What's the point of taking photos?

Taking photos on your phone can be good for your business, career, and even private life, in many and often unexpected ways, writes Simon Hall...

newspaper cutting featuring Simon Hall

I've been on a quest, looking for a picture of a famous moment in science history.

Back in 1953, when Crick and Watson discovered the structure of DNA here in Cambridge, legend has it they went to the nearby Eagle pub to announce it.

I wanted to see a photo of the big moment, but… no such luck.

That priceless capturing of history in action doesn’t seem to exist.

 

It’s understandable why. To take a picture back then you needed to bring a camera with you, which wasn’t common.

Whereas today, of course, there would be a dozen smartphone photos to choose from.

The point being, if you get into the habit of taking photos, you never know when one will become exactly the image you need.

Whether it’s for a presentation, a news article, or, in this case, a blog.

 

Here’s my own small moment of history.

When coronavirus struck, I was one of the first to start holding webinars (the earliest happened to be with Cambridge Network).

The moment even featured in a Cambridge local newspaper, as you can see from the photo attached.

 

I've used the story - and image - ever since for a light hearted illustration of the importance of getting in early with a business idea, and trying to establish yourself as a market leader. 

I'm using it here, in a blog. 

In years to come, when I'm even older and more dribbly, if Niamh has children I can bore my grandkids with it.

 

If you get used to taking photos, you never know when they'll come in handy. 

The number of times I've been writing a lecture course, needed an illustration, remembered a moment, searched my phone, and...

Problem solved. 

Plus, in this modern, super convenient digital world, if the picture doesn't come out well you can just discard it. What do you lose?

 

There's one last reason to get into the habit of taking photos which is worth mentioning. 

It can be highly fulfilling and enjoyable. 

I always get a buzz when I capture a beautiful scene, or a meaningful moment. 

 

Which brings me to a final thought for this blog. A challenge with a difference, if you will. 

Instead of just commenting, why not post a photo which is important to you, along with a few words why. 

What will you come up with? What's the story behind it?

I'll be fascinated to see. 



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