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Julie A. Ferraro, a photographer for more than three decades who keeps one photo on her phone, argues that cameras at concerts, plays and church services pull us away from the grace of the moment.
By Julie A. Ferraro | FāVS News Columnist
The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News.
“In my short but colorful life…” is quite a cool way to describe the various experiences a person has enjoyed during their years on the planet.
In mine, I’ve been on “both sides of the fence” — a performer on stage and a member of the audience. I’ve played piano and guitar in front of crowds (and organ, if you count accompanying hymns in church as a “performance”), danced and sang in recitals and musicals, and been part of community theater productions.
Conversely, I’ve enjoyed many professional — and amateur — productions from front-row center to the “nose-bleed seats.”
In the programs for such events, a request that the audience refrain from snapping photos is usually included.
Yet, in this era of cell phone cameras, it still happens — a lot.
When the flash goes off
Worse, still, when someone with an actual camera — who might happen to be a “professional photographer” — clicks away and uses a flash during the proceedings.
Do they not realize how disruptive this can be to those on stage, or even in the midst of a very personal liturgical service like a wedding? The flashes also disturb those witnessing the event, distracting from the whole reason they have gathered.
Part of my job — for more than three decades — has involved photographing events and people. I know better than to use a flash, especially when capturing those for whom concentration — or prayerfulness — is paramount. My purpose is to be unobtrusive, to not get in the way.
I’ve even had other “professional” photographers jump in front of whatever discreet vantage point I’ve found and flash away, thinking they had the right to do as they pleased, regardless of the proceedings or who else was trying to do their job.
These sorts get miffed when an usher or other staff member asks them to stop.
Imagine, if you will, Jesus living in these modern times. Aside from the fact that he would’ve had a difficult time finding an audience without a cadre of “handlers” to promote him in the public sector – as I’ve mentioned in a previous column — if his message of love, respect and the dignity of all humanity gained the popularity it merits, he would’ve been required to navigate through his days with dozens of camera lenses in his face.
Then, those still photos and videos would have been plastered all over the internet, hoping to score the person who uploaded them the most “hits.”
I’ve seen friends who wished to find a certain photo on their phone scrolling through hundreds — maybe thousands — of images to locate a specific one.
How many photos do I have on my phone?
One.
Letting the moment fill our soul
Is it impossible for human beings in the 21st century to simply sit and watch others share their talents, or enjoy a special liturgy where a children’s choir is singing without phone or camera in hand?
What happened to letting the moment fill our soul … like when Jesus shared the Beatitudes with the crowds on a hillside or spoke about God’s merciful love from a boat just offshore in Galilee?
How much we miss when we worry more about “getting the photo” than about paying attention to what is actually happening around us!
We miss the subtle beauty of a musical crescendo, the graceful nuance of ballet movements, even the deep meaning of a celebrant’s wise advice to a newly married couple.
Whether attending a performance at a local theater or going to church on a Sunday, or for a special occasion, it’s best to leave the cell phone — or the camera — in the car, or at home. Let us immerse ourselves in the moments that bring grace in all its many forms, which are truly better memories than any photo or video could ever convey.
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I agree with this advice, and would extend it to family gatherings. I’ve been to too many recently in which people are more involved in showing and taking photos than in being with each other.