Going though some old photos, i realized... I barely remember this day. I remember being on the flats, but have no clue what we talked about, or how she was feeling. Why? I was too busy with exposure times, F-stops, and filters. Documenting the experience got in the way of the experience itself.

Capture vs. experience. As a photographer, it's your job to capture. You're supposed to step back, raise a camera to your face, look through a lens and tell a compelling story. Get the photo, get the photo, and above all else, get the photo. Hell, it's more than a job. It's a religion. It's just... what you do.

As a partner, parent, or friend, however, it's important to turn this mentality off - to take part in and help create the experience. I have a hard time doing this, apparently, considering my inability to recollect an entire day in an amazing place. Yeah, it absolutely sucks seeing a potential photo pass you by, quietly taunting you as you stand there without your camera, your phone tucked deep in your pocket. But it's more than made up for when you're out there, actually living the experience, avoiding the confused regret i feel now.

So, as a reminder to myself and all other camera addicts, don't forget the salt.