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How Smartphones Affect Our Memory—and Why an Annual Documentary Photo Session is the Best Way to Preserve Yours
Smartphones: love them or hate them, they’re always within arm’s reach. They’ve transformed the way we live, work, and—most importantly—remember. For modern families, they’ve become the go-to device for capturing every adorable, chaotic, and tender moment. But is that constant clicking and scrolling actually helping us preserve memories? Or is it doing the opposite?
As an Edmonton family photographer, I’ve seen how parents stress over documenting everything their family does. Let’s dive into the surprising ways smartphones affect our memories, how they can interrupt social connections, and why hiring a professional photographer to create a family yearbook can be the solution you didn’t know you needed.
- How Smartphones Are Rewiring Our Memory
- The Impact on Social Interactions with Our Families
- The Mental Load of Being the Family Photographer
- How Professional Photography Relieves Stress and Creates Better Memories
- How Smartphones Interrupt the Memory-Making Process
- Tips for Disconnecting and Preserving Memories
- Ready to Preserve Your Family’s Story? Let’s Work Together
How Smartphones Are Rewiring Our Memory
Ever heard of the “photo-taking impairment effect”? It’s a real phenomenon. Studies, including one from Fairfield University, show that when people rely on taking photos to document an experience, they’re less likely to remember the event itself. Why? Because focusing on the act of taking a picture takes us out of the moment.
This becomes a problem when it comes to family moments. Sure, you’ve got a photo of your kid blowing out birthday candles, but do you remember the smell of the cake, the sound of their laugh, or how your partner reached out to steady the wobbly table? Probably not.
The Impact on Social Interactions with Our Families
Smartphones aren’t just affecting our memory—they’re changing how we interact with the people around us. How many times have you seen a group of people sitting together, everyone glued to their screens? (Guilty as charged.)
A study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior found that the mere presence of a smartphone can reduce the quality of in-person interactions. This means that even if you’re not actively scrolling, your phone’s presence can make conversations feel less meaningful.
When you’re constantly trying to capture moments with your family, you might unintentionally pull yourself out of the experience. Your kids might notice you’re distracted, or you might miss out on the magic of spontaneous moments because you’re too focused on getting the shot.
The Mental Load of Being the Family Photographer
Let’s talk about the invisible workload of being the “family documentarian.” It’s a role many parents (often moms) take on without even realising it.
You’re not just snapping pictures—you’re organising them, backing them up, editing them, and feeling guilty about all the ones still sitting in your phone’s camera roll. Oh, and let’s not forget the pressure to curate “perfect” memories for social media.
It’s exhausting, isn’t it? And the worst part is that while you’re behind the camera, you’re often missing from the photos entirely.
When was the last time you saw a picture of yourself with your kids that wasn’t a poorly lit selfie?
How Professional Photography Relieves Stress and Creates Better Memories
This is where professional documentary family photography comes in. Instead of being the one responsible for documenting everything, you get to relax and actually be in the moment.
Here’s how this approach works:
- No Posing Required: Forget forced smiles and awkward poses. Documentary photography captures real interactions and emotions.
- You’re in the Frame: As an Edmonton family photographer, I make sure parents aren’t just behind the scenes—they’re part of the story.
- A Fresh Perspective: A professional photographer can spot the beautiful moments you might overlook, like the way your toddler clings to your leg or how your partner sneaks a quiet laugh when no one’s looking.
How Smartphones Interrupt the Memory-Making Process
Back to the smartphone issue for a moment: researchers have found that constantly photographing experiences can actually diminish your enjoyment of them. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that people who took photos during an activity reported lower levels of engagement and satisfaction.
Why? Because focusing on taking a picture makes it harder to focus on the experience itself. When you’re watching your kids play at the park, do you want to remember their laughter—or the frustration of trying to unlock your phone with gloves on?
Tips for Disconnecting and Preserving Memories
Even if you’re not ready to hand over memory-making duties to a professional just yet, here are some ways to ease the smartphone burden:
- Set Boundaries: Decide ahead of time when you’ll take photos and when you’ll put your phone away.
- Embrace Imperfection: You don’t need perfect lighting or angles. Some of the best memories are messy.
- Delegate: If you’re at a family event, ask someone else to be the designated photographer so you can enjoy the moment.
- Invest in Professional Photography: (Okay, I’m biased here, but it’s true.) Hiring a professional ensures your memories are captured beautifully without any effort on your part.
Let’s Document Your Family’s Story
Life moves fast, and those little moments with your family are too precious to miss. Imagine looking back years from now at a family yearbook filled with real, authentic moments—your kids’ goofy grins, the chaos of bedtime, and the love that ties it all together.
As an Edmonton family photographer, I’m here to make that happen. My documentary family photography sessions are all about capturing the magic of everyday life while letting you stay present in the moment. Let’s create something you’ll treasure forever.
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Paula Gerein Photography
Documentary photography for families and businesses of Edmonton and Central Alberta, Canada. Available for travel.
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