Photographer's Syndrome - Everyone here is at risk...

[PhotoJourno]

Let me quickly tell you my Photography Withdrawal Syndrome, hopefully it will help me feel more at peace, and perhaps those with similar experiences can also share them on this post.

My kind wife, aware of my Irish Ancestry, kindly purchased two tickets to go see Celtic Women in Concert, in California's Bay Area. (An early birthday gift).

Excited after having seen televised concerts from this group, I immediately saw the potential for photography.

So I went as far as getting the Contact information for the Tour Manager. I would weasel my way into talking to him, and even five minutes in the pit or backstage, would give me a few precious moments to take timeless photographs.

The wife caught me in between phone calls, and inquired as to my intentions. As they came to light, her exact words were "Can't you for once leave home your stupid photo equipment, and go enjoy a concert this one time in your life?"....

Her demands did not seem that unreasonable. On the Concert's eve (Yesterday), I kissed the kids goodbye, and hugged my Camera before leaving.

Once we saw the concert and were on our way home, the Mrs. inquired as to why I seemed a little down, rather than exhilarated from going to a live music event. I did not know what to say, I had no idea what had happened. I did enjoy the show, but what was it?...

The next morning it became clear. From the moment the curtains raised, to the moment we left the theater, I kept thinking of the photo opportunities I was missing. It did not help that I was perched on a balcony, as I could see the pit, and actually think about where to stand for each shot.

Anyhow, the total enjoyment of a relaxing event was lessened and affected by my passionate obsession of taking photos.

I know, some of you may think shame on me.

Did it ever happen to you, though?... That the thought of photography (away from your equipment) somewhat affected you during a kids soccer game, or a concert or other type of performance, sports, etc?...

The notion of me going to a sportings event without at least one camera is simply laughable.

Anyhow, that is my sad story. Now I am going to sleep, who knows, maybe I am not the only one.

[Derbyshire Weddings]

I had this recently. I went to see the rock band "Wasp" in concert & wrestled with myself wether to take my gear along. I thought no, for once I'd just enjoy the night for what it was. I saw so many great shots I could have got it drove me wild. Still don't know what the correct answer is, but yes I do know how you feel!

[theflyingkiwi]

you know, if you think of photography to much you will get bored with it. While it would have been nice to shoot such an event, this is a time when you have to take a step back. everyone has to do it.

if you are unable to stand back and see it just for what it is, then you are going to miss moments of time that you wish you didn't have the camera. Just think of enjoying a sunset with a loved one without thinking that you should have the camera. you will miss the moment with the love one, rather than miss the moment of photograph.

the camera isn't the end all and be all of moments. They are there to capture the moment, not be the reason for the moment.

on this I am going to think shame of you. ;) :lol:

[sans2012]

I know its hard guys - really hard:(

[bsanderson]

I once shot an opening act and then put my camera in the trunk of my car so that I could enjoy the headliner without distraction. When I got home, I found that my trunk had been broken into and the camera was gone. There's a moral there somewhere :)

[EOS MAN1]

I was going through some serious withdrawal when my camera was at the Canon Service Center, and when I got out of surgery and couldn't take any pictures. Its just not the same without the camera. I bet your wife appreciates you bringing the camera when she gets to look back at the photos of those precious moments.

[spyraling]

My nephew made his First Communion yesterday. I was excited at the opportunity to try my hand at a low-lit indoors church event. We had a pew reserved towards the back, but I expected that and brought my Sigma 70-200 2.8 just for it. I took a few pictures of my nephew as he walked from the back of the church, but then was told by a lady behind me that they didn't want anyone taking pictures, because they hired a professional photographer and wanted you to buy the pictures. After the look of serious disgust left my face, I confirmed this with my mom who was next to me. She's part of the church. She told me to take pictures afterwards as Sister Mario might get mad. One look at Sister Mario's stern face and I put my camera away. This was the same lady who watched over me when I went through my First Communion, CCD classes and Confirmation classes as a kid. And even as a grown adult, I was still scared of her.

Throughout the rest of the mass, I just sat there longily looking at my camera bag thinking, "Stupid greedy church."

[nicksan]

I can certainly understand. I find myself staring at things thinking about photo ops all the time. My wife typically rolls her eyes when that happens...:D

[Big WIll]

I get this so often, have to kick myself!
Thankfully i do not have a wife to buy me tickets etc, but my parents do sometimes just to leave the camera at home! Then im grumpy all day :(

[overclock]

Do I know how you feel. I wanted to take some fireworks pics because we wer going to be on a mesa overlooking where the fireworks were being fired from and the fireworks were going off right in front of our faces. It was awesome. I pretty much got the same response you did. The fireworks were nice but the pictures were missed. [Bill Clinton voice]I feel your pain.[\Bill Clinton voice]

[mij]

if you are unable to stand back and see it just for what it is, then you are going to miss moments of time that you wish you didn't have the camera.

For that reason I think it would be difficult for me to shoot a sports team I support, despite being able to get an official pass for one of them. I would really miss not being able to celebrate when they score etc. and enjoy being part of that moment with having to remain professional.

Michael.

[xpsentity]

Throughout the rest of the mass, I just sat there longily looking at my camera bag thinking, "Stupid greedy church."

That's absurd.

"Sorry folks, no taking pictures of your children, we've hired someone so you have to PAY FOR IT!"

I would have taken more out of spite.

[timbernet]

That's absurd.

"Sorry folks, no taking pictures of your children, we've hired someone so you have to PAY FOR IT!"

I would have taken more out of spite.

Haha - or ask the professional if they have a signed model release for your child :-D