A Guest post by Brad Chaffee.

If you’re anything like me, you absolutely love the prospect of capturing that special moment so you can proudly frame it for all to see. It’s one of the many reasons I fell in love with photography.

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There’s something I love a lot more though, but sometimes one gets in the way of the other. I’m talking about my family. It’s hard not to let your passion get in the way because the thought of missing the perfect shot is constantly there.

Everything I see tends to be seen through the eyes of a photographer. Not that I am a professional or anything, but when I look around sometimes all I see is potential photographs. For me taking pictures has become an addiction, and I doubt very seriously that I am the only one with a sweet tooth for photography.

Needless to say, I sometimes forget that my family doesn’t have the same passion for photography that I do. Sometimes my camera gets in the way of real family time, and as much as I love taking pictures, that’s not how I want it to be.

I truly value quality time with my family, but it’s really easy to forget that when you are too wrapped up in getting the “perfect” shot.

I’ve learned that it’s okay to miss a few moments because the memories I make with my family are far more important.

Would you rather miss a picture or quality time with family? As much as I love taking pictures nothing compares to the love I have for my family. I now make a conscious effort to find balance so everyone is happy.

Here are a few things I do to accomplish that while still giving myself some camera time.

  • I purposely leave my camera at home on certain occasions.
  • I set aside time specifically for taking pictures.
  • When I do have my camera I try not to spend too much time on any one shot.
  • I find creative ways to incorporate my family in the shot if possible.

Those are just a few tips that I have learned to live by, but I am sure you could come up with more.

More often than not, the memories that aren’t captured on camera are more valuable than the ones that are. Make no mistake, those memories with your family will still be captured; the difference is that they’ll be captured in the hearts of the ones you love instead of on a picture card.

By all means keep taking pictures; just try to be more aware of what you might be missing when you do.

What tips would you give photographers in danger of letting their camera come between themselves and their family?

Brad Chaffee is a blogger for Enemy of Debtand inside C’ville. When he’s not teaching people how to live debt free or reviewing everything that’s awesome in Charlottesville, he’s somewhere trying to capture the beauty that is life; even if not with his camera. Check out his photostream on Flickr.

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