Photography Helped Me Get Over My Memory-Hoarding | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Photography Helped Me Get Over My Memory-Hoarding

This is how I got into photography and why I am not obsessed anymore.

178
Photography Helped Me Get Over My Memory-Hoarding
Maddi Larsen

When I was little, I was low-key a hoarder. I kept bottle tops, tickets, drawings, what I thought were pretty rocks. You get the picture. Eventually, I had a lot of random paraphernalia that had no other use to me other than to sorta remind me about that one time I had root beer at the lake. So then I started to take pictures, my way of keeping memories because it was a lot less random and messy.

By high school, I kept my point-and-shoot camera (the ones that can fit in your pocket) with me almost always. It was a touch screen and when that screen broke I think my heart did a little bit, too.

When I took photography my sophomore year , I started to see lighting and composition even when I didn't have a camera around my neck. So when I got to wear my favorite accessory, I took full advantage of it. While I enjoyed scenic and architectural shots, I loved shooting living things more (only with my camera, I swear) because I thought it really captured a moment in time.

Hanging out with my friends probably entailed a photoshoot, whether they wanted it or not. It became a hobby as well as a way to cope with the fact that time was just going by me and there was nothing I could do about it. So I took pictures to remember, and the ones that I liked I posted on the Internet and around my room. At one point, my bed and one of my walls were covered with photos and I actually got paid to take pictures of people. I was obsessed with photography because they were memories that I had the ability to freeze and display.

After a while though, these, too, add up.

Memories are very interesting things and I would so love to just take my memories out, Harry Potter-style, and shove my face into them whenever I want to remember. But, alas, I am a muggle and as I grow older I need to choose the importance of memories. Both what keepsakes I have as well as the ones that are chilling in my head. Over the years, I have begun to learn about the importance of memories.

Don't get me wrong. I thought memories were very important before college, and that is why I shot pictures and kept little things. But memories are not about the quantity. They are more about the quality of each. Sometimes, I got so stuck up on memories that I forgot to be in the now. I had a camera around my neck so I could look back in the future and think about the wonderful times I had.

One day, your computer may crash, or you may lose your box of memories, or your journal, and what then?

Don't be so worried about keeping memories. I am not saying don't take pictures or write down your life. But don't let the idea of making a memory keep you from actually making them.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Honorary Roommate
Rachel Zadeits

For some of us, coming to college was the first time we ever had to share a room. It was a big change, but a fun one. As you meet more and more people over the course of your college career, it seems to be a pattern that you will at some point have that one friend that doesn't live with you, but acts like they do. We call those people, "Honorary Roommates" and here are 11 signs you have one in your life.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Reasons Why It's Awesome When Your Best Friend Gets New Friends

She may not be with you 24/7 but it's all good because you're soul sisters.

1823
super friends
Gabi Morales

We all have a person, and when that person makes some new friends, we tend to forget all the great things that can come out of it. Never forget how special they are to you and why you are best friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
mountains

If you're like me, then the last semester kicked your butt, big time. Lots of papers, projects, and overall chaos. While some things are beyond our control, there are some things you can do to make this semester one of your best ones yet!

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

8 Cringey College Tinder Stories

. Cringey Tinder stories from some Tinder girls

3399
a man and a woman sitting at a table
Photo by Good Faces on Unsplash

Toilet Troubles

"So, usually I would never go on a Tinder date but when you are out with girlfriends and a hot Bosnian guy says he wants to hang with you and his friends, you oblige. We head to their apartment and when I realized I may pee my pants if I don't find a bathroom soon. I ask for the bathroom and a friend of my tinder date shows me to it and said in all seriousness that I was not allowed to flush the toilet under ANY circumstances. Having a few drinks--or five--I relieved myself to, nevertheless, flush the toilet. Within seconds, his bathroom was flooded and towels were laid out everywhere to catch the toilet water. To say the least, we were not invited back"

Keep Reading...Show less
Girl with a Guy Bestfriend
vignette3

I can confidently say that about 90 percent of all the friends I have are male. It's just always been that way since I was a kid. Over the years, I've heard a lot of things and I've learned a lot of things, and here it all is. Enjoy!

If you're a girl with a guy best friend you know that...

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments