Unless you happen to also be a photographer, I’m not a very pleasant walking companion when I‘m carrying a camera. It’s not that I’ll try to pose you in front of historical monuments and such (boring), but that I’m liable to suddenly dart off in another direction if something catches my eye, leaving you talking to yourself and wondering why the heck you brought me along. Even worse is the very real possibility that I’ll totally embarrass you when I stop cold on a busy street and photograph strangers. This never wins me any points with friends or family.

Since I know this about myself I usually leave the camera at home when I’m going to be with others on an outing. I’m better off without the temptation. Even so, I’ll often find myself distracted by my observations, and composing street stories with the camera in my mind. At least this isn’t quite as annoying to those who travel along with me!



~Cynthia