One second, one flash of light and one snapshot of time is produced. It may be a picture of a place with sentimental value, a special event like a graduation or just another daily event like kids laughing over a funny story. No matter the moment it captures, pictures have the power to bring us back in time and to help us remember the good times of the past.

Today, you don’t have to be a professional artist or have any expensive equipment in order to capture a moment in time as a photograph. Modern technology, like smartphones, have made taking photos as simple as pressing a button. Press the button and snap! A replica of the moment is captured for all time: a souvenir that you can carry with you all your life.

While it is true that some people make a living as photographers, making money is not the only reason to take photos. I believe the best reason to take photos is for the memories. You cannot physically go back in time; all you can do is keep moving forward. Even so, that does not mean that you cannot revisit the past in your mind, and photos are the perfect way to do that. Photos keep the memories alive.

Sometimes one photograph can say more than words ever could. Oftentimes, people talk about taking this trip, trying that restaurant or meeting up with these people  and then never follow through with their ideas. But, photos are physical proof of a person taking initiative and following up their words with their actions. 

Still, it is not the act of taking a photo that is important. It is what the picture captures that is special.

“A true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words,” said Ansel Adams, a famous twentieth century photographer.