To Photo Opp or Not

I recently heard a debate on whether Smartphones and pocket-size cameras, combined with social media, has caused us to live for the “perfect photo” instead of enjoy the moment, cherishing it for what it is. We have all been places where everyone around us – including us! – is holding our cellphone, snapping photos or videoing the moment. My daughter’s pre-k graduation and dance recital were prime examples. I sat in the front row at the PK graduation, proud as a blustering peacock (because my firstborn baby could not actually be wearing an adorable cap and gown, graduating PK and singing “We’re on our way to kindergarten…”!), iPhone in hand, videoing the entire production. The recital was much the same, but sweetness sang and danced to The Little Mermaid songs! I alternated between watching my daughter through the phone vs. actually looking directly at her. I am glad to have her first ever graduation and dance recital on video and snap shots to watch and reflect on in years to come, but did taking those videos cause me to sacrifice the moment? Cost me relishing her one and only PK graduation?

When have I been too preoccupied with the photo opp that I’ve missed the life opp?
 

I thoroughly engaged in both of those extraordinary occasions in my daughter's life. Truly, I did. BUT there have been times when I've missed out on the moment because I was too busy trying to document it. I don't want to miss out on today while trying to document for tomorrow. Just a few pictures is enough, then I'll put my phone away and, perhaps, take out a tissue to dab my eyes as a soft voice says, "Mommy, I'm ready for kindergarten." Oh my....!