Ok, now take a picture of me doing this right here–in front of this thing. And now right here. Do I look ok? Ok, let’s try that again. Alright, that’s a cool fountain–take a picture of me pretending to be a part of it. Now I’m gonna act like I don’t know you’re taking a picture of me looking at this rose bush. Do I look ok? Great. Now let’s climb that bridge and make the peace sign. Will you take our picture? Moving on…
So, this last weekend Matt and I dragged, or pushed, both kids through the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. The above conversation is not between me and Matt. It is a compilation of all the people that were there with us in that garden.
When we entered the garden I was instantly taken aback by the beauty and elegance of the place. It’s thoughtful. It’s planned. It is supposed to make you stop and take it all in. But you know what? Nowadays, it’s just a place for pictures.
At first I was one of them. I had my camera out and was snapping away at all the beautiful things I could find. I wasn’t really interested in being in the photos. I just wanted to have them so I could remember (and I suppose remind others) that I was there.
But after a few minutes of observation I put the camera away. I was too annoyed to shoot anything but maybe a water-gun at this point. Why? Because of the above conversation, or monologue, I guess.
Why do we do that? Why is it that we HAVE to do that all the time? Yes, it’s a beautiful place. Yes, you are here. Yes, it’s nice to have a couple photos.
But are you even looking at what it is you’re taking a picture with? Are you? Do you wonder about it? Do you ponder it? Do you enjoy it?