Trail Photography: Pausing Is the Crime

Let’s get this out of the way first: I don’t need to keep justifying why I’m obsessed with taking photos on a trail.

I do though - mostly because apparently existing joyfully in public is still a group discussion.

But truly? It’s no-ones business.

That said, it kinda is… the moment you’re walking with other humans who somehow hike entire trails without taking a single photo, it sort of becomes their business.

These are the people who see the beauty, absorb the beauty, remember the beauty - and judge the rest of us for stopping every twelve steps.

Honestly? I get it. I’d judge me too.

Trail Photography: Yes, It's Annoying

Taking photos on a hike sometimes requires stopping.

Pausing.

Lingering.

Yes, I’ve mastered the “just keep walking and pretend you’re not taking photos” technique, but it doesn’t work when you’re trying to capture a specific spider, mushroom, rock formation, or that perfect close-up that only exists for 2.7 seconds.

I do try not to be annoying. Especially in group or hiking club hikes.

Due to my aggressive authenticity, I’ve made peace with the fact that I’m not universally adored.

Tragic. I know.

Luckily, I have people who like me specifically because I refuse to dilute myself.

However. There is one thing that will send me into immediate self-evacuation mode: being annoying.

If I even sense that I’m annoying you, I will remove myself from the situation with Olympic-level efficiency.

No confrontation.

No farewell speech.

Just a clean disappearance.

So, a friendly PSA - If you ever need me gone on a trail, simply hint - subtly - that I’m annoying you.

No rudeness required.

I’m not an animal.

Mostly.

One awkward pause. One vibe shift. One sigh that lasts half a second too long.

And I’m gone.....vaporized.....a rumour.

No one has actively complained… well, except that one absolute knob.

In fact, if anything, plenty of people ask me to send them the photos afterward.

But still… you can feel it.

That vibe.

That unspoken “oh no, she’s stopping again” energy lingering in the air.

And for the record, to those whispering, “she’s just doing this for content” - that’s adorable, but no.

This is not “content.”

This is evidence.

The photos came first — long before the internet got involved.

Then I shared them. Then I documented them.

And then I deleted most of them… for absolutely no reason at all.

The Real Reason I Take Photos While Hiking

But anyway - back to the actual point.

Yes, Beryl. You may relax.

If you’re new here, hi. I’m OCD, ADD, and deeply deficient in anything requiring sustained concentration.

A delight, truly.

A member of my tribe recently made a casual comment that made everything click.

If I hiked without the intention of taking photos, one of two things would happen:

I would either walk like a malfunctioning robot - head down, counting steps, cataloging my fatigue, and questioning every decision that brought me there;

or I would miss everything anyway.

Photography gives my brain a job.

It forces me to focus.

To look up.

To stay present.

The Photos Aren’t the Problem - They’re the Solution

So yes, my constant photo-taking might be inconvenient for others.

But it keeps me present, sane, and aware of the spider you absolutely did not notice.

And for anyone who wants the memories afterward - you’re welcome.

Now excuse me while I stop for just one more shot.