site near Comilla Cantonment in Bangladesh—with the same friend I had traveled with all those years ago. Mainamati is rich in history and known for its scenic beauty, drawing visitors from all over. Even though this was my third visit, the place’s charm hadn’t faded. I found myself as captivated by the landscape as I had been years before. My friend and I were absorbed in its beauty once again, but this time, something about the experience felt noticeably different.

The Shift from Savoring to Snapping

As we walked around, relishing the scenery and taking in the atmosphere, we noticed an interesting trend among the other visitors. While we were content to simply experience the beauty around us, many people were completely engrossed in taking photos. Some people hardly took a moment to enjoy the scenery before reaching for their cameras or phones, snapping a few photos, and then moving on to the next “photo spot.” It felt like their main purpose for being there was just to capture pictures and, most likely, share them on social media as soon as possible.

This made us wonder: Is a place like Mainamati truly meant to be a link to our past, a site to reflect, learn, and feel connected to our history? Or has it become just another pretty background for photos? Mainamati is filled with the stories of those who lived long before us, and its significance goes far beyond what a picture can capture. Each brick and pathway has its history, and being there offers us a rare chance to step back from the present and reflect on how far we’ve come.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with taking pictures—photography is a powerful way to hold onto memories and share them with others. A single image can capture an emotion or a moment that we’ll cherish for years. But when capturing that “perfect shot” becomes the entire focus, we can end up missing the real purpose of these places. Instead of taking the time to feel the atmosphere or think about the lives of those who walked there before us, it’s easy to become wrapped up in getting a flawless image for social media.

From Living the Moment to Showing the Moment

The influence of social media has created a desire to “show” more than to “see.” Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat reward aesthetically pleasing photos, encouraging people to seek out beautiful places—yet often just for the picture. A serene sunset, a historical monument, or a scenic waterfall: these are now as much about potential “likes” and “shares” as they are about the experience itself. And while there’s an undeniable joy in sharing experiences, it raises the question of what we’re prioritizing when we travel.

Photography as a Distraction or an Enhancement?

The shift from engaging with surroundings to engaging with devices is so subtle that many of us may not realize it. While photography can enrich our experience by allowing us to hold onto memories, it can also distract us from the present. The irony of the situation is that while we’re busy capturing memories, we may not be fully present to create meaningful ones. In my recent visit to Mainamati, it felt as if many people were taking memories home without actually having lived them.

It’s worth noting that professional photographers often have a different relationship with their work. They approach photography as an art form, capturing the world with an eye for details and emotion. But for casual travelers, the desire to photograph every moment can prevent genuine engagement with the places they visit. There is a difference between creating art and merely amassing content for digital consumption, and it’s this difference that often defines our experience.

The Psychological Pull of Social Validation

The psychology behind this shift is also worth exploring. Studies show that the fear of missing out (FOMO) and a desire for social validation can drive people to prioritize photography over experience. In some cases, people may feel pressured to prove they were somewhere beautiful or exciting, even if they didn’t fully connect with the experience. The need for social approval, combined with FOMO, has transformed the way we approach travel, making it more about documentation than discovery.

Embracing a Balanced Approach

Ultimately, the question isn’t whether photography is good or bad—it’s about balance. Taking photos is a wonderful way to preserve memories, but there’s value in pausing to simply enjoy the moment as well. After all, the feeling of a soft breeze, the colors of a sunset, or the sound of rustling leaves can’t be truly captured by a lens. To find the most rewarding experiences, it’s important to remember to step back and simply be present.

As we navigate this new age of social media and digital memories, perhaps we should remember the value of experiencing the moment first and then capturing it second. Because in the end, the memories that stay with us are not the ones we post online, but the ones we take the time to live.