In 2017, I was invited to speak at a conference hosted by Henry’s, Canada’s largest photography retailer. My goal was to remind the audience of the power of photography and challenge them to elevate their approach to it. This week, I’m sharing that story with you—along with a fresh perspective. Enjoy.
Let me start by restating the title: Photography is Time Travel. Science fiction has had us dreaming of traveling through time for decades—imagining a technology that would allow us to go back and revisit the past. Well, I believe photography offers a powerful way to experience something similar.
Photographs don’t just freeze moments—they allow us to relive them, feel their emotions, and sometimes even reshape what lies ahead. Now, I know this might sound a little wild to some of you, but give me your attention for a few minutes, and I’ll share three reasons why I believe photography operates like your personal time machine.
Photographs Take You Back in Time
At some point, we’ve all experienced that feeling of stumbling across an old photo and suddenly feeling transported. It’s as if our consciousness exists in another dimension. That’s the magic of photography. Family photos are especially powerful at evoking this sensation, but there are also striking visuals in art, journalism, and landscapes that can achieve the same effect. A single image has the power to unlock memories you thought were long forgotten.
Now, it’s not just about what you see. The texture of the clothes, the warmth of the light, the smell of the room—all these sensations come flooding back as the moment rushes to the forefront of your mind. Photos act as emotional anchors. Whether it’s a childhood vacation or a historical event, photographs can pull you in with an inertia that resonates deep within your core.
Photography As an Authentic Time Capsule
There’s no denying that AI can create incredible visuals, but there’s also no denying that they are works of fiction. In my humble opinion, an image created by AI is not a photograph because it is conjured from an existing database. Every original photo has a specific time it was captured and a person who captured it—something AI cannot replicate.
To me, photography is rooted in reality. While we may use technology and software (including AI) to alter or enhance the experience, it all starts with an initial spark of activation energy from a photographer. This makes it a deeply personal endeavour. The choices made during the process transform a photograph into a human journey that reflects the person behind the lens. That’s what gives it its power.
There are also arguments about photos being altered or enhanced by modern phones at the moment of capture. There’s certainly a worthwhile conversation to be had about the “realness” of a photo. But at its core, these are still moments that are witnessed, experienced, and shared. They are moments in time with a true origin.
Photos Can Shape the Future
Let’s be honest—if we had the power to travel back in time, there’s a good chance we’d try to change or influence the future (setting aside all conversations about timelines and multiverses for the sake of word count). Photographs can do this now! Capturing meaningful, intentional, and authentic moments have the power to shape our future.
I remember capturing a photograph that fundamentally changed the course of my life—not to mention the countless images from prolific photographers that shifted the trajectory of my journey. Photographs can inspire action. Think about the images that have sparked change and justice. It’s a truly powerful effect.
Photographs also have the power to make us dream. They can transport us in an ethereal way, delivering existential threads of illumination that feel profound. And these feelings can change our approach to our lives. Photos aren’t just about where you’ve been and what you’ve done—they’re a reminder of where you can go.
Your Camera Is A Time Machine
Photography connects the dots between the past, present, and future. It preserves the past, is rooted in reality, and shapes what’s ahead. You might not have a DeLorean or a TARDIS, but your camera (or even your phone) is the next best thing. Every photo you take has the potential to transport you—or someone else—through time.
The next time you snap a picture or revisit an old one, think about its power: to bring back a memory, to capture a real piece of life, and to shape the future. Photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about traveling through time.
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