I used to be an avid amateur photographer and took a backpack full of gear anytime I’d visit tourist sites or anywhere cool. After a few years I stopped altogether because it dawned on me that I was missing the experience entirely. Now I just snap a few pics with my phone and try to enjoy the experience. Never did it for social media cred though.

I'm the same way. It's hard to explain to loved ones why I take so many pictures of fucked up industrial buildings 10 minutes from my home, but don't bring any cameras with me when I travel.

When I'm in a new place, I want to be present within that place.

I feel like taking pictures is a fun experience in itself. For me, it isn't really "missing the experience". If anything, it makes me pay more attention to the amazing view and details that I'd have otherwise missed as I try to line up the shot perfectly.

I likewise used to bring a backpack full of gear, but I think the experience of traveling and taking pictures over and over again with the Big Nice Camera did a lot to hone my skills as a photographer.

I have photos I’m genuinely happy with, years later.

See, I think that's cool. It's like a hobby or craft that you're invested in. It feels different from taking lame photos with your smart phone just for the cred.